In 2014, Marvel decided that “your friendly neighbourhood superhero” (Spiderman — for those who aren’t familiar with the tagline) just wasn’t enough. So, it created the Spider-verse, a comic-strip storyline set in New York City, featuring multiple versions of Spiderman across space-time. That meant Spider-men from versions past and present collided with the present, to form one delightful spider-bunch. Its latest animation flick, Spiderman: into the Spiderverse, brings that comic strip to life, and how! The artwork is to die for, the animation is unlike anything you’ve watched before, the comedy is organic and uncontrived, and the action-packed storyline is as much a tribute to Brand Marvel as it is to the Spiderman franchise.
Into the Spiderverse traces the story of Miles Morales (voice of Shameik Moore) who lives in the same universe as Peter Parker (Spiderman). However, a set of unexpected circumstances, including being bitten by a radioactive spider (where have we heard that one before?) cause him to almost reluctantly don the mantle of Spiderman.
SpiderverseNot long after, the film goes into quantum mode, as various Spider-men from past and present, make it down to Miles’ universe. This is probably where Marvel fans are in for a treat, as Marvel characters and alternative Spiderman versions — Spiderman Noir, Spiderwoman, Kimiko Glenn and Spider Ham join hands with Miles to fight super-villains, Kingpin, Ultimate Prowler and Lady Octopus.
The best feature about Into the Spiderverse is that it’s as much a film for uninitiated fans, as much as it is one for Marvel geeks. The 3D experience is as dynamic as can get, and the special effects are as commendable. In a nutshell, the film really brings life to the comic book. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to state that the film felt like you took a trip deep into the pages of the original comic strip.
SpiderverseSpeaking of trips, another stand-out feature of the film is its cerebral screenplay. While its colour tones at the start are mildly trippy, the action sequences the play out later on, are nothing short of an acid trip on screen.
The colours, the 3D and the action come together to provide an experience that’s truly out of this world. Kind of apt, you’d say, given that the film deals with multiple dimensions and space-time. A special word of mention must be made of the film’s uber-hip, funky soundtrack, courtesy of Post Malone and Swae Lee, which had me grooving to the beat as I warmed up to the Spiderverse. The film also prides itself in its simple comedy — a feature that most Marvel films, of late, have lacked. The comedy is organic, catches you by surprise and just so simple.
What truly makes Into the Spiderverse a quintessential Spiderman flick, is the manner in which it retains some of the key elements that have made the Spiderman story what it is. There’s a deep, personal relationship that exists between Miles and his uncle Aaron (you recognize Mahershala Ali’s voice even without reading up on the cast) — much like Peter Parker and his uncle Ben. There’s a feel-good theme along the lines of family, emotion and a superhero’s purpose — part and parcel of every Spiderman film — that fits seamlessly into this film, as well.
Watch Spiderman: into the Spiderverse for its brilliant visuals, mindnumbingly good animation, a near-perfect soundtrack and signature Spiderman elements. Watch it irrespective of whether or not you’re a Marvel fan, for these features alone make the film worth your time and money.
Have you signed up for Primo, our daily newsletter? It has all the stories and data on the market, business, economy and tech that you need to know.
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
Who will succeed Modi? Oppn thinks Amit Shah will, but PM said this
May 21, 2024 2:38 PM
1100 villagers boycott Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Odisha, here's why
May 21, 2024 10:56 AM