Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse swung into theaters last Friday, and if you’re looking for another adventurous tale about the friendly neighborhood web-slinger, this ain’t it. But if you’re open to the hero’s story from Miles Morales’ point of view (you’ll like him, trust me)—time, space, culture, experience, suit, rogues’ gallery, etc.—then Into the Spider-Verse is your go-to, feel-good movie this holiday season. Not convinced? Here are some rock-solid, spoiler-free reasons to check it out for yourself.
A visual experience unlike anything you’ve seen before
The colors jumped out! I haven’t seen a palette and scheme this bright since Sita Sings the Blues, and that was over a decade ago. If you have photosensitivity, you might be pushed to the edge, but it’s a safe and comfortable one. When more characters come into play, their varied animation styles blend seamlessly.
Pay the premium to see it in 3D
This is coming from someone who avoids 3D films because they give me headaches, but I figured with those bright colors and animation depth from the trailers, I’d take a risk. It was the best extra $4 I spent. You’d think all those vivid colors and animation styles would be harsh on the eyes and a jarring visual experience, right? Not at all.
Meaningful voice acting + music soundtrack = an auditory wonderland
There was a special sincerity I felt with the characters’ voices, as if the actors behind them knew and understood that this project was something special. Sure, the undoubtedly A-list cast is part of the factor, but their cohesion makes the movie great. Add a booming hip-hop/rap soundtrack with an eclectic mix of artists to match the art direction, and the end result is a magnificent sound design. It’s stylish and speaks to the zeitgeist. There’s something for everyone here.
It doesn’t take itself seriously
It knows it’s a comic book movie, and it’s not afraid to have fun with that. Several scenes show parallel events taking place, as a comic book would, and it’s just as spectacular. While there’s a lot going on, since we’re dealing with Spider-Man across multiverses, don’t fret if you don’t get all the Easter eggs and geek references. Plus, the late Stan Lee’s cameo might be the most special one of all.
You’ll leave the cinema feeling like Spider-Man
This is the most diverse entry to the Marvel Universe. The heroes, the villains, and everyone in between come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors unlike anything before. Their backgrounds don’t reek with the baggage of politics and identity crises, except for the focuses of the Spider-Man iterations and their alter-egos: learning that “with great power comes great responsibility” and the pain that comes with it. That is something that everyone from all backgrounds can relate to.
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