The Oscar-winning animated film, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” was re-released in theaters on Feb. 6. Directed by Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichetti and Rodney Rothman, the film received great reviews when it was first released in 2018, making $375.5 million in revenue. The re-release gives fans the chance to see the film on the big screen again before the newest installment comes out.
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is filled with bold animation and fast pacing, making it the ideal movie in the series to go back into theaters. Production of the new film “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” has already begun. Audiences were captivated by the cliffhanger in the second movie, “Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse,” when Miles is stuck in an alternative dimension where he is now the Prowler.
The film centers around Brooklyn-born teenager Miles Morales, voiced by Shameik Moore. Miles gets bitten by a radioactive spider while taking the subway and gains spider-like superpowers. At the start of the film, the Spider-Man of Morales’ dimension dies trying to save him, pushing Miles to take on the new responsibility of being Spider-Man. Navigating his newfound duties, Miles struggles with school, family pressure and fear of his new power.
Later on, Miles meets Peter B. Parker, voiced by Jake Johnson –– another Spider-Man from a different dimension –– and learns that other “spider people” live across different dimensions. Peter mentors Miles on how to use his abilities.
Characters like Peter, Gwen, voiced by Hailee Steinfeld, and Spider-Man Noir, voiced by Nicolas Cage, aid Morales in his effort to stop the main villain, Kingpin, whose failed experiment threatens every universe and dimension. The team must shut down his machine before the universe collapses. Along this journey, Morales learns what it truly means to sacrifice for the greater good and forms his own identity.
Overall, this movie provides a solid story line that is easy to follow. The plot balances personal growth with high-stakes action, all while focusing on Morales as he learns to take on the responsibility of Spider-Man. Morales endures fear and self-doubt, not only in the face of the villain, but also in his perception of himself. Being mentored by Peter genuinely helps Morales in overcoming his insecurities. Thus, their relationship feels warming to viewers, containing both depth and humor.
The cast of the movie is also notable. The chemistry between Moore and Steinfeld in the recording booth manifested on the big screen, further adding to the enjoyment of the film. These two were able to replicate the speaking style of teenagers well enough for audiences to believe the characters were voiced by actual teenagers; listening to them feels like listening to two teenagers who have crushes on each other.
The film definitely stands out for its visual style and musical selection as well. The animation blends comic book panels, hand drawn textures and sharp color contrasts into one of the most visually appealing movies of 2018. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” set the standard for animated media, influencing everything from “Arcane” (2021) to “Nimona” (2023).
Action scenes within the film are clear while also remaining complex and dynamic. Each frame feels intentional. The soundtrack featured artists like Post Malone, Swae Lee and Lil’ Wayne. The songs listed were a hit, with the main song –– “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee –– hitting number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on Jan. 14, 2019.
This re-release of the movie feels earned and nostalgic. The ideas, plot lines and character dynamics still feel fresh years later and the themes still resonate with newer audiences. Seeing the film again will build anticipation for the third movie, which is predicted to draw strong interest from audiences.
