Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, which released in theaters on June 2, is yet another stunning work of art from Sony Animation from start to finish.
Miles Morales catapults across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. When the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles must redefine what it means to be a hero.
With the release of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in 2019 we were taken back by the beauty of the use of mixed animation techniques blended together to make a stunning film to watch in addition to a great storyline to follow. Across the Spider-Verse doesn’t skip a beat. The use of different animation styles for each character, as well as the color schemes attached to the spider person is perfect.
While some may wish the Spider-Verse films were live action, there is no way they would come across the way they do as animated films. Each scene is like a piece of artwork that you can watch over and over and get a new take and feel for the design.
In addition to being such a stellar piece of visually artwork, the story is outstanding. With introduction similar to the first film, to Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy growing respectively into more mature human beings, to giving us a well rounded and outstanding sequel. You almost feel the growth of the film while watching.
The cameos, first appearances and more of all the new spider-people were in the hundreds and will take many viewings to try and catch each one. Some of the new characters got more screen time than others, but here is to hoping we get more spider-people front-and-center in future films. Comic book fans will rejoice in catching all the different cameos, that is for sure!
We give the music in the first movie a slight edge, but that is not to say the music in the sequel is bad. Across the Spider-Verse had a lot to live up to with the outstanding Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack.
While there was no post-credit scene, a fairly rare thing when it comes to a Marvel movie, it is not needed. You will all understand when you see the end of this film.
Not sure we can get all the excitement and love for Across the Spider-Verse onto our keyboards while writing this…we are definitely going to need a few more watchings to really take it all in and digest.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson (in their feature directorial debuts), from a screenplay written by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and David Callaham. Lord also co-wrote the screenplay for the first film.
Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld returned to voice and co-star as Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy respectively. Brian Tyree Henry voiced Jefferson Davis, Luna Lauren Vélez voiced Rio Morales, Jake Johnson returned as Peter B. Parker, Jason Schwartzman joined as Jonathan Ohnn / Spot, Issa Rae as Jessica Drew / Spider-Woman, Karan Soni as Pavitr Prabhakar / Spider-Man India, Daniel Kaluuya as Hobart “Hobie” Brown / Spider-Punk, Oscar Isaac as Miguel O’Hara / Spider-Man 2099 and Andy Samberg as Ben Reilly / Scarlet Spider.
The third film in the series, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, is set to hit theaters on March 29, 2024 depending on a delays.
