by Pierre Young.
Directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” has taken 2023 by storm, captivating both huge Spider-Man comic book fans and general viewers alike. As the sequel to “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” this movie not only meets but exceeds expectations, elevating the Spider-Man film series to new heights. For avid Spider-Man enthusiasts like me, this sequel easily claims the title of the best Spider-Man film of all time, surpassing even the live-action adaptations. The movie’s portrayal of the Spider-Man lore and its captivating world-building takes the franchise to a whole new level.
The stellar main cast includes Shameik Moore as Miles Morales, Haliee Steinfeld as Spider-Gwen, and Jake Johnson reprising his role as Peter B. Parker/Spider-Man from the previous film. Moreover, the addition of new Spider-Men and Spider-Women to the franchise, portrayed by Issa Rae (Spider-Woman), Daniel Kaluuya (Spider-Punk), Karen Soni (Spider-Man India), and Oscar Isaac (Spider-Man 2099), adds further depth to the Spider-Verse. With this wave of captivating characters, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” offers an unforgettable movie experience that will leave audiences’ minds thoroughly blown.
Taking place one year after “Into the Spider-Verse,” Miles and Gwen’s relationship has grown stronger as they face challenges that not only demand their heroism but also threaten the entire spider-verse. This latest installment continues the tradition of inviting other Spider-Men from different universes and Spider-Man media, making it an exceptional addition to the franchise. The fight scenes are a delightful blend of incredible action and humor, complemented by cleverly written dialogue that elevates the movie to gold status. The animation reaches new heights, displaying why its predecessor received an Oscar.
Miles Morales, my favorite character in the film, exudes charisma, and Shameik Moore’s performance hits all the right notes in his reprised role. Hailee Steinfeld impressively brings depth and emotion to her character, making her a standout figure as we delve into her origin story, a crucial plot point at the movie’s outset. The movie’s culturally fitting soundtrack, produced by Metro Boomin, adds to the experience, reflecting Miles Morales’s half-Black and Afro-Latino identity. Tracks like “Calling” by A Boogie with a Hoodie ft. Nav and Swae Lee and “Self-Love” by Coi Leray resonate with the audience.
The film’s cameos of different Spider variants ignite a wave of nostalgia, while the conclusion leaves fans eagerly anticipating the third movie. Despite potential delays, the VFX artists work tirelessly to create a masterpiece that will stand the test of time. If the third movie intentionally brings together the entire Spider-Man lore, including live-action with the Marvel Universe, it could become one of the greatest moments in cinema, akin to the Portal Scene in Avengers Endgame. This spectacular year for Spider-Man fans worldwide has set the stage for animation movies for years to come.
