I rewatched this on Thursday just before seeing Across the Spider-Verse Friday and I was reminded of just how much of an absolute gem this is! As a rule, I almost never give out 5 stars for an initial watch of a film. For me a perfect rating requires a film to still have a significant impact on me each time I watch it and I can now say Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse meets this lofty standard. I've seen this at least 5 times and each time I'm won over by it's wit, charm, technical excellence and the heartwarming message it so effectively delivers.

There's so much to love about this film; from it's seamless fusion of a modern soundtrack with Daniel Pemberton's distinctive score to it's sharp and hilarious dialogue (this film is so underrated in terms of it's comedic beats). I laughed just as much on my last viewing as I did the first. The vocal performances here are simply tremendous. Shameik Moore nails it as the shy and awkward Miles; a young kid from Brooklyn who's thrust into becoming the new Spider-Man after tragically seeing the original Peter Parker (Chris Pine) die. His earnest voice work here really brings Miles to life. Jake Johnson is perfectly cast as the middle aged, down on his luck Peter B. Parker from an alternate universe who becomes his unlikely mentor. His quippy banter and the relationship he forges with Miles is the heart and soul of this film and why I love it so much.

The supporting voice actors are also excellent with Mahershala Ali (Uncle Aaron, a modern take on Uncle Ben) and Kathryn Hahn (Olivia Octavius) standing out; Kathryn was such an inspired choice as a bit of twist on Doc Ock and I absolutely loved this character. The variants of Spider-Man are so well done in this film and each have their unique illustrations and mannerisms with Nic Cage's Spider-Man Noir being a favorite. Having said that, Hailee Steinfeld is quite good as Spider Gwen and I'm not surprised her character was a hit with so many.

The animation style of this film is simply revolutionary! Five years on and I'm still awestruck by it. It's one of the few films I've experienced that genuinely felt like I was flipping through the pages a comic book yet simultaneously seemed photorealistic at times?! Just really impressive. Like Pixar did with the Toy Story in the 90s, Sony Pictures Animation changed the game in terms of what animation could do in film with this and we're only now seeing rival studios reach it's level with Puss in Boots: The Last Wish from DreamWorks.

Sometimes a film transcends the medium because of the impact it has on you; there's such a sense of joy and wonder I feel watching it each time. It's that unmistakable feeling of a film that is made with so much love of the source material you can't help but see and feel it in every aspect of the film. This is an absolutely fantastic reimagining of the Spider-Man origin. I'm so jealous of (but very happy for) the young kids who got to see themselves in this character and have this as a defining cinematic experience. It's just something I never got to experience as a young boy, but even as an adult I was still so moved by it. A beloved hero but reimagined in a way you can easily relate to; your style, your language and your way of relating to friends and family.

But while it's a reimagining of Spider-Man's origin, it stays true to core essence of the character and it's universal theme. A heartfelt story of a young kid coming into his own through tragedy and taking the leap of faith required to fulfill his destiny. When Miles finally summons the courage to leap off that building and "What's up Danger" fused with Pemberton's score soars as he plummets before triumphantly slinging... WOW! There are few moments in cinema that have given me such a euphoric sensation (I still get chills just thinking about it). What an absolute treat of a film this is and one I'll cherish for many years to come. I'll leave you on the same inspiring note that Miles does in the film...

"Anyone can wear the mask, you can wear the mask. If you didn't know that before, I hope you do now".

Included in: The Essentials - My Favorite Films of All Time