K.T Simpson
A surprise commercial and critical hit when released in 2018, Spider-Man : Into the Spider-Verse was a cool-looking (it looks like pop-art put on film) animated treat from Sony and Marvel that introduced audiences to a different incarnation of the web-slinger than they were use to seeing on screen : Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales.
Yes, Peter Parker appears in the film(s), as do some of the other characters you expect to see in the Spidey universe, but by-and-large Spider-Verse was Morales’ big moment. And what a triumphant one it was. Funny, packed with action, filled with surprises, and gob-smackingly cool to look at.
The sequel – the first of a trilogy, apparently – Across the Spider-Verse sees Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore) thrust into (or is that across?) the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of fellow Spider-People charged with the mission of protecting the existence of the group and its purpose. Morales is after the villainous ‘The Spot’ (Jason Schwartzman), who has been causing issues on his Earth and is now causing havoc across the multiverse, and after they’ve gotten over their pleasure of having an outsider invade their space, his fellow Spider-Man lend a helping web in taking the crook down.
A visual extravaganza that continues to snack, crackle, and pop, never stopping for a breath, Across the Spider-Verse is a beautifully written (it really tugs on the heart strings), surprisingly deep (it’s so thought-provoking), and fun-packed couple of hours. Featuring a bevy of great characters – aside from Morales, highlights include Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya), Indian Spider-Man (Karan Soni), gruff Spidey leader, Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Isaac) and the aforesaid ‘Spot’ – there’s a lot coming in, going on, and happening on screen.
Some might be a little bummed that, after a lengthy two-and-a-half hours, we discover the story is only half-way through, but for fans of Spider-Man and dynamic moviemaking, they’ll leave the theater nothing but pumped for more.
