‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’ Review: Disney+’s New Web-Slinging Adventure Offers Throwback Charm but Little Innovation

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Although I haven’t experienced the original context of “How Ya Gonna Keep ’em Down on the Farm (After They’ve Seen Paree)?”, I appreciate the essence of this World War I song, particularly its relevance to our modern analysis and contemplation.

After experiencing the depth and sophistication displayed in Andor on Disney+ and Star Wars, it’s challenging to return to shows that are primarily meant for fun, cuteness, or simple entertainment. It seems unfair to compare them! While Andor was exceptional, Skeleton Crew largely met its own expectations. One might question if a thoughtful, semi-Marxist analysis of economic hardship and the rise of fascism in the Star Wars universe is inherently more complex or demanding than infusing the 1980s Amblin aesthetic into the same universe. Or conversely, if it’s superior. The truth is, it’s delightful to have a mix of both!

Disney+’s upcoming animated comedy, “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man”, will have to surmount the comparison to not one but two distinct portrayals of Paris. By creating an animated series centering on Spider-Man in 2025, it’s unavoidable that it will be compared to the groundbreaking “Spider-Verse” films, which are two of the most imaginative examples of pop culture blending ever devised. The “Spider-Verse” movies are exceptional, while “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” is more about fun – one a pioneering effort in advancing the medium, and the other a nostalgic nod to the past.

Why should anyone claim you can’t enjoy both things? I won’t! However, if you view “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” as merely a nostalgic dig by Marvel Animation Studios aimed at Gen X/Millennials, it becomes challenging not to draw parallels with last year’s “X-Men ’97”. While the latter employed retro animation to subtly convey progressive ideas deeply rooted in the X-Men narrative.

This movie isn’t part of the “Spider-Verse” series or the “X-Men ’97”. Instead, it offers a vibrant, energetic experience that caters to a younger audience without causing offense. The film showcases an enhanced vintage style and subtly incorporates its modest themes about power responsibility amidst a shower of Easter eggs. Although it’s not particularly deep, it’s still enjoyable in a light-hearted way.

Developed by Jeff Trammell, the animated series titled “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” subtly references the Marvel Cinematic Universe while maintaining its independent narrative. In the opening scene itself, it sets itself apart from established canon as high school student Peter Parker (Hudson Thames), accompanied by his recently widowed Aunt May (Kari Wahlgren), prepares for his first day at Midtown High School. Just as he is about to step into the school, a portal suddenly appears and out comes Doctor Strange (Robin Atkin Downes) in pursuit of a ferocious alien symbiote.

A chaotic scene unfolds, with Peter stepping up to safeguard his new acquaintance, Nico Minoru (Grace Song). Despite lacking any supernatural abilities, he demonstrates great compassion. Suddenly, a spider infused with radioactive energy descends through an opening and bites Peter on the nape of his neck.

In this version of the story, while it shares some similarities with the traditional Spider-Man origin from comics and movies, it presents a unique take on Peter Parker’s world. The Sokovia Accords, which caused the division among the Avengers depicted in “Captain America: Civil War”, are present here, but unlike Tom Holland’s Spider-Man who was involved in the airport battle, he didn’t participate in a similar conflict as portrayed in this series. This difference might explain why characters like Doctor Strange and Iron Man appear in “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man”, even though they are played by actors other than Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Downey Jr. Interestingly, when Daredevil makes a humorous appearance, he’s voiced by Charlie Cox, who portrayed the character on Disney+/Netflix. Trying to grasp all the elements that align with the original story versus those that diverge may give you a headache, but repeating “multiverse” to yourself might help you move past the confusion.

Trust me, it’s healthier the latter way.

Instead of spending episodes on Peter Parker experimenting with homemade suits and honing his abilities, the story unfolds three months later, as Peter embarks on his heroic journey while also navigating his friendship with Nico, his feelings for classmate Pearl Pangan (Cathy Ang), and an unexpected opportunity to intern in robotics under Norman Osborn (Colman Domingo). However, this opportunity isn’t purely chance; it’s part of a larger plan, overseen by Paul F. Tompkins’s character Bentley Wittman.

Shortly after, Peter discovers himself right in the thick of a complex, high-tech street battle involving various factions. Among them are Mac Gargan, also known as Jonathan Medina, and Otto Octavius, who used to work with Osbourne.

The group additionally consists of Pearl’s boyfriend, Lonnie Lincoln (played by Eugene Byrd), who was the captain of their high school football team; Norman’s internet-famous child, Harry Osborn (portrayed by Zeno Robinson); and several others.

Here’s where even the most casual Spider-Man enthusiasts are likely saying, “I recognize Otto Octavius and Norman Osborn as future characters!” The more devoted fans are probably making the same connections for Bentley Wittman, Mac Gargan, and Lonnie Lincoln. Mentioning that this season also features Amadeus Cho, Jeanne Foucault, and villains like Butane and Speed Demon might cause the heads of dedicated Spider-Man fans to figuratively explode with excitement.

Mention that Nico Minoru, a beloved character from Runaways, who happens to be queer and Wiccan, might help illustrate my point: Although Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man initially avoids using well-known Spider-Man characters and villains, almost every cast member in the show has, or eventually will, acquire superpowers within the franchise. If all characters were to suddenly change into their future personas, the upcoming seasons of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man would descend into complete turmoil. To be honest, it’s already quite chaotic, especially as we approach the end of the first season. A more focused narrative approach could make things clearer in the future.

The series employs a 3D cel-shaded design reminiscent of classic Steve Ditko-era Spider-Man comics, blending old and new elements effectively, with an almost Roy Lichtenstein pop art feel but with more genuine emotion. The action sequences are set up like comic book panels, and the predominantly colorful color scheme contrasts sharply with the darker, mature anime aesthetics often favored today, instead mirroring Peter Parker’s “Aw shucks” innocence and good intentions, as well as Thames’ sincere voice acting.

This approach to Parker and the narrative as a whole is fresh, innocent, and full of curiosity. Occasionally, there are instances of violence that may result in minor injuries or blood, but nothing is shown excessively graphic, making it suitable for a wide audience, including family gatherings. The series deliberately avoids any sexual content; even Nico’s romantic inclinations are portrayed in a very modest manner, bordering on complete celibacy.

As a gamer diving into the latest Spider-Man adventure, I’ve got to say that this game doesn’t push any major boundaries when it comes to deeper themes. The iconic theme song has been given a fresh, Kidz Bop-style hip-hop makeover by The Math Club, featuring Relaye & Melo Makes Music, and the lyrics refer to Spider-Man as a “hero, not a vigilante.” That’s about as deep as the creators get in terms of unique perspectives.

The game uses the classic line about great power and great responsibility to contrast Spidey’s Boy Scout mentality with other characters who see themselves as heroes, even if their actions might not align with the show’s moral compass. The complexity level is relatively low, and since Uncle Ben’s death occurs off-screen before the game begins, the stakes aren’t particularly high either.

In contrast to the “Spider-Verse” films, there’s less awe-inspiring visual creativity and unlike “X-Men ’97”, it doesn’t delve into complex subtext. There’s nothing reminiscent of Paris in it, but the nostalgic charm of “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” holds its own unique appeal, albeit on a smaller scale.

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2025-01-29 11:25