Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a bombastically loud and unashamed sequel that effortlessly captures the spirit of its predecessor while pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling. This film continues to showcase the extraordinary appeal of Spider-Man, inviting audiences of all ages to embrace their inner heroes. From the moment the movie begins, it treats us to a jaw-dropping array of Spider-characters, including adorable spider-babies, a tyrannical-looking spider-rex and many other incarnations all bitten by a radioactive spider.
However, what sets this film apart is its depth beyond mere fan service. Amidst the galaxy of subtle blink-and-you-‘ll-miss-them cameos and Easter eggs, Across the Spider-Verse explores the very essence of Spider-man and what that means. It courageously confronts the disruption of long-established canon and grapples with the existential crisis that arises. This paradox creates a cinematic experience teetering between boundless creativity and the responsibility of honouring the rich history of Spider-Man in the comics, movies, lego and gaming universe.
Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), leads the charge in this extraordinary battle. Joined by the luchador-like Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Isaac) and the pregnant Spider-Woman Jessica Drew (Issa Rae), they embark on a mind-bending adventure to mend the fabric of space and time. All the while, our beloved hero, Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), finds himself at the centre of this cosmic upheaval, juggling his personal life, a relentless villain with black-hole skin breakouts, and an undeniable crush on Gwen. The Villain of the Week Spot (Jason Schwartzman) is perfectly crafted as his powers and threat to the multiverse grows. It’s a great step-up from the previous film and weaving in the Spider society is fantastic.
Across the Spider-Verse takes visual storytelling to new heights with its breathless stylistic verve. The film effortlessly shape-shifts through an awe-inspiring range of comic book styles, from Impressionist watercolours to futurist landscapes inspired by the legendary Syd Mead. The level of innovation and attention to detail is unparalleled, with each frame evoking a sense of connection between the viewer and the text, reminiscent of the intimate bond between the reader and the comic book. The consistent flips between sequences and the relating comic book also helps non-comic book fans to understand what character and version we are looking at on screen.
Directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Justin K. Thompson, Kemp Powers, and the talented screenwriting duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller create the ultimate Spider-Man experience here for fans across all mediums. The environments glitch with inter-dimensional unease and characters are brought to life through inspired artistic choices, such as paper Da Vinci-esque creations. The result is a visual feast that surpasses anything we’ve seen in comic book films before, including both live-action and animation.
Yet, Across the Spider-Verse is more than just a dazzling spectacle. It delves into profound themes of identity, fate, and the power of choice. Miles Morales represents a new generation of heroes, challenging the established order of the Multiverse and questioning the necessity of predetermined paths. This thought-provoking narrative simultaneously thrills and terrifies, presenting a hero who has the potential to rewrite the rules and forge their own destiny. It is a daring take on the overused tropes in the comic book film landscape, and just when you think you know what’s going to happen, the script flips it up and forges ahead with its own ideas.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a triumphant continuation of the franchise. Its infectious energy, remarkable visuals, and heartfelt storytelling make this the best Spider-Man film ever made. This film serves as a testament to the boundless creativity and talent behind it. So, buckle up, swing into the Multiverse, and prepare to be captivated by this exhilarating and thought-provoking cinematic experience you will never forget.
Spider-Man : Across The Spider-Verse is in cinemas now
