Every frame of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a masterpiece. The sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse brings the world back to Miles Morales as he travels across the multiverse to team up with other Spider-People to stop a powerful new villain. The animation is simply jaw-dropping, and the action sequences are some of the best I’ve ever seen in an animated film.
The game-changing audio and visual storytelling combined with one of the purest Spider-Man stories ever set this film apart from any in the franchise, genre, or medium. Making it one of, if not the best, Spider-Man, Marvel, Superhero, and/or Animated film. If you’re a fan of animation, superheroes, or just great storytelling, then you need to see Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Every Frame is a Masterpiece
Into the Spider-Verse was already revolutionary for animation for blending so many different styles on top of playing with different frame rates, and so many other things I have no idea who to accurately talk about other than saying things like “awesome,” “wow,” or *jaw-drop.* But Across the Spider-Verse takes it to an entirely new level. The amount of different visual styles, designs, mediums in addition to what has to be different animation styles, frame rates, and renderings, is impossible to image, yet the team behind the film put it on screen for us to see. It is mesmerizing.
Each world has a unique visual flavor giving so much life to the film. But even on top of just being a visual marvel, it is a masterclass of visual storytelling. Without giving too much away, there’s a somber scene that involves a watercolor painting style, and the paint begins to run like it would on a water painting, but it also amplifies the somberness of the scene. It’s as if the world is crying for the character of focus. These amplified visual envelopments enhance the emotions, story points, and impact of everything. Watch Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse on the biggest and best screen you can.
Every Sound
Just as every frame is a masterpiece, so is every sound. The foley artist or team Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is without a doubt an Oscar-worthy team. The sound is fully enveloping and gives the film life. Combined with the mesmerizing visuals, the audio and video experience will have you forgetting you are watching an animated film. I am firmly in the camp of animation is cinema, and it deserves far more recognition and respect than it gets. Across the Spider-Verse will undoubtedly help further that and also show that the medium offers infinitely more options for creativity.
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The final touch that adds soul to the reality-warping film, is the music. There is Daniel Pemberton’s score which majestically transitions from each new world, new scene, and new emotion. It’s mind-blowing how he is able to give distinction between each world, yet still feel connected and part of a larger weave. It’s as if each world is a just a different word of the same language. And lastly the soundtrack, which is banger after banger fully reflecting and enhancing the story. As every frame is a masterpiece, every note is a symphony in Across The Spider-Verse.
Every Spider is Stupendous
This part can go on forever. I can not wait to get my 4K Blu-Ray and go through every single frame and try to pick out every single Spider-Person in the movie. There are numerous tiny and almost unheard-of Spideys that just make those $3 I spent on random comic books that weren’t on my pull list worth it. Seasoned fans are in for the ultimate easter egg hunt. Big hint, not all the cameos come in the form of Spider-People.
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But among the vast web of Spider-People, there are those that just swing ahead of the pack. Miguel O’hara, Jessica Drew, Peter B. Park, Gwen Stacey, and Miles Morales. Granted the story is designed to highlight them, but the actors portraying them are fantastic. Issa Rae’s gravitas radiates from Jessica Drew. Audiences will feel her presence and understand why she’s the perfect mentor to Gwen.
Speaking of mentors, Jake Johnson’s Peter B. Parker’s tremendous change is so warm and happy. It’s weird to experience such mirth from Johnson, but he pulls it off spectacularly. In contrast, there’s Oscar Isaac’s Miguel O’Hara. Isaac hits tremendous levels of brooding and resolution. He masterfully finds the line of antagonist but not a villain. He is in opposition to Miles, but he is not the bad guy, just a guy devout to the cause.
Then there’s Gwen and Miles. Both Hailee Steinfeld and Shamiek Moore are given great opportunities to really explore their characters, and both deliver powerful performances. Individually they’re a movement, but together they’re a force. This isn’t just limited to Moore and Steinfeld, as the cast had much more opportunity to run lines together this time, and it really does give it an unexplainable boost of quality. It is just extremely evident with Gwen and Miles. It’s hard to point out exact examples without giving away parts of the story. But you will feel it, especially when things are revealed.
Everything is Somehow Better Than the Original
Somehow, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse found a way to surpass Into the Spider-Verse. It is one of the rare films to do so, but the film also gives extreme confidence that the next film, Beyond the Spider-Verse, will be even better. The Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a complete masterpiece in every sense, and it’s not even the complete story! The film is a full-on “to be continued.” It evokes powerful emotions, intense entertainment, and inspires. It simultaneously leaves you desiring more and fully satisfied. When the film ends, you’ll be at a loss for words but in excess of fulfillment.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is perfect, 10/10!
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse swings into theatres on June 2, 2023.
About Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Release date: June 2, 2023 (USA)
Directors: Joaquim Dos Santos, Justin K. Thompson, Kemp Powers
Written by: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, David Callaham
Producers: Avie Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Christopher MIller, Christina Steinberg
Production: Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Marvel Entertainment, Arad Productions, Lord Miller Productions, Pascal Pictures
Distribution: Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group, Sony Pictures Releasing
Runtime: 140 minutes / 2hr 20min
Post Credits: None (leave so they can clean the theater)
Cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Vélez, Jake Johnson, Jason Schwartzman, Issa Rae, Karan Soni, Daniel Kaluuya, Oscar Isaac
Synopsis
Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.
Do you already have your tickets for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse? Are you excited for Miles’ next big adventure? Will you rewatch the first film before the second one? Share your thoughts and reactions with us on social media!
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