It’s surprising movie studios have not invested more money into animated comic book movies. Not just because how much money could be made, but in the artistic value. Both mediums, comic books and animation, contain limitless potential for creativity and storytelling.
Thankfully, Sony Pictures Animation has graced the world with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Not only does the film succeed in delivering a strong and compelling story, but the film also has one of the boldest art directions ever seen in mainstream animation. Directors Bob Perischetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman, as well as the team at Sony Animation, deliver a unique art style that combines CG with Roy Lichtenstein. The crew also managed to make a masterpiece along with this bold art choice. To this critic, Into the Spider-Verse is the definitive superhero movie.
The main selling point of the film is its look. It positions itself as a comic book come to life. Thought bubbles even pop up near a character from time to time. The film also blends in so many different colors, backgrounds, and character animations into one. It’s an absolutely gorgeous style that never seems overwhelming. Impressive considering how much gets thrown into the viewer’s face visually.
What’s really impressive is how each of the main characters look different from each other. Being a film focusing on multiple Spider-Men from multiple dimensions, each character has their own unique look. The three main characters, Miles Morales, Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy, have this nice blend of 2D and 3D animation.
There’s also the anime-styled Peni Parker, voiced by Kimiko Glenn, and the goofy, oddball look of the walking talking pig Spider-Ham, voiced by John Mulaney. Nicolas Cage as the pulpy Spider-Man Noir is my personal favorite side character. This is thanks to his design, going for a black-and-white noir approach.
The action scenes are also excellent. Being animated, the film is allowed to be as chaotic and wild as possible. The virtual camera swoops around each of the characters, as each one has their own fighting style and distinctive movements. Each action scene manages to combine great choreography and amazing pathos. You care about these characters, so it’s exciting to see them swing and flip around the arena. The laboratory chase, as well as the film’s climax are especially impressive.
Not only are the visuals impressive, but there’s a great sense of speed and chaos to the film that leaves viewers breathless. There’s so much out-of-the-box creativity here. I’d even argue it’s the best-looking animated film of the decade, maybe even the century.
The writing is also just as impressive. The storyline is rather complex. But the script, from Rothman and Phil Lord, manages to combine all of these different characters effortlessly. This is best shown through each character getting their backstory told in just one minute. Through this, we know everything about the characters, from their backstory to their personality. The actual plot has great twists and turns and some strong emotional moments. Being animated, the characters are more expressive, making the heartfelt moments all the more powerful.
But what truly makes the film work are the two leads. Shameik Moore brings so much heart and humanity to Miles Morales. He struggles with his identity, both as a person and as Spider-Man. It’s resonant to the viewer, and makes him easy to root for. Meanwhile, Jake Johnson is great as a middle-aged Peter Parker. He starts out down on his luck, but through his time with Miles, he grows and learns what makes him special. Their chemistry is incredible, and the way both help each other and their problems is brilliant. Their chemistry also ties in with the ethos of Spider-Man. Anyone can wear the mask, and anyone can be a hero.
Everything about Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is perfect. From the story to the characters to the direction. Its artistry is impeccable and blows other animated productions out of the water. It’s easily my favorite movie of the year, and one of my favorite movies ever.