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Ever since I first learned that a "Spider-Noir" series was coming to our screens, I've been beyond excited. "Into the Spider-Verse" was my first introduction to the character, and I was thrilled to be getting to know this hard-boiled webslinging detective a little better.
- Rating: 4/5 stars
- Verdict: "Spider-Noir" is a live-action Spider-Man adventure with plenty of character, in every sense of the word. It boasts strong character work from its main cast, atmosphere, and action, and a twisting plot that'll keep you hooked.
- Where to watch: Watch from May 25 on MGM+'s linear broadcast channel / May 27 on Prime Video
While he was a supporting character in that Marvel movie, this version of Spider-Noir (officially known in the show as "The Spider") is fully fleshed out, with a tragic backstory event included, and I'm convinced you'll love spending eight episodes watching him unravel his latest case.
Yes, after binge-watching all eight episodes of "Spider-Noir" in advance of its release, I'm pleased to report that I think "Spider-Noir" needs to go on your Prime Video watchlist; you can find out why below.
What is 'Spider-Noir' about?
"Spider-Noir" takes us back in time to Depression-era New York City. Private investigator Ben Reilly (Nicolas Cage) once walked the streets as the city's sole superhero, the Spider, but he retired from the superhero game after a personal tragedy. However, he's forced to reckon with that heroic past when he stumbles into a mysterious new case, one that sees him dealing with a notorious criminal kingpin (but not that Kingpin), a femme fatale, and several super-powered foes.
In addition to Cage, "Spider-Noir" also stars Lamorne Morris, Li Jun Li, Abraham Popoola, Karen Rodriguez, Jack Huston and Brendan Gleeson (among others).
'Spider-Noir' is an atmospheric mystery/action show
"Spider-Noir" is a very entertaining visit to a unique corner of the superhero multiverse, a world that's handsomely realized and inhabited by strong characters. I'm not a noir expert, but the clash between that grounded genre and the Marvel multiverse works really well.
Chief among our cast is Nicolas Cage's hardboiled detective, Ben Reilly, a man haunted by his past and tempted to turn his back on his heroism. Cage already lent his voice to one of the Spider-Verse's many Peter Parkers, but he inhabits the Bogart-esque Ben Reilly wholly. If you're a fan of his character work, I'm sure you'll be a fan of Ben Reilly, too, especially in his wackier moments.
He's matched by some entertaining allies (Lamorne Morris and Karen Rodriguez) and a handful of characters from Spidey's rogues gallery, including a femme fatale, Cat Hardy (Li Jun Li), and a gleeful turn from Brendan Gleeson as the villainous crime boss, Silverman, plus Andrew Lewis Caldwell (a scene-stealing performance, in my opinion).
It's a show that promises and delivers tense exchanges and an intriguing central case, but also (as you can see in the trailer) snapshots of action. It also weaves in humor along the way: expect crime-fighting to be accompanied by some sillier moments. I never felt like the stakes were undermined, but these brief injections of levity still always landed for me.
Finally, I want to note that I think watching "Spider-Noir" in "Authentic Black & White" enhanced the viewing experience: it made the whole season feel just a little more dramatic. The show's definitely modeled on and designed to fit within the genre, and thus, there are scenes and sequences shot to make the most of this style, and they look good.
Episodes are also available in "True-Hue Full Color" and work well there, too, but I think the moodier aesthetic definitely suits "Spider-Noir" better. And seeing as we're dealing with a show as stylish as this, I think it's worth at least trying to watch it this way.
All things said, I thoroughly enjoyed this season of "Spider-Noir," and even if I thought the show as a whole may have sagged a little in some places, the intrigue, the characters, and the show's presentation pulled me through, and I'd definitely recommend checking it out when you can.
"Spider-Noir" premieres May 25 on MGM+'s linear broadcast network or May 27 on Prime Video
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