Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) Movie Review

Synopsis:

Gwen Stacy (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld) and Brooklyn’s hero, Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore), venture into the multiverse. Miles soon meets a society of Spider-People, with a mission to protect the multiverse.

Review:

Into the Spider-Verse altered fans’ perception of what animation and creativity could achieve.

It had a bold visual style, fast-paced action, and an appreciation for the source material. Across the Spider-Verse sought to continue this trend.

Across the Spider-Verse contains many fan-pleasing moments.

This is despite the film not being as well-paced or consistent with its themes as Into the Spider-Verse was.

As with the first entry, this sequel includes Spider-Man references galore.

This includes references to live-action depictions of the character and video games. It also references Spider-Man's many comic appearances.

While some get used during important story moments, it’s clear that most of them are there for fan service.

Yet another positive aspect of Across the Spider-Verse is the very dynamic, colorful, and often impressive visual style.

Miles journeys through the multiverse in this film. Given that, the visuals display this journey very well.

Each location in the multiverse has a distinctive style.

These get brought to life through bright colors and elaborate superhero outfits. There are also many multiverse-related escapades.

This film’s visuals match those of the first entry, providing many standout moments.

They also apply to a reoccurring antagonist. In the film, he's referred to as The Spot (voiced by Jason Schwartzman).

At first, this character is somewhat of a joke, yet as the film progresses, he becomes a threat to the multiverse.

Across the Spider-Verse also showcases The Spot’s unique ability to create portals. This occurs during several action sequences.

At first, the animations for him are standard. They soon become more creative during later sequences.

Action sequences, in general, contain the same fast-paced nature as the first entry.

As a whole, this film is still impressive from a visual standpoint.

Despite this, there can be too much happening on screen at any given time. Every 5 seconds or so, the film switches styles in an instant.

This displays the film’s creativity with action sequences. Regardless, it does become more disorienting during the film’s first half.

Despite these issues, the film’s visual style should be enough to compensate for most fans.

Also, there are moments during the film’s first half that can slow the momentum down.

These include by-the-numbers drama with Miles’ family. This includes a rooftop party and some out-of-place humor.

Once these scenes end, though, the film’s pacing improves.

During the second half, this film ups the stakes. It presents audiences with a tangible threat.

During these sequences, an emphasis is on Miguel O’Hara, a.k.a Spider-Man 2099 (voiced by Oscar Isaac).

Miguel is a character with a mysterious past. He's a man with a constant mission to protect the multiverse.

In this film, Miguel, borders on grey from a moral standpoint.

It’s clear the character will go to any means necessary, yet in the pursuit of good intentions.

Based on these qualities, this makes him the film’s most intriguing character.

Shameik Moore’s performance as Miles is good yet again. Miles’ interactions with his mother, Rio Morales (voiced by Luna Lauren Vélez) are also good.

This also includes ones with his father Jefferson Davis (voiced by Brian Tyree Henry).

More familiar faces include Gwen Stacy and Miles’ previous mentor Spider-Man (voiced by Jake Johnson).

Hailee yet again proves a suitable choice for voicing Gwen. As a result, this presents natural interactions with Shameik’s Miles.

As a whole, these interactions are well done. Despite this, Jake Johnson’s Spider-Man is more of a comedic character this time around.

While this was the case with the first entry, it’s turned into a joke in this film.

In the next entry, Peter should become the hero all fans know he can be.

Also, the film’s soundtrack doesn’t stand out as much compared to its predecessor.

Original songs such as Post Malone’s “Sunflower” and “What’s Up Danger” by Black Caviar and Blackway helped Into the Spider-Verse stand out.

With Across the Spider-Verse, though, there’s no such track that makes as much of an impact.

Conclusion:

As a whole, Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse is a visual spectacle.

Each location, character, and animation has life thanks to the film’s vibrant visuals.

This film’s action sequences are good, utilizing the same, fast-paced nature of the first entry.

This film’s ever-altering visual style can get in the way of enjoying the action to its fullest. Despite this, the film’s directors present audiences with showcases of their visual creativity.

The Spot showcases this creativity, being a recurring threat in the film.

Each of these sequences displays the character’s creative use of portals. These are present in his encounters with Miles.

Across the Spider-Verse also has difficulty establishing its purpose during the first half.

This is evident with Miles’ drama with his family and humor that misses its mark.

Despite this, the film's second half does improve. It includes some much-needed character agency and stakes.

As stated, Miguel O’Hara, a.k.a Spider-Man 2099, is a character willing to go to any means necessary.

Despite good intentions, it’s clear that his methods clash with other heroes, such as Miles.

This is a character that stood out as one of the film's most consistent.

Also, his brief clash with Miles can provide a good focal point going into the next film.

Characters such as Gwen Stacy are also good, as proven by her interactions with Miles.

Where Across the Spider-Verse drops the ball is with Jake Johnson’s Spider-Man. As a whole, his appearance feels somewhat pointless.

Whatever the next film may be, it should give him more purpose in helping Miles fulfill his hero journey.

Considering how these films revolve around Miles and Gwen, this may not ever get realized.

This film's soundtrack is another element that doesn’t stand out. As a result, it doesn't live up to the previous film’s original tracks.

Despite some good moments, there should’ve been more innovation here.

This film is a great visual showcase that has difficulty in establishing a purpose.

Across the Spider-Verse main flaws are its pacing and overwhelming visuals. It also has some offputting humor.

Despite this, it's a film that provides many entertaining moments for Spider-Man enthusiasts.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7/10

Story - 6/10

Action - 7/10

Visuals and animation - 8.5/10

Soundtrack - 6.5/10

Overall score: 7 out of 10