It’s the animated film equivalent of “The Empire Strikes Back” or “The Godfather Part II”: a much-anticipated sequel that surpasses an already exceptional original. “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” now stands as a worthy contender in the discussion of superior sequels.
The first installment, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” garnered critical acclaim, raked in more than $380 million worldwide, and won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. With the superhero movie genre seemingly oversaturated, one might question the necessity of another Spider-Man film. However, the pure joy of witnessing multiple Spider-People interacting on-screen proves otherwise.
A Multiversal Adventure
In “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” Brooklyn teen Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore) juggles high school, his secret identity, and longing for his Spider-Buddies from other universes. Meanwhile, Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) copes with the loss of her best friend Peter Parker while her father seeks revenge on the superhero he believes responsible – his own daughter.
The story truly begins when a pregnant, motorcycle-riding Black Spider-Woman (voiced by Issa Rae) offers Gwen the chance to help other Spider-People across the multiverse. Together with Miles, they pursue a cow-print villain named The Spot (voiced by Jason Schwartzman). Their interdimensional chase ultimately leads them to the Spider-Society, overseen by Miguel O’Hara (voiced by Oscar Isaac).
The Spider-Society is a treasure trove of Easter eggs, delighting both casual fans and die-hard comic enthusiasts. The film’s balance of humor, tragedy, and drama perfectly captures the essence of the Spider-Man franchise.
Artful Animation and World-Building
The film’s producers, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, expertly navigate the multiversal setting with distinct and varied animation styles for each world. Gwen Stacy’s universe features impressionistic watercolors, while Spider-Man India’s Mumbattan boasts vibrant colors and dynamic movement.
These unique dimensions add depth to characters that may only appear briefly, making each Spider-Person feel like a fully realized individual from their own world.
A Refreshingly Accessible Superhero Film
Unlike the interconnected Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” doesn’t require prior knowledge to enjoy. A succinct recap at the film’s beginning welcomes all viewers, regardless of their familiarity with the first installment.
The movie skillfully balances emotion, progressiveness, and dazzling visuals while avoiding common pitfalls, such as manipulation, heavy-handedness, and overreliance on computer-generated imagery.
The Verdict
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” is an exhilarating, touching, and inventive sequel that is sure to be a strong contender for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards once more.
Rating: ★★★★★
Directors: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson
Cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac
Rated: PG for thematic elements, some language, and animated action violence.
How to Watch: In theaters Friday, June 2.
