Showing posts with label Peter Ramsey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peter Ramsey. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Review: "SPIDER-MAN: Into the Spider-Verse" is One of the Greatest Superhero Films

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 2 (of 2019) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Running time:  117 minutes (1 hour, 57 minutes)
MPAA – PG for frenetic sequences of animated action violence, thematic elements, and mild language
DIRECTORS:  Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman
WRITERS:  Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman; from a story by Phil Lord (based upon the Spider-Man character created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko and the Mile Morales character created by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli)
PRODUCERS:  Avi Arad, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Amy Pascal, and Christina Steinberg
EDITOR:  Robert Fisher Jr.
COMPOSER:  Daniel Pemberton
Academy Award winner

ANIMATION/SUPERHERO/ACTION/ADVENTURE/COMEDY

Starring:  (voices) Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Bryan Tyree Hill, Lily Tomlin, Luna Lauren Velez, Zoe Kravitz, John Mulaney, Kumiko Glenn, Nicolas Cage, Kathryn Hahn, Liev Schreiber, Chris Pine, Natalie Morales, and Stan Lee

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a 2018 computer-animated superhero film from Sony Pictures.  It was developed by the filmmaking duo of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the writer-directors of the animated films, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) and The Lego Movie (2014), and the live-action films, 21 Jump Street (2012) and the sequel, 22 Jump Street (2014).

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse focuses on the Marvel Comics' character, Miles Morales, an Afro-Latino teenager.  Miles takes on the Spider-Man identity when he gains spider-like powers after being bitten by a genetically-altered spider, similar to the way the original Spider-Man, Peter Parker, gained his special abilities and powers.  The film follows Miles as he becomes the Spider-Man of his reality and joins versions of Spider-Man (Spider-People) from other dimensions in order to stop a threat to all reality, the multiverse that is know as the “Spider-Verse.”

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse introduces Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), a teenager who is a fan of Spider-Man.  As the story begins, Miles is dealing with the fact that he must attend an elite boarding school, Brooklyn Visions Academy.  Although he would prefer to remain in public school, Miles must accept the decision of his parents, his mother Rio Morales (Luna Lauren Velez), a nurse, and his father, Jefferson Davis (Bryan Tyree Hill), a police officer.

Miles also has a shady uncle, his father's brother, Aaron Davis (Mahershala Ali), whom Miles visits for advice a curious girl he meets at his new school.  Aaron encourages Miles' passion for graffiti and takes him to an abandoned subway station where he can paint and draw.  It is there that a genetically-altered spider bites Miles, causing him to develop powers similar to his hero, Spider-Man.  Miles meets his hero and learns that Spider-Man is trying to stop Wilson Fisk a.k.a. “The Kingpin” (Liev Schreiber) from using a device that will give him access to parallel universes.  Now, Miles must join Spider-Man types from across the Spider-Verse to stop The Kingpin's activities from destroying all of reality.

I could talk all day about how great Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is, but I want to be more self-aware than The Kingpin is.  I will focus on two stand-out elements in this film.  First is Shameik Moore, who is great in his voice role, bringing to life a Miles Morales that is lovable and is as ground-breaking as he was in the comic books.  Moore's performance personifies the dominate theme of this film, that the novice hero grows into the role of being a mature hero, which is especially true in the case of Spider-Man.  Moore's performance also captures the one thing that has made Spider-Man popular worldwide, practically since he debut.  Because of the kind of superhero costume Spider-Man wears, anyone can be behind the mask, including an Afro-Latino teen and even a teen girl.  Moore and the filmmakers perfectly encapsulate the truth that Spider-Man is an every-man hero.

The second thing about this film I want to highlight is its fantastic animation, eye-popping visuals, and breath-taking graphic design.  The film combines the in-house computer animation of Sony Pictures Imageworks with traditional hand-drawn comic book techniques, much of it inspired by the work of Miles Morales's co-creator, artist Sara Pichelli (who created the character with writer Brian Michael Bendis) and artist Robbi Rodriguez, co-creator of Spider-Gwen/Spider-Woman.  Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse blends 3D computer animation with the 2D sensibilities of comic book graphics, graffiti, collage, mixed media, and street art to create the visual look for the film that is thoroughly modern, but also reflects the visuals and graphics of 1960s Marvel Comics titles, especially the quintessential Spider-comic, The Amazing Spider-Man.

Apparently, 2D artists took the renderings of 3D computer-animators and drew on top of those renderings various comic book drawing techniques, including line work, dots, and painting.  The combination of 2D and 3D makes much of the film look like a series of comic book panels, so there are times that Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is like a comic book-in-motion.  It becomes a living, breathing comic book, pulsating with static-electric life.

Isn't it obvious that I love me some Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse?  It is the best Spider-Man film to date, and the second best comic book movie of the year, behind Black Panther.  I hope that adult audiences that generally avoid animated films don't avoid Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.  It is much better than the vast majority of comic book and action films that they have seen over the last decade.  Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a triumph, and it could be a game-changer.

A+
9 out of 10

Sunday, December 16, 2018; Edited:  Monday, February 25, 2019

NOTES:
2019 Academy Awards, USA:  1 win: “Best Animated Feature Film” (Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, Phil Lord, and Christopher Miller)

2019 Golden Globes, USA:  1 win: “Best Motion Picture – Animated”

2019 BAFTA Awards:  1 win: “Best Animated Featured Film” (Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, and Phil Lord)


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, March 4, 2019

"Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" Arrives on Blu-ray/DVD March 19th

"SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE" COMING TO DIGITAL ON FEBRUARY 26, 2019, HOME VIDEO ON MARCH 19

With Over 90 Minutes of Special Features Including a Never-Before-Seen SPIDER-HAM Short, Alternate Universe Mode and much more!

In Theaters Now and Swung Home onto Digital February 26, 2019, On 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on March 19, 2019

"The year’s best animated movie." ~ Brian Truitt, USA TODAY

Academy Award® Winner for Best Animated Feature Film
Golden Globe® Winner for Best Animated Feature Film
Critics' Choice® Winner for Best Animated Feature Film
Winner of Seven Annie® Awards Including Best Animated Feature

CULVER CITY, Calif. (February 18, 2019) – The Academy Award® Winner for "Best Animated Feature Film," SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, swung onto Digital February 26, 2019 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD on March 19, 2019 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Sony Pictures Animation. From Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the uniquely creative minds behind The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, the film offers a fresh vision of the Spider-Man universe with a groundbreaking visual style that’s the first of its kind.

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, a film that has grossed over $350 million in theaters worldwide to date, introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales, and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where more than one can wear the iconic mask. "One of the most rewarding experiences in recent months has been to hear that children are telling their parents that they see themselves in Miles, or that they want to grow up to be like Spider-Gwen, anyone can be a hero. Thats why we made this film, and we hope that feeling of empowerment is something that both audiences young and old can take away," say Directors Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman.

The out-of-this-world voice cast includes Shameik Moore as Miles Morales alongside Jake Johnson ("New Girl") as Peter B. Parker, Hailee Steinfeld (Bumblebee) as Gwen Stacy/Spider-Gwen, Mahershala Ali (Green Book) as Miles’ Uncle Aaron, Brian Tyree Henry ("Atlanta") as Jefferson Davis, Lily Tomlin ("Grace and Frankie") as Aunt May, Luna Lauren Velez ("How To Get Away with Murder") as Rio Morales, ZoĆ« Kravitz ("Big Little Lies") as Mary Jane, John Mulaney ("Big Mouth") as Spider-Ham, with Nicholas Cage (The Croods) as Spider-Man Noir, Kathryn Hahn (Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation) as Doc Ock and Liev Schreiber ("Ray Donovan") as the villain Kingpin.

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE arrives filled with engaging bonus materials that are fun for the whole family and give fans even more of the unique comic book style action that they loved in theaters with over 90 minutes of bonus content. In his very own original short, Spider-Ham: Caught In a Ham, fan favorite Spider-Ham defeats his greatest foe, delivers sidesplitting puns, and get sucked into another dimension! It actually can get weirder! Don’t miss the thrilling Alternate Universe Mode where fans can view the film in an entirely new way to discover alternate scenes, plotlines, characters, and more with the filmmakers as their guide. Also included is The Spider-Verse Super-Fan Easter Egg Challenge, where fans are challenged to find every single Easter Egg hidden within the Spider-Verse (and there are a lot of them!). Explore the character design in the visually stunning film including specific looks at the now-iconic Spider-Ham character as well as the classic villains who inhabit the Spider-Verse. Additional special features include a celebration of the diversity in the film and the idea that anyone can wear the mask in a feature called We Are Spider-Man, a featurette called Spider-Verse: A New Dimension, where fans can hear from the artists and filmmakers who pushed the boundaries of the comic book artform to create a visual experience unlike anything done in animation before, a showcase of all the amazing fan favorite characters featured in the Spider-Verse and the actors who bring them to life, and a touching tribute to comic legends Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, who originally created the Spider-Man character. Other bonus materials include two lyric videos featuring "Sunflower" by Post Malone and Swae Lee and "Familia" by Nicki Minaj and Anuel AA (feat. Bantu).

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE is directed by Bob Persichetti (The Little Prince), Peter Ramsey (Rise of the Guardians) and Rodney Rothman (22 Jump Street), and screenplay by Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman from a story by Lord. The film is produced by Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Chistopher Miller, and Chrstina Steinberg. The executive producers are the late Stan Lee, Brian Michael Bendis, and Will Allegra.

Bonus Materials Include:

    • We Are Spider-Man: Exploring and celebrating one of the key themes of the film, We Are Spider-Man takes a deep dive into the diversity of the characters and aspirational core that any person from any gender or cultural background can wear the mask.
    • Spider-Verse: A New Dimension: With a stunning visual style and state of the art animation designed to take the viewer into the pages of a comic, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse is not only a love letter to comic books but a groundbreaking take on the super hero genre. Hear from the artists and filmmakers who pushed the boundaries of the artform as they discuss their journey.
    • The Ultimate Comics Cast: Enjoy this showcase of all of the fan favorite characters featured in the Spider-Verse and the spectacular cast who were chosen to bring them to life.
    • A Tribute to Stan Lee & Steve Ditko: Celebrate the amazing legacy and powerful spirit of the creators of Spider-Man.
    • The Spider-Verse Super-Fan Easter Egg Challenge: The Spider-Verse is loaded with Easter Eggs, from cameos to comics references. Fans are challenged to find them all!
    • Designing Cinematic Comics Characters: A breakdown of all aspects of the character design including costume, movement in animation, and distinct powers for each character.
    o Heroes & Hams: Meet the amazing Spider-people of the Spider-Verse.
    o Scorpions and Scoundrels: Explore the classic villains who wreak havoc on the Spider-Verse.
    • Alternate Universe Mode: In this all-new viewing experience, discover alternate scenes, plotlines, characters, and more with the filmmakers as your guide.
    • 2 Lyric Videos
    o "Sunflower" by Post Malone and Swae Lee
    o "Familia" by Nicki Minaj & Anuel AA (feat. Bantu)
    • All-New Original Short "Spider-Ham: Caught In a Ham" It’s another normal day for Peter Porker, a.k.a. the Spectacular Spider-Ham, fighting bad guys and loving hot dogs, until a mysterious portal starts messing with the very fabric of his cartoon reality.

4K Ultra HD Disc Includes:

    • Feature film presented with High Dynamic Range and Dolby Atmos sound
    • Also includes the film and special features on the included high-def Blu-ray

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE has a run time of approximately 117 minutes and is rated PG for frenetic sequences of animated action violence, thematic elements, and mild language.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company. SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group includes film labels Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit  http://www.sonypictures.com.

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