After Venom’s solo movie was a commercial success, Sony confirmed they’re working on their own cinematic universe under, “Sony’s Spider-Man Universe” in an attempt to capitalize the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s billion dollar empire. This time, featuring 900 characters associated with Spider-Man whether it focuses on an enemy or friend of the Web Slinger. One problem, Spidey’s not involved. Every single movie (except Venom: Let There Be Carnage) flopped both critically and finically. Sony was desperate to make quick prioritizing on quantity rather than quality. They never put a lot of effort crafting a cohesive story arc the MCU focusing on solo movies properly leading up to the billion dollar success of “The Avengers.”
Sony’s business practices on their cinematic universe is like that one “Ed, Edd n’ Eddy” episode, “Once Bitten Twice Ed.” Eddy keeps recycling the same scam over and over again. No significant changes to the scam, “Raccoon Round-Up.” Allow me to compare Sony’s stinkers and their non-Marvel movies to the recycled scam.
- Mutant Land = Charlie’s Angels 2019
- Meat Mania = Morbius
- Cockroach Country = Harold and the Purple Crayon
- Jogging Pants = Madame Web
- Fringe Land = Venom: The Last Dance
- Bathroom World = Kraven the Hunter
As a result of commercial failures, Sony seized plans to make more movies except the third upcoming animated Spider-Verse movie. Their only project outside Spider-Verse and partnership with Marvel Studios producing solo Spider-Man films in the MCU is TV series based on Spider-Man Noir. This one’s from a universe where Marvel characters live in the 1930s originally published in 2009-2010.
Let me tell you about “Spider-Noir.” After the death of his wife, Ben Reilly (played by Nicolas “Nic” Cage) quits his role as The Spider. He makes a living as a private detective who’s hired to keep in eye on a lounge singer tied to gangsters led by Silvermane. Ben’s good friend, Robbie Robertson helps him investigates Silvermane’s scheme. Ben also comes to terms with revising a figure from his past forcing him to come out of superhero retirement.
All eight episodes of Spider-Noir’s are now streaming on Prime Video & MGM Plus. Unlike Sony’s movies, (minus Spider-Verse) this one earned huge praise. About time Sony got their act together. Prioritize on quality, not quantity. As of late 2027, there’s no confirmation for a second season. Anyway, I have one good reason why I wanna review Spider-Noir. Nic Cage will attend Fan Expo Dallas on September 12-13. Which is Saturday and Sunday. I got plans to take my pic with Mr. Cage along with Charlie Sheen, Elijah Wood & Sean Astin. I cannot wait.
This review contains no SPOILERS.
Good & Evil Aspects
Good: Nicolas “Nic” Cage did an amazing job for his performance. In addition to carrying the show, Nic also served as an executive producer.
Other Cast Members such as Lamorne Morris, Li Jun Li, Abraham Popoola, Jack Huston & Brendan Gleeson all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Oren Uziel & Steve Lightfoot mapped out all eight episodes. They made sure every plot point’s coordinated.
Action Sequences display Ben’s spider powers and combat skills.
Kris Bowers & Michael Dean Parsons orchestrated the soundtrack.
Phil Lord & Christopher Miller served as executive producers.
Visual Effects are Class A.
Cinematography’s shot in tip top shape.
Pacing for each episode didn’t feel like a drab.
Costumes and Set Pieces were crafted by decorators recreating the 1930s.
Like “L.A. Noire,” the series is a throwback to film noir from the Golden Age of Hollywood including “The Maltese Falcon,” “Double Indemnity” & “The Big Sleep.”
All episodes are shot in black and white and color. You can switch between either format. I went with black and white as the best way to watch a throwback to film noir.
The origin story told countless times is drastically different. Ben’s a World War I veteran who was bitten by a half-man, half-spider.
You don’t have to watch previous entries within Sony’ Spider-Man Universe. It’s a self-contained series.
Kirby’s “Saving Grace” plays during the Opening Credits.
Fun Facts
- Nic’s a real life comic book fan. He changed his surname from Coppola to Cage to avoid nepotism. He’s Francis Ford Coppola’a nephew. He picked Cage as a tribute to Luke Cage.
- Nic based his performance on Humphrey Bogart & James Cagney.
- This is Nic’s first TV series. He was reluctant to appear on the small screen. Until his good friend, Charlie Sheen gave him advice. Gotta give Mr. Sheen credit for encouraging Nic. Good thing the former’s sober.
- Nic revealed he hat fun playing an alternate version of Spider-Man and paying homage to old school film noir. He’s both a movie buff and comic book geek.
- Nic previously played Spider-Man Noir in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” However, both the animated and live-action version are not the same character. They’re both from separate universes.
- Jack Huston is actually John Huston’s grandson.
Random Thoughts
- First time I heard about Spider-Man Noir was from a video game known as, “Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions.” Christopher Daniel Barnes (‘’90s Spider-Man cartoon) voiced the character.
- Watching Spider-Noir on the small screen makes me wanna replay the Insomniac Games as an alternate costume taking legit snapshots in Photo Mode.
Evil: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless eight-part storyline as possible.
Episode 1 – Step Into My Office
Ben accepts a case regarding Cat Hardy. A variant of Black Cat/Felicia Hardy.
Silvermane wants to know who burned his mansion.
Ben fights a superpowered bad guy.
Episode 2 – Tread Lightly
Cat hires Ben to search for her bodyguard, Sandman/Flint Marko.
Robbie Robertson does his own investigation for evidence on who burned Silvermane’s place.
Ben confronts Silvermane’s henchmen.
Episode 3 – Double Cross
Ben’s hired by Silvermane to find an informant.
Robbie sees a commotion.
A funny moment with Ben doing an Edward G. Robinson impression, see? Hank Azaria mentioned Chief Wiggum’s voice is based on the actor.
Ben learns the truth behind the burning mansion.
Episode 4 – A Mistake I’ll Never Make Again
Ben watches a James Cagney movie. Again, Nic based his performance on Jimmy.
Ben fights a guy with powers like Electro.
Cat’s intention becomes crystal clear.
Episode 5 – Betrayal
A flashback shows Ben’s origin story. Not a repeat of the spider bite and Uncle Ben’s death.
Robbie makes a shocking discovery.
Ben & Robbie go on a stealth mission for clues.
Silvermane formulates a plan.
A funny moment with Ben doing a Peter Lorre impression.
At the 02:44 mark, a Wilhelm Scream is heard.
Episode 6 – Nightmare on a Gurney
Ben visits a hospital for answers.
Flashbacks provide more details surrounding Ben’s origin story.
Nic displays his wacky acting chops. In a good way.
Not a con. If you have a fear of spiders like me, a Nightmare Sequence will give you the heebie jeebies. A reason why I refuse to play Obsidian Entertainment’s “Grounded.” Why? Because it has spiders that can kill the player in one hit. It’s not fair. I have no desire to play the upcoming sequel. I defeated Shelob in “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” on PS2 allowing me to fight without the spider designated as a one hit kill boss. Having a game with a spider intended as a one hit kill enemy really draws the line.
Episode 7 – Nobody’s Hero
Ben gets into a fist fight.
Ben squares off with a supervillain.
Ben contemplates on his career.
Silvermane’s scheme progresses.
Episode 8 – The Man in the Mask
Last episode ties up (no pun intended) loose ends.
Ben has a final confrontation with Slvermane.
Ben squares off with yet another supervillain.
I can’t tell you the outcome. You’ll have to see for yourself.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Spider-Noir’s a surprise hit. I really enjoyed all eight episodes from start to finish. You done did good Sony, you done did good. Marvel’s killing it this year with great content like “X-Men ‘97,” “Daredevil: Born Again,” The Punisher’s Disney Plus special, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” “Marvel Rivals” & “Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls.” All we got left is Wolverine on PS5, “VisionQuest” & “Avengers: Doomsday.” If you’re interested in watching Spider-Noir, check it out on Prime Video or MGM Plus.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 