Hold onto your spider-senses, because "Across the Spider-Verse" is spinning its web of excitement! Miles Morales, our favorite teen Spider-Man, is back, and this time, he's facing a double life dilemma that would make even the most seasoned hero squirm.
As his parents grow suspicious, Miles must navigate the treacherous path of teenagehood while fending off the pesky yet comically perfect goober, Spot (played by the talented Jason Schwartzman). But Spot isn't your ordinary villain; he transforms into a "transdimensional super-being" that poses a real threat to the delicate balance of the multiverse. Can Miles save the day while keeping his secret identity intact?
Meanwhile, in a separate universe, we reunite with Gwen Stacy, a.k.a. Spider-Gwen (played by the fantastic Hailee Steinfeld). Gwen has joined forces with the enigmatic Spider Society, a group of multiverse-jumping heroes dedicated to restoring order. Led by the brooding Spider-Man 2099, Miguel O'Hara (masterfully portrayed by Oscar Isaac), they embark on missions to fix the anomalies scattered across different worlds. But when Gwen and Miles cross paths once again, and Miles discovers the Spider Society, he starts questioning his role in the Spider-Verse. Could he be the very threat he's trying to stop?
"Spider-Verse" accomplishes the incredible feat of not only capturing the magic of its predecessor but also expanding on the multiverse concept, characters, and stakes without overwhelming the story or relying solely on fan service. In fact, it even outshines "Spider-Man: No Way Home" in exploring alternate versions of Spider-Man. The inclusion of clips and cameos from past animated and live-action Spider-Man media seamlessly integrates with the overall narrative, creating a cohesive and nostalgic experience.
The Spider Society, with its delightfully bizarre assortment of spider-entities like Spider-Cowboy, Spider-Cat, Spider-Baby, and Spider-Dinosaur, offers a visual feast for the audience. The movie showcases a blend of visual gags, vibrant palettes, and animation styles during the captivating action sequences featuring the Spider-folk. It's like a chaotic explosion of a meme (yes, that pointing meme) brought to life on the big screen.
Each Spider-hero we encounter, even in fleeting moments, feels fully realized and adds depth to the story. Even if you're not well-versed in '80s and '90s comics, you'll appreciate the nods to different eras and styles. Spider-Man India, a.k.a. Pavitr Prabhakar (voiced by Karan Soni), embraces contemporary Indian fashion, while Spider-Punk (portrayed by Daniel Kaluuya) exudes a rebellious coolness reminiscent of '80s London punk culture. The characters' movements, from Pavitr's fluid web-slinging to Spider-Punk's stomps and thrashing, and Gwen's graceful acrobatics, speak volumes about their personalities. It's a perfect fusion of buoyant dialogue, highly stylized character designs, and dynamic animation.
The voice cast deserves a round of applause for their impressive performances. Issa Rae brings an affable tough-love vibe to the pregnant, kinky-haired, motorcycle-riding Spider-Woman, Jessica Drew. And Oscar Isaac, known for his exacting portrayals, shines as the slightly unhinged and self-serious Spider-Man, akin to the Dark Knight. But let's not forget Hailee Steinfeld's Gwen Stacy, who gets a well-deserved spotlight in this film. We delve deeper into her tragic backstory and her feelings of displacement, both in her world and her own home. She's accompanied by a driving pop-punk theme, which adds to the killer soundtrack bursting with rock, hip-hop, and reggaeton, creating an immersive comic book experience.
The directing team of Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson masterfully crafts a beautifully realistic and multicultural New York City. They pay attention to the minutest details, whether it's showcasing a wheelchair basketball game in full swing or a shelf of beef patties in a Jamaican bodega. Both "Spider-Verse" films, part of an exciting trilogy, create dimension not only through animation but also in the heart of the story itself.
Beyond the action-packed multiverse adventures, "Spider-Verse" raises intriguing questions about the limits of the canon and the significance of tragedy in a Spider-Man origin story. Does every hero need a defining loss, such as the death of Uncle Ben or Aunt May? And can these heroes find solace and kinship in their shared experiences of trauma?
The only downside to "Spider-Verse" is the merciless cliffhanger ending that leaves us hanging by a thread. It sets the stage for a two-part journey, which promises an abundance of story but limited time to tell it. Nevertheless, "Across the Spider-Verse" never fails to keep you entertained, with its captivating characters, comedic moments, and thoughtful exploration of the Spider-Verse. It's proof that when it comes to Spider-Man, the possibilities are endless, and a multiverse filled with hundreds of Spideys is a recipe for an unforgettable cinematic experience.
"Across the Spider-Verse" is a must-see film that expands the multiverse, delivers heart-pounding action, and explores the emotional journeys of our favorite Spider-heroes. With a killer soundtrack, stunning animation, and a web of captivating characters, this movie is a thrilling ride you don't want to miss!