Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

 

In 2018 I went to the movies and saw the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse because it looked interesting and seemed like a nice way to spend a couple of hours. I was treated to one of if not the best Spider-Man films I’ve ever seen and couldn’t wait for a sequel.  Now five years later, following seemingly endless delays and push backs Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has finally made it to the big screen.  I couldn’t get to my local theater fast enough to see it. 

Holy crap!

They say that patience is a virtue, be that as it may, in this case it also pays off.  In spades.

I’m still reeling from watching this one and I definitely need/want to see it again.  Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is phenomenal.  I was hoping for a repeat of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in terms of quality and viewing experience, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse easily meets if not exceeds that.  

Once again there’s an amazing soundtrack. The visuals are eye popping and jaw dropping. Spectacular animation that goes multimedia. The story is dense (in the best way), textured, layered, and intricate. The writing is incredible replete with twists and turns that had me audibly gasping, clueless to where the story was heading and happy to just be swept along. The acting mesmerizing, delivering first class characterization and development. Altogether Across the Spider-Verse is a film that just keeps on giving in every aspect.

While expansive, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse keeps Miles Morales (Shameike Moore) his family, and his journey front and center. A true linchpin in the unfolding story. We also get treated to a deeper dive into Gwen Stacy’s (Hailee Steinfeld) Spider-Woman role in an unexpected and rewarding way.  

The voice acting is glorious. The amount of heart, warmth, depth, vulnerability, etc. the cast brings is unparalleled. Simply put all the characters in this film are more believable, more three-dimensional, relatable, and nuanced than most films.  The pacing is on point, even the numerous young kids had no problems staying engaged. For 2 hours and 20 minutes, in a packed movie theater, they pulled me in and had me completely absorbed in their story to the exclusion of all else. I may as well have been in the theater by myself because it was all about the movie. When the film ended, I was shocked. I actually cried in surprise, “What?! No!” and suffered my only movie disappointment.  

Talk about leaving ‘em wanting more. And how. 

It really doesn’t get any better than that.

By the way, no credit scenes this go round. Just a promise of a return.

That’s an apt sentiment for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.  There are quite a few multiverse films floating around these days, but it doesn’t get any better than this.  There are so many things happening within (as a non comic book person, I especially appreciated the little popup info to keep me in the know) and about this film that I haven’t mentioned that are stellar, I don’t feel like I’m doing it justice. But I really don't want to say too much for fear of giving away some of the fun. 

Just go see it for yourself. 

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse from start to finish is an embarrassment of riches that needs to be seen and heard on the big screen to truly appreciate what a perfect movie masterpiece has been created.  I can’t wait until March 29, 2024 for Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a 10 without a doubt.

Minor SPOILER ALERT:

In case like me you didn’t know. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a part 1, so you’re left with a cliff hanger at the end. 

END SPOILER ALERT

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