'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse': Definitive Proof that Animation is Extraordinary

     There’s has usually been a mentality between Animation and live-action filmmaking where Animated movies are more seen as the type of movies made for kids where live action over the years have been seen as more mature and for adults. However, with the many blockbusters live actions films being more childish and ridiculous than some of the major animated movies out there that get unnoticed, animation fans feel left out due to such an artistic medium being so undermined. Now though, people should be looking at animation in a different light with Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse not only being a fantastic film in its own right, but also a movie that truly respects animation and is one that is definite proof that animation is a beautiful medium that can create more emotion, has more character and over-all creativity than 75% of modern day live action blockbusters.

   Spider-Verse’s story deals with Miles Morales, a teenager who ends up getting the exact same powers of famous superhero Spider-Man. But when a inter-dimensional threat comes to his universe, Miles has to team up with different versions of Spider-Man to learn how to become his own version of the web slinging hero along with saving his and many other universes. Being a Spider-Man movie that is a bit of a reboot for the hero, it’s easy to see it thread on familiar territory with having all of the elements from previous Spider-Man movies in the mixed here, however what makes this better than something like The Amazing Spider-Man, Into the Spider-Verse sets its focus on a newer character with Miles Morales and gets the basic facts known about Spider-Man out of the way since the film knows that the audience is smart enough to have an understanding of the character due to his influence in pop-culture for years. Not only that, the film explores elements of the character that haven’t been seen on film mainly the obvious alternate dimension Spider people that exist which gives a lot of variety for this film for sure. However, what really makes this film excel on a story level is how it handles the film’s overall tone. Spider-Verse isn’t like most animated movies, so don’t let the PG rating trick you into thinking this will be a funny comedy Spider-Man movie, because in terms of over-all story, it takes itself much more seriously than anyone would ever expect it. Though it doesn’t go overboard because this film uses its likable characters to enhance the tone, as there is a lot of time dedicated to making these characters likable so when a serious threat and drama happens to them, it feels authentic. The film is also wise enough to not be a totally downer as it also has a great sense of humor, given it’s a Lord/Miller Production, there are jokes and references all throughout the film making it a very detailed oriented comedy. Yet none of the comedy feels forced as it knows exactly when to tell a joke and also to make as funny as possible, even when the film uses actual cartoon effects, it doesn’t do it right as the film is about to have a more serious moment as it spaces these moments out beautifully. Though what also makes Spider-Verse work as an animated movie is also its overall message. It uses the alternate reality concept to enhance their message as it is a “Be Happy with What You Have Moral” but it’s done in a way that feels new and deep with the characters more so learning about themselves through this crazy journey. It’s such a deep and emotional Spider-Man movie, it’s amazing that 75% of comic book movies now a days can’t have a tone as authentic as this despite them being live action.

     As mentioned earlier, what really makes Spider-Verse feel real as a movie is how it uses its characters. Using Miles Morales as a lead for this film was a brilliant choice, not only him being a more unique character from Peter Parker that not many have seen, but also manages to be an incredibly likable protagonist. There’s a teen angst to him but it doesn’t come across as trying to be hip or cool but instead makes him feel like a real teen and throughout the film we see this character grow and develop, not only as a Spider-Man but also as a teen who wants to fit in and get along with his family. Peter Parker in this is much older compared to previous incarnations on film, but it works since we don’t have to witness the same type of story we always have with him and instead gives us a Spider-Man different but still maintains the heroic nature of Spider-Man fans know. Though of all the characters, Parker is the one with the biggest arch, being a more depressed Spider-Man who has to learn about the film’s message about making adjustments to your life and being happy with what you got, making this more bitter Peter Parker feel more real having him develop from when we first see him in the film. Gwen Stacy is another great highlight of a film, being the smart and spunky Spider-Woman character that fans are used to in the comics and plays off beautifully with both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. The other Alternate dimension Spider-People in the film serve more as the comedic relief however they all work effectively with Spider-Noir, Peni Parker and Spider-Hamm all being funny due to how expressive and unique they are from one another, how they parody the genres they’re meant to represent and also given some fantastic performances by their provided voice actors. Miles’ family also serves a big part of the film, being there more for the emotional support, with both his Uncle and Father being major characters in the film. Both characters not only serve to help Miles’ story but also add to the films’ more dramatic moments with crucial moments in this film happening that affect both characters. With the help of the animation being so expressive and the voice acting feeling so authentic and real for these characters, they serve also a great element of the film that no one quite expected them to be as impactful to the story as they are. As for the film’s antagonist, Kingpin, he does have an excellent design with a gigantic square body making him look unique and a decent backstory to why his character has such a vendetta against Spider-Man, the character isn’t quite as fleshed out as the others. Given that the film has more of a focus on its heroes, there isn’t much time to make him completely compelling but the development that was given to him does make him an effective villain for the story. It’s a movie filled with so much character and personality to it that it’s hard not to appreciate every subtle element these characters have to offer.

     When it comes to this film and personality however, nothing makes it so clear that Into the Spider-Verse is an expressive film through its visually stunning animation! Rather than looking like a typical CGI Animated film in the vain of something like Pixar, Sony Animation did something far more original. Spider-Verse’s art while CG has a very 2D Animated Aesthetic with the facial features, character animation and overall design looking more like a comic book brought to life. It does have a slower framerate than the average animated film, but it isn’t bothersome when the film manages to do so much with it with characters that move so smoothly and stylistically during the amazing action sequences. The film uses bright colorful visuals that aren’t only trippy but also add to the unique comic book world that is unlike anything that has ever been seen in a comic book movie. The films truly respects animation with its look having characters and backgrounds that tribute and parody many styles from comic book, film noir, anime and classic cartoons, making it one of the most alive and brilliant animated movies from a visual perspective. Despite its only visual flaw being a few blurry shots in some sequences, It is easily the most distinctive mainstream animated movie seen in years and it works all the better for it. Even with the trippy visuals and many art styles, the film doesn’t hold back on being more dramatic and not just a simple kid’s film. It’s a movie that honestly feels more adult than most live action blockbusters and in a world where Disney remakes are seen as more mature than their original counterpart, it’s refreshing to see an animated movie that is definitive proof that the mentality of “Animation is for kids” is a lie. A film like Into the Spider-Verse is the kind of movie that animation fans need both in terms of it being a visually stunning masterpiece and also it being a more mature film than the average animated kids’ film.

     Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse is one of those rare movies that have to be seen by everyone. This is not just because it’s an exceptional movie that proves the legitimacy of animation and how powerful and beautiful it can be, but taken out of it, it’s a film that has something for everyone. It has dark moments, funny moments, moments that make you think, and moments that will make you tear up. It is refreshingly original and respects Marvel and Animation unlike any other movie this year, and it is one that will be remembered as a classic, animated or not. If this continues a new age of animation where mature and stylistically films exist amongst the dozen of bland comic book movies and live action remakes out there, then things are looking up big time for the animation industry as a whole.