Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Really is That Good*

I bet you’re wondering what the asterisk is for. Don’t worry. We’ll get there.

Into the Spider-Verse is a masterpiece. It genuinely revolutionized American animation as we know it. No matter how many times I watch it, I always have a good time with it. If ever there was a perfect movie, it’s that one.

So, how do you follow that up? How do you make a sequel that literally changed an industry? An industry, mind you, well known for its utter stubbornness and refusal to bend.

The answer is: by topping yourselves.

When Gwen’s life takes a sudden turn for the worse, she runs away from home to join an elite group of Spider-Men protecting the multiverse. Meanwhile, a new villain appears to Miles, one who may just serve as the deadliest threat the Spider-Verse has ever seen. Miles hopes to join the other Spider-Men. Little does he know that all of them, Gwen included, are keeping a dark secret from him.

This movie challenges the core tenants that have built Spider-Man stories for decades. It takes the idea that Spider-Man is born purely from tragedy and challenges it. More than that, it makes that the central conflict that Miles needs to fight against.

Not to say we’re lacking for proper antagonists. In fact, we have two. And they’re both amazing!

Miguel makes for a fantastic morally gray antagonist. He’s kind of a dick, but he’s just right enough in his beliefs and motivations that you can root for him. Not to mention that he’s just the right balance between goofy and intimidating.

But Spot is the real stand out of the baddies. Crazy maniacs that they are, the writers took a D-tier villain of the week character and turned him into one of the most terrifying and dangerous baddies in any comic book movie! All without sacrificing the goofy charm of the original version!

There are more besides that. But they’re relegated to sequel bait. Bait which I will more than happily take.

Of course, we get more good guy Spider-Men added to the mix. And yeah, they’re all amazing. Spider-Punk is awesome, and his animation style is easily the coolest in the movie. Though I have a soft spot for Pavitr Prabhakar; a Spider-Man that’s high on life and makes fun of the British is just really funny to me.

Also, normal ol’ Peter Parker is hardly in this one. We’ve officially reached the point where Spider-Man movies can just not have Peter as the main character. And I am one million percent down with that.

Now, let’s talk animation. Into the Spider-Verse revolutionized American animation. So what does Across the Spider-Verse do? It takes the multi-media madness of the first movie and cranks the dial up so far it snaps off! Seriously, the animation in this movie is CRAZY!!! Hundreds of different art styles, all running at once in the same scene! The same SHOT!! Don’t even get me started on all the Spider-Men designs they slipped in there!

They even managed to slip in some live action in there. And it actually works super well! Even PS4 Spider-Man’s original model made it in here!

Even the cinematography, editing, and shot composition are amazing. For instance: whenever Gwen and her dad get into arguments, the backgrounds change from shot to shot to reflect their emotions and thoughts. The background might become dark and red, then clear and white. It’s a little jarring, but it’s an incredibly cool effect!

As for the music… god damn. Like, god damn!! Daniel Pemberton’s score in the first movie was already insane, and the dude went and one-upped himself in every respect! Although we don’t get any catchy tunes like ‘What’s Up Danger’ or ‘Sunflower’. But in the face of how good the actual score is, that’s fine.

Unfortunately, there is one issue we need to talk about. Remember that asterisk? Yeah, it’s time to get to that.

See, Across the Spider-Verse is only part two of the Spider-Verse trilogy. As such, it’s ending is entirely dedicated to setting up the next movie. Which isn’t a bad thing; it’s an incredibly effective cliffhanger. I know I’m gonna be there for the next one, although there was no doubt of that going in.

Problem is: the story isn’t done yet. This is only half a movie. Into the Spider-Verse is a complete package; you can watch it again and again and have a completely satisfying experience. But Across the Spider-Verse hinges entirely on the third entry. If that one fumbles the landing, it’s gonna sour this one really quickly.

Do I have faith that they won’t mess it up? Yes. They’ve more than earned that. Both of the first two movies are amazing! But the first is untouchably good. The second has to deal with that little asterisk.

Despite that asterisk, Across the Spider-Verse is an absolutely incredible film. It’s an animation masterpiece. Sure, the story still isn’t done, but what we have so far is amazing! If you loved the first movie, you’re gonna love this one.

And now, we begin the long wait for the third one. See y’all in half a decade.

…

Wait, what do you mean it’s coming out next year?!