Definitely one of the best movies I’ve seen all year! I’m probably going to try to see this one again in theaters. I’m going to do my best to keep this review spoiler free. Possibly after I see it a second or third time I’ll try to deep dive into some themes and/or other story aspects that I am fond of.
First and foremost Miles Morales was done SO WELL. I approve. He was a normal kid thrown into extraordinary circumstances and I can’t wait to see what else they have in store for this character. He had relateable problems and issues and seeing his rise to Spider-Man was wonderful. Peter Parker is so well known to us through many renditions, variations, reboots, and remakes, so to capture an aspect of him not seen before in a cinematic format was refreshing. Gwen Stacy was badass, I loved her right away, I definitely want more so I feel like this is as good a time as any to delve into the comics. The other Spider-Persons felt a little thrown in, but were used excellently to comedic effect. I can accept it because the primary focus was on Miles, and the secondary on Peter. In a way it felt very much like a proper pass the torch movie and an homage to the very familiar story of Peter Parker.
Probably the best overall part of this movie was how genuinely funny it was. The humor and the comedy was effortless and seamless and the balance with the drama, character development, and story progression was finely tuned. Nothing stuck out as out of place or unnecessary. The story was solidly built around the Miles Morales Spider-Man and his entrance into the realm of the hero, it’s an easy story to mess up but it was executed deftly. I would love to study Miles in relation to the Hero’s journey at some point!
It would be a cinematic CRIME to not make more of these. Lord and Miller (the directors) have set a solid foundation for themselves and future installments.
There is a end of the credits scene so be sure to stay all the way through.
Arbor Winter Barrow 