When they discover a way to bring the dead back to life, their attempts to build their park in the land of the living pulls Kat into a quest to bring her parents back from the dead, the evil prison corporation into a plan to finally decimate the small town and build their ultimate school-to-prison pipeline. Thrown in are demon hunters, school cliques and possession-based super powers; this is not a film to just put on in the background. Hopefully the sheer amount of backstory and complex characters is enough for a sequel or a spin off.

Race and gender are core facets of the story, with the protagonist Kat being a black or African American girl. The prison system and anti-black racism in the US are inseparable, and Jordan Peele's groundbreaking debut as a director was the racism themed horror Get Out. Whilst the demons are Key and Peele and half of the villainous power couple is a black man, Kat being black is integral to the prison criticism theme. Likewise, the school is an all-girls school taught by nuns, and it's all but said that demon possession and the superpowers it comes with is a female-only experience. This centring of women in terms other than sexuality/relationships or stereotypically 'feminine' traits such as being supportive or cute, is still a bold and important decision, especially one for a mainly male writing and production team to have made.

Another powerful choice was made in regards to gender, and one that they could have easily not have included without any effect on the plot: Kat's friend and ally is her fellow pupil Raul. A boy at an all-girls school, there's a quick scene where the clique call him his old name and say its hard to get used to and one where his mother corrects an unheard voice on the phone that she has a son, but aside from that this canonically trans character is completely accepted as a boy called Raul by every single character. It's a lovely inclusive detail and a perfect example of trans characters not being defined by their gender, as he's an artist and one of the few characters not to have shady or conflicted motivations.

Of course, it's hard for an adult without children to judge a children's film. Will kids love it? Will it's important messages be lost on them or too much for them? I can't say, but I do know a lot of children's films are quick buck garbage full of toxic messages or simply advertising, so it's definitely worth trying it. It's a good child-friendly horror and entertaining for adults too. 

I make no secret that I love both Peter Parker and Miles Morales Spider-Mans, and keep meaning to buy more comics. So, bias acknowledged, I loved this. Miles is a brilliant character and having a new story to tell made up for it being an origin story. With the new versions of Peter Parker being a retired and out of shape divorcee and a black and white film noir detective, they felt like new characters. Peter, Gwen and Miles were well developed; Miles was really explored as the main character.

The family dynamics and new twist on Uncle Ben were interesting. With two spider-women as well, Miles' afro-latino representation and Peni's presumably Japanese origin really played into the theme of everyone being able to see themselves as Spider-Man. Miles' black costume and trainers and Gwen's white and pink hooded costume are both lovely twists on the red and blue classic; be prepared to see them cosplayed at many cons!

The villain of the film, whose dimension meddling is both the catalyst and goal of the film, is Kingpin. Looking quite different from his appearance in Netflix original Daredevil, he is a hint to a world with other heroes (namely Daredevil). To see this multi-verse interaction taken further or even done with other characters would be amazing. To bring my own biases up again, everyone's favourite fourth wall breaker Deadpool would be a giggle to see meet himself; likewise seeing him fawn over a more age appropriate Peter Parker would be a treat.

Tragic backstories are a staple of the superhero story. Some are shocking the first time you see them, and for any not familiar with Miles Morales it might be upsetting to see Spider-Man killed off unceremoniously at the start of the film. Miles' own Uncle Ben moment is emotionally well done, and every Spidey tells their own tragic beginnings.

While not suitable for very young children who might be scared by the action or upset at the death, it's a great family film that requires no background knowledge. Almost every aspect of it is a nice change.

It's hard to tell the actual accuracy as a Westerner, but the Japanese culture included feels authentic. The festival at the beginning feels realistic and specific rather than a vague amalgamation of different events, and Kubo's origami and instrument seem to be true to life, magical elements aside. A point of note on his instrument; it has three strings, and the two strings of the title will show up later in the plot as a highly symbolic moment. It's touching.

The monsters and enemies are complex, having motivations and goals. There are moments of sympathy for the big bad Moon King, and an adult viewer might wonder for a second if their nefarious actions will actually lead to a positive result... But this is a children's film, so don't worry about any "The hero accidentally ruins everything" downer endings. In fact, we get even more of a good and positive ending, with Kubo and co defeating the villain not only physically but ideologically. Good triumphs over evil in every way possible.

That's not to say the plot is twee and simple. Bad things happen, terrible things in fact, and there are plot reveals that are genuinely surprising. While one character's true identity is hinted at and hinted at, another's is not even questioned until it is revealed! The things that are obviously going to happen are used to disguise other plot details, which is a clever way to do things.

Catch it in the cinema if you still can, and don't even worry about taking a child if you aren't a parent. This is one kids' film no one will be judging you for going to see by yourself.