Into the Spider-Verse and the Dimensions Inside of Us

From the theatrical release poster

Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse was released in theaters last month and its popularity is well-deserved. There is not a wasted scene in the story. We are right with the character as he struggles to develop and gain mastery over his newly-acquired powers. The artwork, particularly the nighttime scenes of New York, set and maintain the mood. This movie is a classic example of how to tell a good story employing perennial themes of innocence versus maturity, attempting to control outcomes versus taking the leap of faith, and the longing to be reunited with one's family, restore relationships and to find one's way home.

The central theme in the movie is that of resurrection. Miles Morales, the boy who is bitten by a radioactive spider and must, therefore, against his will,  become something he never really wanted to be, will never be able to live up the billing of Spiderman until he learns to get back up each time he is knocked down; metaphorically, he must come back from the dead.

Each of the major characters faces an emotional challenge on the road to maturity and is thrown into an ironic relationship that helps that character grow. The middle-aged Peter Parker, who has ruined his life due to his unwillingness to be open to having kids, ironically finds himself in a partnership with two teenagers who teach him what it means to be human once again.

Spiderwoman, who is no longer willing to “do friendships” after she was unable to prevent the killing of her closest friend -- Peter Parker in another universe -- finds herself partnered with Miles and confronted with the frightening prospect of learning to trust and to care again.

Miles can’t express his love for his father, and his father doesn’t quite know how to talk to the boy, saying all the wrong things at the wrong times, making it impossible for Miles to confide in him.

Early in the movie Miles enters a new environment and doesn’t know whether or not he will be accepted. All of his jokes fall flat and he finds it difficult to make new friends. Most of us can relate to that awkward feeling of standing out in our new environment when we’re just trying to keep our heads down and not to stand out at all.

We can also relate to the feeling of trying to impress a mentor who has already expressed that he or she sees something in us that others don’t see, and that we fail to see in ourselves.  We all know what it feels like to try to live up to what others expect from us, yet we repeatedly make a mess of things and let them down.

Throughout the movie, Miles struggles to gain control over his newly-acquired and extraordinary abilities. One of the main themes in the film is that ordinary people can do extraordinary things once they are able to give and receive love and take a leap of faith despite the fact that everything is not under their control. Through all of the trials and ordeals in the movie Miles learns that his uniqueness is his strength and that, in spite of everything, he is not alone.

Beale Street: Mid-70s African American Novel Gets 21st Century Cinematographic Treatment

Image Credit: TIFF

The movie "If Beale Street Could Talk" has finally been released and is now playing in theaters across the country.

This movie, which is based on a novel that James Baldwin wrote in 1974 and is directed by the award-winning cinematographer Barry Jenkins, provides rare insight into African American cinema and black literature.

The film explores themes that are highly relevant for priests and seminarians, including African American religiosity, relationships both inside and outside of marriage, challenges facing American families, and the racial and class dimensions of the American criminal justice system.

While the movie has many inspiring and uplifting scenes there are also parts of it that authentically express disturbing opinions about race in the United States which requires some degree of discretion, discernment, and context.

If one goes to movies mostly to be entertained and to escape from frustrating and unpleasant realities this film is not for you. It is not a movie that will make you "feel good", but is a movie that breaks new ground, will no doubt win awards, and will have movie critics talking for years to come.