by ECI Released : 2023-06-07
Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse is the sequel to the 2018 film, Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse. The Spider-Verse films follow Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) who assumes the mantle of Spider-Man in the first film after being bit by a radioactive spider and the subsequent death of his universes Peter Parker.
The first film follows Miles as he befriends Spider People from different universes including a divorced and depressed Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson) who becomes his mentor and friend, and his love interest Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) aka Spider-Gwen/Spider-Woman. The sequel follows Gwen and Miles as they travel across the Spiderverse and come into conflict with new villains, and learn more about the history and fate of all Spider People.
The film jumps through different dimensions with different animation styles mirroring the changes different comic book artists would have when illustrating different comics. The villain, the Spot (Jason Schwartzman), is introduced like the standard villain of the week in many superhero films and media. In superhero films there's often villain of the weeks used more so in tv shows to progress the plot forward, but also used in films to demonstrate a heroes abilities with a successful and easy takedown of a villain often in the beginning of the film Then their is the big bad such as a Doc Oc, Green Goblin, etc these villains are the arch enemies of Spider-Man and not the common crook on the sidewalk who can easily be beaten. What makes the Spot so fantastic is despite his introduction he takes on the role as a big bad by getting stronger with his warping abilities due to feeling disrespected by Miles Morales. This makes his arc as a villain both hilarious and extremely entertaining.
The other new character who is a standout is Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099 (Oscar Isaac), a Spider-Man from the year 2099 who leads a society of Spider People from different earths who help keep order across the Spiderverse.
The film was a masterpiece with amazing performances from the entire cast, some of the best animation for any film, brisk action, comedy and emotional depth. Complete with a cliffhanger ending that sets up the final installment in the trilogy to be released next year. A must watch so go see it in a drive in or theater near you.
