Since this is my first review, I decided to choose the first film I ever watched in 2019. And what can I say? For me, it clearly sets the bar for any other film I will watch this year, for multiple reasons:
The animation style is unique in every sense of the word. Relying on comic-book text, slightly off-model animation and employing different art styles, they successfully blend into an enormous feast of the eyes, with every colour popping out to catch your attention. What’s more impressive is the amount of detail put into every single moment of the film. Whether it’s the way Peni Parker’s mouth moves due to her animesque depiction, or the onomatopoeias erupting from every action, this kaleidoscope of art is sure to make itself stand out among so many other animated films. (+1.5)
The top-notch cast. Each of them play their part very well, from Shameik Moore as the timid, yet resolute, Miles Morales, to Jake Johnson’s surprisingly poignant portrayal of a despondent Peter B. Parker (Even after the atrocity that was The Mummy), and Liev Schrieber’s Kingpin, that owns the tragic mobster role very well, even though the shadow of Vincent D'Onofrio still looms over him. (+1)
Story-wise, this was ambitious. Uniting six different Spider-Men could have felt overstuffed and incoherent. But the three directors manage to give just enough screen-time for each character to feel important. As a result, Miles’ emotional origin story plays out organically, being successful not to ape this overdone trope. The moral, similarly, feels fresh. No With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility here. Instead, it’s that anyone can be Spider-Man: whether it’s a pig, or an anime figure, or simply, someone who falls constantly but has the strength to get up. This is a beautiful aesop to let viewers consider whether they have what it takes to support others and become heroes themselves, albeit not in the literal superhero way. (+1)
Daniel Pemberton’s score. By blending the oddity of the multiple dimensions together with the usual superhero fare, the result is music that fuels and enhances the scene. The pop songs are also a highlight. (+0.5)
Respecting and mocking the source material. This balancing act is executed surprisingly well, from the multiple references to the previous comics and live-action movies, and the way it pokes holes at pop culture representing this hero. Due to this, it highlights the casts’ deep understanding of their characters and their worlds. (+0.5)
The humour. With Phil Lord script-writing, you know there will be tongue-in-cheek moments and physical comedy galore. There is one particular credits scene that I won’t spoil, but may qualify as the film’s best joke. (+0.5)
Overall Verdict: This gorgeously-animated, well-told and gut-bustingly humorous film is the pinnacle of must-see films, which will make you long to start at the beginning, one last time. 5/5 stars.
Amazing, spectacular... the list goes on.
Since this is my first review, I decided to choose the first film I ever watched in 2019. And what can I say? For me, it clearly sets the bar for any other film I will watch this year, for multiple reasons:
- The animation style is unique in every sense of the word. Relying on comic-book text, slightly off-model animation and employing different art styles, they successfully blend into an enormous feast of the eyes, with every colour popping out to catch your attention. What’s more impressive is the amount of detail put into every single moment of the film. Whether it’s the way Peni Parker’s mouth moves due to her animesque depiction, or the onomatopoeias erupting from every action, this kaleidoscope of art is sure to make itself stand out among so many other animated films. (+1.5)
- The top-notch cast. Each of them play their part very well, from Shameik Moore as the timid, yet resolute, Miles Morales, to Jake Johnson’s surprisingly poignant portrayal of a despondent Peter B. Parker (Even after the atrocity that was The Mummy), and Liev Schrieber’s Kingpin, that owns the tragic mobster role very well, even though the shadow of Vincent D'Onofrio still looms over him. (+1)
- Story-wise, this was ambitious. Uniting six different Spider-Men could have felt overstuffed and incoherent. But the three directors manage to give just enough screen-time for each character to feel important. As a result, Miles’ emotional origin story plays out organically, being successful not to ape this overdone trope. The moral, similarly, feels fresh. No With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility here. Instead, it’s that anyone can be Spider-Man: whether it’s a pig, or an anime figure, or simply, someone who falls constantly but has the strength to get up. This is a beautiful aesop to let viewers consider whether they have what it takes to support others and become heroes themselves, albeit not in the literal superhero way. (+1)
- Daniel Pemberton’s score. By blending the oddity of the multiple dimensions together with the usual superhero fare, the result is music that fuels and enhances the scene. The pop songs are also a highlight. (+0.5)
- Respecting and mocking the source material. This balancing act is executed surprisingly well, from the multiple references to the previous comics and live-action movies, and the way it pokes holes at pop culture representing this hero. Due to this, it highlights the casts’ deep understanding of their characters and their worlds. (+0.5)
- The humour. With Phil Lord script-writing, you know there will be tongue-in-cheek moments and physical comedy galore. There is one particular credits scene that I won’t spoil, but may qualify as the film’s best joke. (+0.5)
Overall Verdict: This gorgeously-animated, well-told and gut-bustingly humorous film is the pinnacle of must-see films, which will make you long to start at the beginning, one last time. 5/5 stars.