When Sony Pictures launched their Marvel film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, it was universally lauded and won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Could a followup match the energy and creativity of the original? Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse exceeds all expectations with a complex story and cutting edge animation.
What began as the multiverse in the previous film, now has Gwen Stacy (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld) AKA Spider-Woman on an alternate Earth reconnecting with Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) AKA Spider-Man while a new villain, The Spot, emerges and becomes a powerful adversary. When Miles explores the other Earths, he discovers a shocking truth that not only alters his view of the multiverse and his existing relationships, but an imminent threat to his loved ones. Can he save his family as the fate of the universe hangs in the balance?
The film overflows with dazzling visuals and layered subplots that may warrant repeated viewings. The animation bristles with vibrant colors and heightened realism, enriching the film’s intricate action scenes that become populated with ‘amazing’ permutations of Spider-Heroes.
This
was made with reverence and love by comic book fans for comic book fans
complete with Easter Egg references throughout. The
relationships are well developed and form the backbone of a sharply written, heartwarming
narrative filled with humor and pathos. Main
themes encompass personal loss, friendship, and family as it expands on what it
means to be a hero and the concept of destiny and the consequences of one’s
actions. The climax elevates the stakes
exponentially, and it all ends on a cliffhanger (not unlike what The Empire Strikes Back did for Star Wars) which ends a satisfying mega-adventure and paves the way for a grand
finale next year. (There is no
post credit scene.)
****
of **** stars
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