Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Raises The Bar On Animation (Again)

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse raises the bar when it comes to animation, again. This film is visually stunning, but it’s also full of emotion.

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse raised the bar with its unique animation style and way of storytelling. Minds were blown when it was released and therefore fans thought there was no way it could be topped. Think again. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse raises its own bar, something that seemed truly impossible.

This film catches viewers up on what Gwen Stacy and Miles Morales have been up to over the last year and four months. They have both been through a lot, and are both dealing with some heavy family issues. When Miles is suddenly sent across the multiverse, he finds himself meeting even more new Spider-People.

New villain, The Spot, is not the only threat of the film, and the Spider-People don’t exactly agree on how to handle them. Their very existence is at stake here. What follows is a heart-pounding, intense, adventure that fans will be thrilled to go on alongside Miles.

It should come as no surprise that the visual component to this film is something truly extraordinary. Each of the Spider-Verses that we enter has its own look and style, combining multiple versions of animation. It is clear by looking at this movie that it was a beast to bring together. The team must have poured blood, sweat, and tears into it — and it all paid off for them. 

With the multiverse opening up everywhere, there are a lot of fun surprises for fans in this movie. I don’t want to spoil them but trust me when I say you will be cheering, laughing, clapping, and heck, you might even cry. This movie does a great job of bringing the Sony-Verse and the Marvel Cinematic Universe together, even if just for a brief moment. There are many winks and nods that are extremely exciting, and fans will appreciate them being a part of this movie.

Colors are used perfectly throughout Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse. They enhance the key moods that the script is highlighting. Without digging too much into spoilers, there is one scene in particular between Gwen and her father where the use of color shines, and it brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it now.

Related: Chris Miller & Phil Lord Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Interview

How’s The Villain, The Spot?

When it comes to the villain, The Spot, voiced by Jason Schwartzman, he is just getting started. He brings a lot of the comic relief, especially at the start of the film. His portals allow for some really incredible action sequences that go all out, as you can see in the photo above. 

While he is a major part of the plot for Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, there is a lot more going on in this movie. There are multiple threats that come along with a multiverse being blown open and all, and The Spot is just a small part of that. However, we all know a third film is right around the corner, and The Spot is sure to be a much bigger part of that one. His journey is just set up in this film, and we can’t wait to see where he goes next.

It’s Gorgeous

The first Spider-Verse film broke the mold. It did something that no one knew was possible in the way of animation and felt like it was truly ripped from the pages of a comic book, right down to every last detail. Not only does that continue in this one, it is raised to a whole new level. Cascading through the multiverse was the smartest way to be able to include several animated looks, each one with something unique and interesting to it. 

Nearly every shot of the film could be printed out and hung up as a poster. Each style is impressive, but it is when they all share the same scene that they truly shine. The way that this film uses color to express, extend, and enhance the emotional beats is done with pure perfection. This film is stunning. Absolutely stunning.

The Story Is Captivating

Here’s the thing though. A movie can be beautiful and not work at all because the story is lacking. Luckily, that is not the case here at all. The story itself is not only good, it’s great, sure to captivate audiences from the very start.

Both Gwen and Miles are dealing with family issues, which adds depth to the story as well as another way for them to connect. Once viewers start to understand exactly what is going down, something we will not dive into for fear of spoilers, the story gets emotional. Like, really emotional. It is intense and the stakes are high. 

Tears will be shed, for sure, as major twists and reveals are thrown at you. The third act comes like rapid fire, with a massive cliffhanger that will leave jaws on the floor. The whole film is a journey, but the final thirty minutes or so will have your brain spinning, in a good way.

This is a story about writing your own story. If it doesn’t inspire those watching to take their lives into their own hands and tell those trying to tell them what to do to shove it where the sun don’t shine, then I don’t know what will. The themes and messaging here are powerful, inspirational, and emotional.

Don’t worry though, to break up the intensity, there are many laugh out loud moments. The humor hits and never misses. And the cameos, oh the cameos. All I can say is get ready. 

The Action Is On Point

What would a superhero movie be without action sequences? Not good, to be honest. Well don’t worry because this one is jam packed with them. There are times when the Spider-People work together to take on villains that will have your jaw on the floor because of how the animation styles come together. 

That being said, it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Other times you will be hanging onto the edge of your seat as it is Spider vs. Spider and you just hope they all come out unscathed. The soundtrack and score during these scenes will have your blood pumping and your heart pounding as you get the urge to throw a punch or two yourself (just be sure you don’t!).

Overall Thoughts

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse is filled with twists and turns, major reveals, emotional beats, exciting surprises, and truly stunning visuals. Not only does it feel like it ties into the greater MCU’s multiverse in a way, it is able to do its own thing without getting repetitive. Something that is impressive.

This movie is the Spider-Verse’s Avengers: Infinity War. It ends on a cliffhanger that will have viewers begging for more. Considering the film was originally titled Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Part One, there should be no surprise that things will end the way they do.

There is a danger in doing something like this that the movie will feel too much like a setup without a payoff. That is not the case here at all. While it certainly has a lot more to come, it does resolve some things, while leaving others as a bread crumb for the next film, Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse.

Clocking in at over two hours long, this animated feature doesn’t drag at all, but in actuality flies by. There is a lot going on with the story that will have audiences glued to the screen so they won’t even notice the length. What is developing is important not only for this film, but clearly for the next one. This is only part of the story, and while I am excited for what is to come, I am also quite terrified.

This is one of those movies that you will need to see more than once just so you can take in all that it has to offer. There is so much to look at in every single scene that you are sure to miss things the first time you watch. I personally cannot wait to let my eyeballs feast on the visuals again. Just taking into consideration the amount of Spider-People that appear and those cameos, it is impossible to see them all without being able to pause and zoom in on the image.

Honestly, I was not sure how they were going to be able to top the first one. But they did while simultaneously leaving me begging for more. unless Disney’s Wish exceeds expectation as well, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse has the award for best animated film of the year in the bag.

Rating: 5 out of 5

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About Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

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 the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence.

But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most. Anyone can wear the mask – it’s how you wear it that makes you a hero.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse swings into theaters June 2nd.