Spider-Man Across The Spider-Verse Review: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ : A sequel, unlike the rest, Across the Spider-Verse is a visually pleasing spectacle that will keep any SpiderMan fan at the edge of their seat. The stakes are higher and it may even be better than its predecessor (Into the Spider-Verse). Its bold artwork shines throughout as we’re transported into the multiverse. It’s almost too much, but there’s no doubt future filmmakers/animators will use this movie as a great example of how far you can go with animation.
Warning: Minor spoilers ahead
A Spider-Verse Worth of Problems
After a little over a year, Miles Morales (Shamiek Moore) is a full-time Spider-Man, though, in typical webhead fashion, his personal life could use some work. He misses his Spider-Verse friends, especially Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) because he doesn’t have anyone he can relate to or talk about his problems with. His isolation aside, he’s being pressured by his parents to do things he may not even want to do.
Identity is one of the ongoing themes, and it’s portrayed in a sense of accuracy and relatability. Many people, especially youth, tend to struggle with who they are and what they want to do with their lives. Miles is in that position early on and on top of that, he finds out there are still problems with the multiverse.
Villain of the Week
There are many holes throughout each universe, causing villains to pop in and out of different timelines. The good news (maybe not for Miles’ case), is that there’s an army of Spider people: The Spider Society, tasked to patch these holes. Leading the group is vampire Spider-Man Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Isaac). Who’s an instant hit with audiences and a stand out in the film.
With no spoilers, things get real for Miles fast. Miguel is determined with his mission and is brutally honest to anyone who stands in his path. Besides the well-written drama, the comedy and surprises will have any Spider-Man fan asking themselves: “Is that who I think it is?” The cameos alone got people talking during opening weekend (plus a few audio issues that were resolved).
The Verdict
As Miles begins to step into his own, he finally makes the choices he wants to make and soon realizes there may be more than his own life at stake. Across the Spider-Verse does its job and then some, upping the stakes, pleasing its fans, and setting up Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. Plus, I don’t think anyone would mind more Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya). The film is another near-perfect Spider-Man movie.
Rating: 4/5 stars