The first installment of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse wowed audiences with its groundbreaking animation style. Across the Spider-Verse takes it even further, offering a whole host of distinctive animation styles as it explores different universes. The film is a visual masterpiece, with each frame resembling a work of art. Sony Pictures proves once again that it has the artistic prowess to impress viewers and elevate the franchise.

Reuniting With Miles Morales & Gwen Stacy

Miles Morales remains the heart of the Spider-Man franchise in this sequel, continuing the narrative threads from the first film. Shameik Moore delivers an outstanding performance as Miles, and audiences are quickly reconnected with his character. The surprise visit from Gwen Stacy, portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld, adds a new dynamic to the story. The friendship between Miles and Gwen, subtly built in the first movie, takes center stage and provides emotional depth. The animators showcase their talent by faithfully recreating the vibrant world of Spider-Gwen, captivating viewers with its stunning visuals.

Returning & New Spider-Faces

The supporting cast in Miles Morales’ world continues to impress, adding depth to the story. Jake Johnson’s portrayal of Peter B. Parker is as charming and lovable as ever, now accompanied by a child. While familiar faces make a return, the sequel introduces numerous new Spider-Variants, each with their own animation styles and unique worlds. However, due to the large number of characters, not all receive adequate screen time. Nonetheless, standout newcomers like Oscar Isaac’s Miguel O’Hara (Spider-Man 2099) and Spider-Punk leave a lasting impact on the plot and thematic elements.

The Villainous, Multiversal Spot

The Spot serves as an intriguing choice for one of Miles’ first major adversaries in the film. Jason Schwartzman’s performance brings humor to the character, and the animators take advantage of the creative possibilities provided by The Spot’s powers. However, one drawback is that the film suffers from being the middle installment of a trilogy, leaving audiences wanting more of The Spot.

Spider-Verse’s Middle Movie Syndrome

Across the Spider-Verse faces the challenge of being the middle chapter in a trilogy. As a result, the movie’s last act feels like it’s building up to a grand climax that never arrives, as that will likely be reserved for Beyond the Spider-Verse. Despite this, the film still delivers stellar storytelling and emotional depth. Spider-Man fans will appreciate the multitude of references hidden throughout the movie, making it a heartfelt tribute to the web-slinger’s extensive legacy.

In conclusion, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a must-watch film that continues to push the boundaries of animation. Its stunning visuals, compelling characters, and emotional storytelling make it a worthy successor to its predecessor. While it may not surpass the original, it succeeds in building a deeper emotional foundation for the Spider-Verse and pays homage to the beloved superhero’s enduring popularity.