***This review may contain some SPOILERS***
Watch the SPOILER review on YouTube
A sometimes too over-the-top Nic Cage leads a fun superhero series that’s actually more like 90% private detective noir and 10% superhero action.
The plot, like most noir mysteries, is pretty engaging. There’s a lot going on, and Ben Reilly is pulled deeper and deeper into the thick of things as seemingly unrelated stories coalesce in a way that seems organic. An attempted assassination of a mob boss, the mayor’s meetup with a lounge singer, and people with superpowers suddenly appearing and causing havoc are all threads the Ben begins to pull on and reveal a larger picture. However, there are some pacing issues where things occasionally slow down when they shouldn’t while important moments are sometimes glossed over too quickly.
The show lives and dies by Cage’s performance, and for the most part it works. While his Bogart impression coupled with some sheer goofy moments tend to straddle the line between quirky and silly, his jittery spider movements and some of his undercover character mannerisms can be groan worthy. The character himself is entertaining. Even though his superhero days are mostly behind him when the show starts, he’s an extremely talented detective with the ability to read people and talk himself out of some tight situations. Li Jun Li’s Cat Hardy is a solid femme fatale but unfortunately doesn’t have much in common with Felicia Hardy/The Black Cat besides the similar name. Meanwhile, Robbie Robinson and Janet Ruiz are solid supporting characters, especially how likable they come off compared to the jaded Reilly.
On the bad guy front, Brendan Gleeson delivers a strong performance as the big bad Silvermane, who is a much more grounded character here as opposed to the comics. Sandman and Tombstone are also dialed down a few notches from their comic counterparts and are played in much a more sympathetic light. The most over-the-top villain in the group is Megawatt, who despite being a late addition to the show, is able to bring chaotic energy to the story, both with his personality and his powers.
The show looks good overall, with the costumes, sets and props perfectly capturing the era. The special effects are not always the greatest. Some backgrounds and city shots almost look like cartoons, and the same goes for a lot of the web-swinging shots. I’ve watched some episodes in color and some in the black and white format and they both work. One version allows you to see all the vibrant sets and outfits in the higher end section of town, while black and white really sets the mood in the depression era streets and also really accentuates many of the noir-themed directorial choices.
“Spider-Noir” is both a fun detective story and a decent superhero show that’s both a bit edgy and a bit cartoony. Nic Cage brings his typical manic energy to the role and mostly delivers, as does the supporting cast. The season-long mysteries continue to drive the show till it’s time for the big season finale.
*** out of *****