Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is set to reach cinemas on 2 June, 2023. To celebrate the occasion, we decided to review the original groundbreaking, genre-defying film. But there is a catch...one review is by our writer Alexander Marks McLeod, whilst the other is AI-generated. Can you guess which is which?
ANSWER REVEALED AT THE BOTTOM
Review 1
Almost five years ago now, when the original trailer was released for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, you could almost hear the collective groans coming from the YouTube comment section. There have been nine Spider-Man movies since the dawn of the 21st century. During that span, there have been three different Peter Parkers (Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland) – making the wall-crawling superhero this generation's James Bond – a mantle solemnly passed from attractive 20-something to attractive 20-something. There have also been three different Aunt Mays, two different Mary Janes and three Green Goblins.
The world really didn’t need another Spider-Man movie. So, credit to Spider-Man: Into The Spider-verse for boldly ignoring any potential audience fatigue by doubling down – or rather, quintupling down – by telling not just one Spider-Man origin story, but five. And somehow, in a fully saturated genre, through sheer creative gumption, created something brand new.
The story follows Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), an Afro-Latino teenager living in Brooklyn with his ‘cop’ father (Bryan Tyree Henry) and nurse mother (Lauren Vélez). We know the story, and the movie recognises that we know the story: teenager, high school, radioactive spider, bite, powers.
The self-aware narration and recurrent fourth-wall breaking might seem like trite crutches, but in the capable hands of Rodney Rothman and Phil Lord, this device welcomes us even more powerfully into their world.
The main antagonist of the story, Kingpin (Liev Schreiber) uses a super-collider which opens up a rift in the multi-verse through which timelines start to interweave. We are first introduced to a paunchy, retired Peter Parker (Jake Johnson), but we later go on to meet the hard-boiled Spider-Man Noir (Nicholas Cage), an anime arachno-droid with its operator Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn) and a trendy Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld). We also are introduced to a wisecracking pig in Spider-Man get-up called Peter Porker (John Mulaney), the kind of character you may conjure in your subconscious after eating too much barbecue and taking a shot of Night Nurse before bed.
It's simple, really: your classic girl-meets-boy, boy-stumbles-across-a-supervillian-accidnetally-opening-a-portal-to-multiple-dimesions story. Screenwriting 101, essentially.
The story is deliciously witty and preposterously complex, but perfectly comprehensible, whether or not you have studied quantum physics. The scale feels vast, yet the spirit is joyous. It is bold and timeless and real.
The unique 3D animation style is like watching a comic book being brought to life, intricately textured with hand-drawn accents and halftone dots and colours that ricochet throughout with a sense of danger. The film is beautiful. A gorgeously realised alternative world, dripping with energetic action and invention that explodes from the screen
But deep down, to its core, this is a story about family, about what it means to be a father, and what it means to be a son. It tackles what it means to grapple with the expectations of others and living up to your own potential. You would have to look back a long way into the past to find an animated movie that feels this genuine – maybe The Iron Giant or Toy Story.
The film also demonstrates the wasted potential of the Spider-Man franchise, as in this movie, Spider-Man is not one individual person; it's an idea accessible to anyone, no matter what they look like or where they come from. Anybody can wear the mask. Even a cartoon pig.
Now, the eagerly awaited sequel Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has everyone's attention. Coming to cinemas on June 2, 2023, Sony holds all the power in propelling this Spider-Man franchise into a new dimension of possibilities.
But as we know, with great power comes great responsibility.
Review 2
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is an animated superhero film that is a game-changer in the world of comic book adaptations. Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, the movie explores the concept of the multiverse in a thrilling and visually stunning way.
The film follows Miles Morales, a teenager from Brooklyn who becomes the new Spider-Man after he is bitten by a radioactive spider. But things take a turn when he discovers that there are multiple versions of Spider-Man from different dimensions, and they must work together to stop the villainous Kingpin from destroying all of reality.
What makes Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse stand out is its unique animation style. The film uses a mix of computer-generated animation and traditional hand-drawn techniques to create a comic book-like aesthetic. The result is a vibrant and dynamic visual experience that perfectly captures the spirit of the source material. The use of bold colors, paneling, and onomatopoeia bubbles enhances the storytelling in a way that is both innovative and nostalgic.
The voice acting in the movie is exceptional, with Shameik Moore delivering a standout performance as Miles Morales. Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, John Mulaney, and Nicolas Cage all bring their A-game to their respective characters, each with their unique take on the iconic superhero. The chemistry between the cast is fantastic, and their interactions feel genuine and heartfelt.
At its core, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a story about identity, family, and the importance of embracing your own uniqueness. Miles Morales is a relatable protagonist who struggles to find his place in a world that constantly tries to put him in a box. His journey towards accepting his powers and stepping up as a hero is both inspiring and emotional.
The movie also does an excellent job of balancing its superhero action with its more emotional moments. The character development is well-paced, and the stakes feel high without being overwhelming. The humor and wit of the script keep the movie light and fun, even during its darker moments.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a movie that transcends its genre. It is a masterclass in animation and storytelling that can be enjoyed by both comic book fans and casual moviegoers alike. It's a movie that celebrates the spirit of Spider-Man and all that he represents. The film is a love letter to the character and his legacy, and it sets a new standard for superhero movies going forward.
With the upcoming sequel, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, expectations are high. The teaser trailer has already generated a lot of excitement, with the return of the original cast and the promise of even more Spider-People. It remains to be seen if the sequel can live up to the lofty standards set by its predecessor, but if the teaser is anything to go by, fans are in for a treat.
In conclusion, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a must-see movie that stands the test of time. Its impact on the world of superhero movies cannot be overstated, and it remains one of the best comic book adaptations ever made. The film's combination of stunning visuals, excellent voice acting, and heartfelt storytelling make it a true masterpiece that should not be missed. As we eagerly await the release of the sequel, we can only hope that it lives up to the high bar set by the original.
ANSWER:
Review No. 1 is the real review - obviously, right? RIGHT?
Comments