Coming from the heels of the critically acclaimed ‘Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse’, is the follow up most Spidey fans have been waiting for. I’m super happy to say, that not only has Sony Animation met expectations with their second entry of the series, but that they managed to do what most thought to be the impossible, they surpassed the first film. Many comic book fans have claimed “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse” to be one of the best comic book movies of all time, so to say that they were able to make something even greater than that, feels like a dream. I’m sure I speak for most when I say, we couldn’t be happier. *Minor spoilers ahead*
Right from the start of the film, we are thrown back into the colorful and beautiful world that the Spider-Verse movies have to offer, and this time, they push the envelope even further on what can be accomplished in the animation medium. You thought ‘Into The Spider-Verse’ had jaw dropping, gorgeous animation? Get ready to fall in love with ‘Across The Spider-Verse.’ The movie is an absolute artistry feast. There is nothing quite like this out there in the animation space. The bar was set so high with ‘Into The Spider-Verse’ that so many other animation projects have taken inspiration off of it’s style. With this film, they’ve once again reinvented the animation landscape by pushing the boundaries of creativity unlike what anything you’ve ever seen before. There’re so many different animation styles that clash and collide in this film that serve a purpose in the narrative by making certain characters and their worlds stand out from each other. Every frame of this film is beautiful, purposeful, and adds to it’s identity and storytelling, but beyond the movie’s beautiful animation, the film itself, the story, and the characters are so well balanced and very well done. There is so much love, passion and charm in this film, it will make any Spidey fan happy.
The movie expands on the premise of there being multiple different Spider-Men from different universes, and showing how they’re all part of a large group that help protect all the realms, all led by Miguel O’ Hara, also known as Spiderman 2099. He acts as the opposite book end to Mile Morales’ character, whom the storytellers never forget, is the main core of it’s story. So much love, care, and respect is given to Miles as we follow him through his journey of growing up and stepping into big shoes and juggling all of these newfound responsibilities. The voice acting is top notch, and Shameik Moore, who voices Miles, was fantastic here. Same goes with Hailee Steinfeld, who does the voice acting for Gwen Stacey. Gwen becomes a bigger part of the story as we’re shown more about her backstory as well as the role she plays amongst the home base of the Spider-Men.
‘Across The Spider-Verse’ is great when it comes to unraveling story arcs, and having fun with it’s handful of different Spider-Men. My personal favorite, is Spider-Punk. He’s just so cool, it’s hard not to smile. Every new Spider-Man character that we’re introduced to has their moment to shine. They all serve a purpose to the story, and add on to the main narrative in such creative ways. We’re also brought back some of our faves from the previous film.
Without being overly-spoilish, I can’t wait to see where the confirmed next film takes us. This one ends on a major cliffhanger and right before some things are set to take off. ‘Across The Spider-Verse’ is a celebration for many things, a coming of age story, comic books, animation, Spider-Man, and anyone who can appreciate a well told, and creative story with a lot of heart. It’s no surprise the movie is getting rave reviews and is also a big hit at the box office. This film deserves it’s flowers and all the love and praise it’s getting right now.
‘Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse is out in theaters now
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