Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse — 3.5 Gavels 98% Rotten Tomatoes

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse meets quantum physics means multiple Spider-Men, except they are not all men.  Contrary to what the critics want you to think, this is not the second coming of . . .Black Panther.  Rather, the Peter Parker origin story is repeated with numerous Spider-beings, including a pig, cleverly named Spider-Ham.  So, what is new?  Besides the new characters, the animation is different, somewhat like reading a comic book while watching a movie.  I found it to be a little herky-jerky, but it is nice to see a try at something distinct.  I give this movie 3.5 Gavels; it receives a 98% Rotten Tomatoes rating and a 94% Audience score.

Plot

Miles Morales is not happy that his parents send him to a better school.  He meets another new student, Wanda.  While seeking “girl” advice from his uncle, Miles is taken into the subway to express his artistic talents.  There, he is bitten by a spider, discovers a secret lab, and watches Kingpin kill Peter Parker.  In trying to retrieve his wife and son, Kingpin opens alternate universes which brings in alternate Spider-men.  To get back home, they must work together to defeat Kingpin and his henchmen.

Actors

You will recognize the voices of Hailee Steinfeld (Gwen/Spider-Woman), Lily Tomlin (Aunt May), and especially, Nicholas Cage (Spider-Noir.)  Actually, this may be Nick’s best acting role in years.  As you will see, quantum physics makes him so 1930-ish.  It suits him.  Maybe, he was born 50 years too late.  Other voices of note include Mahershala Ali, Liev Schrieber, Chris Pine, Lake Bell, and Kathryn Hahn.  Also, an “animated” Stan Lee appears in the flick.

Final Thoughts

Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, Spider-Ham, Spider-Noir, Peni Parker and SP//dr, and Peter B. Parker, at times, are enough to make your head spin as you try to keep track of the multiples.  Then, add Kingpin, Prowler, Doctor Octopus, Green Goblin, Tombstone and Scorpion, and you feel like the directors are trying to horn in too many Avengers characters, again.  The fight scenes drag on too long.  Please cut this movie by 15 minutes.  On the other hand, the pig needs more screen time.  Produced and directed by folks with credits for The Legos movies and 22 Jump street, expect some quick-witted fun.  It just feels like the sequels and spin-offs were more important than the movie.