Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: Fraught with Hysterical, Web Slinging Action

All the different identities of Spider-Man gathered together: Peni Parker (voiced by Kimiko Glenn), Gwen Stacy/Spider-Woman (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld), Spider-Ham (voiced by John Mulaney), Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore), Peter B. Parker, (voiced by Jake Johnson) and Spider-Man Noir (voiced by Nicolas Cage). Photo courtesy of gizmodo.com

With tremendous humor, enrapturing action sequences, a heartfelt story, talented cast selection, and a passionate hip hop soundtrack, Sony and Marvel's Spider-Man Into the Spider Verse was a delightful cinematic debut of one of the newest Spider-Men, Miles Morales. It's great to see a powerful animated film that's not Warner Bros., Universal, or Pixar for a change. Given each actors' delivery in the film, I think "The Man" Stan Lee would be proud of them all.

This film is both a recreation and an update of prior “Spider-Man” films, as Afro-Latino teenager Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore) is bitten by a radioactive spider and given superhuman abilities. The difference is Miles is drawn into a conflict with sinister crime lord Wilson Fisk (voiced by Liev Schreiber), who wishes to destroy Spider-Man once and for all through access to parallel universes. There to assist Miles into becoming a true hero are Spider-Men from alternative dimensions (voiced by Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Kimiko Glenn, John Mulaney, and Nicolas Cage).

Even though it is familiar, the story of Miles was very moving. It was deepening to watch him try to

find his place in the world in between appeasing his police officer father (voiced by Brian Tyree Henry) and being as mellow as his criminal uncle Aaron (voiced by Mahershala Ali). He constantly struggles to be normal and make a better life for himself, while also learning to stay on the fine line between overcoming loss of loved ones and taking revenge against villains like Kingpin. That’s what allowed him to become as brave as all the other spider-themed heroes.

The majority of the humor came from the relationship between Moore and Johnson’s characters. Johnson’s character of an older, washed-up Peter B. Parker, had hysterical moments of comic relief as he was trying to mentor Miles and return to an effective hero role. The last time I saw Johnson being that funny in film was probably “Jurassic World”. And Moore’s character was humorous during his struggles to be an efficient web-slinger and impressing Spider-Woman. In the end, it was astonishing to see them work together to combat a female Doctor Octopus (voiced by Kathryn Hahn) and Kingpin.

Peter B. Parker and Miles Morales pondering about how to combat Kingpin. Photo courtesy of imdb.com 

Another cut of the humor came from the gathering of the other Spider people. Their differing backstories and doubts about Miles were comical. It was great to see that they helped Miles grow as the newest Spider-Man. While their characters views may have clashed, I appreciated Henry and Ali's performances as Miles' father and uncle. It was heartwarming that they both believed Miles had strong potential to do great things for the world, and that they really love him.

The animation was phenomenal during sequences of the particle accelerator reshaping reality and the ultimate battle of the Spider team versus Kingpin. It was remarkable how the other Spiders understood Miles’ struggles to satisfy his family’s wishes and show the world the best person he can be. Songs such as “What’s Up Danger” and “Scared of the Dark” were a great accompaniment in the soundtrack, as they emphasized how fearless Miles truly is and his readiness to overthrow evil, all while looking good in a new costume while flying through the city.

Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore) in a brand new Spider-Man costume, ready for action. Photo courtesy of imdb.com 

Having finally watched this film, I see it deserved the 2019 Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film. Through bold messages about family and heroism, diversity in cast, and an abundance of comedy and action, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse” is one for the books. Some might see a rehash of old superhero movies, but because it’s told in a heartfelt manner, it’s worth watching. If you want to see how there’s not just one Spider-Man to save the world, I absolutely recommend “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”.

"Mary Poppins Returns" Comes with Wonder by Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda

Photo Courtesy of imdb.com

Fifty-four years from the 1960s classic was worth the wait in Disney's latest project, "Mary Poppins Returns". There are parallels between the film, Christopher Robin, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Be that as it may, Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda's singing voices brought an outpouring of wonder that audiences must see.
"Mary Poppins Returns" takes place in 1930s London, where a now grown-up, widowed Michael Banks, played by Ben Whishaw, is struggling to keep his home and his children intact. When all seems lost, the children, Annabel, John, and Georgie, played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh, and Joel Dawson, cross paths with Michael's former nanny, the esteemed Mary Poppins, played by Emily Blunt. Through her magic umbrella, and the assistance of affable lamplighter Jack, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Michael's optimistic sister Jane, played by Emily Mortimer, the Banks children can save their home, their broken father, and recapture a long-unseen whimsical lifestyle. 

A major theme of “Mary Poppins Returns” was fantasy versus reality. Because of the loss of their mother, their father’s high spirits, and possibly their home, the Banks children seemed to have forgotten the zest of everyday life. But through musical numbers by Mary Poppins and Jack, they were able to escape reality and feel reborn in colorful mirages.

From left to right: Joel Dawson, Emily Blunt, Pixie Davies, and Nathanael Saleh as Georgie Banks, Mary Poppins, Annabel Banks, and John Banks. Photo courtesy of imdb.com 

For example, when Mary Poppins sang “Can You Imagine That?”, the trio could be astounded by the sights of treasure hunts and synchronized-dancing dolphins. That scene reminded me of Pure Imagination by Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, where you can be happy with your dreams instead of the tyranny of what’s “real”.

Next, when Jack sang “Trip a Little Light Fantastic”, they could momentarily forget their troubles and be brought to enlightenment. Secondary to that, when he sang “Underneath the Lovely London Sky” in the beginning. He was reminding audiences that even when your spirits are dampened by finances or loss of loved ones, staring at the beautifully-lit sky will move you to feel happier. I’ve never seen Miranda’s plays before, but I very much liked his performance, and I think he deserves his Golden Globe nomination.

Besides the musical numbers, the wonder in “Mary Poppins Returns” came from the performances by the rest of the cast, the brief animation moments, and the props. Mortimer and the children's actors showed tremendous heart in trying to save Michael. Whishaw's playing of Michael reminded me of Ewan McGregor as Christopher Robin, as both men lost their sense of ingenuity in favor of maturity. I'm glad that the love of his family eventually consoled Michael and he was able to get with the groove and be happy again.

The animated sequences during "The Royal Doulton Music Hall" looked as enthralling as Disney's Fantasia or the original "Mary Poppins" starring Julie Andrews. It was funny watching the chemistry between Mary Poppins, Jack, the children, and anthropomorphic dancing penguins.

Photo of Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda) and Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) in "The Royal Doulton Music Hall" scene. Photo courtesy of imdb.com 

I liked how director Rob Marshall used the kite, bowl, and magic umbrella props as symbols for significant events. Upon seeing the kite "mysteriously" move away from Georgie, I could sense that Mary Poppins was to return when it stopped. The crack in their mother's bowl was a representation of the Banks needing to work hard to keep the memory of their mother alive and keep the family together no matter the financial hardship. And it was surprising to witness Mary Poppins bring them into all these bright, magical dimensions with a touch of her umbrella.

To summarize, with an overall great ensemble cast, elegant costume designing, the usual strong scoring by visionary Marc Shaiman, and an engaging story, the wonderful film of Disney has succeeded at bringing wonder to me. It is similar to other films I've seen before, but it still gives me an increase in hopefulness against everyday struggle. You may have seen how well Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda performed in the past, but you'll feel "supercalifragillisticexpialidocious" when you watch "Mary Poppins Returns".