Directors: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin Thompson
Actors: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, Jason Schwartzman
Rating: PG
‘Across the Spider-Verse’ is the 4 and a half years later sequel to ‘Into
the Spider-Verse’, with the third part of the trilogy – ‘Beyond the
Spider-Verse’ – thankfully only a 9-month wait. It doesn’t pick up right where
the first one finished, but starts with Gwen Stacy (Steinfeld) in her universe,
before we get re-introduced to now-15-years-old Miles Morales (Moore). It’s
probably not essential to have seen the first film, or any of the other ‘Spider-Man’
films, but it definitely helps – lots of little nods and references throughout.
This time the seemingly-innocuous villain is “The Spot” (Schwartzman),
who has a cool power and makes some good jokes, but actually has a solid arc,
which sets up the next film. Worth noting this is basically half a film (even
though it goes for 2 hours 15min), intentionally split in two. When Miles and
Gwen try to stop The Spot across the multiverse, they encounter a universe full
of Spider-Men, including the familiar Peter Parker (Johnson), with the 2099
version Miguel (Isaac) trying to act as the safekeeper of the multiverse, which
sets up a disagreement.
There’s a fair bit going on, obviously, and so many inside jokes and references
when we meet some of the various Spider-Men (would reward repeat viewings), but
at it’s heart it’s still a coming-of-age story with Miles and Gwen at it’s
centre, trying to do what’s right and prove themselves in the world(s). Soundtrack
will appeal to teens. I think the universe-hopping is handled well, but the
standout, as with the original, is the various types of animation and how they
change and fit each scene. The watercolours complement the CGI and classic cartoon
styles superbly. Some great new sidekick characters and set-up superbly for the
third (final?) film.
Overall: Still plenty of action & fun – bring on the finale!
Gav's Rating: 4 stars
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