Across the Spider-Verse has been out for a few weeks, so I thought I would wait until everyone watched the film before I wrote a review. I loved this film and will view it several times when it releases on digital platforms. Everything, from the plot, music, animation, characters, and fights, was top-tier. You will leave the theatre completely entranced by this film. Without further ado here is everything you will love about across the spider-verse:
Quick Recap
Following the adventures of the first film, Miles has become his universe’s one and only Spider-Man. When he gets a surprise visit from Gwen, Miles discovers an entire universe dedicated to Spider-Man heroes. This whole setup is run by Spider-Man 2099, aka Miguel Ohara. Miles learns of the canon events heroes must go through to don the Spider-Man uniform. When these events jeopardize the ones he loves, Miles decides to take matters into his own hands by redefining what it means to be Spider-Man.
Characters that Stood Out
This film had 280 variations of spider heroes. Each one is unique in its way, with different origin stories. However, several characters stood out. These characters include:
1. Ghost-Spider
In this movie, we get an in-depth origin story of Gwen Stacy at the very beginning of the film. The intro shows moments like when she kills Peter Parker, aka the Lizard. During this opening sequence, we realize how alone Gwen truly is, not having any friends in her universe and being an outsider. Getting invited to the Spider-Verse was like getting a family for her.
Gwen’s relationship with Miles improves as she reveals that he is her one true friend, and the two share a romantic moment looking over New York upside down. When Miles’s family life is in danger, she is the only hero who wants to help him. Gwen assembles a team to rescue and find him when he lands in a different universe at the end of this film.
2. Spider-Punk
Also known as Hobie. One of the heroes Gwen has grown fond of during her time in the Spider-Verse. While initially appearing to be a rival to Miles Morales fighting for Gwen’s heart, it’s the opposite. Throughout the film, we see him serve as a mentor to both Miles and Gwen.
Hobie shows Miles how to break through an electrical barrier and reminds him of this lesson when the Spider-Verse has Miles trapped in one. It is clear that Hobie dislikes the methods of the Spider-Verse and will rebel against them when needed. A good example is when he quits the Spider Society after they trap Miles, who is trying to save his father.
Hobie also sides with Gwen when the Spider-Verse targets Miles. He saves the day by creating a bootleg portal watch for Gwen after she gets thrown out of the Spiderverse. So that she can gather a team of Spider heroes (including Hobie), she trusts them to save Miles from Miguel.
3. Spider-Man 2099
Miguel is the creator of the Spider-Verse and the villain of the film. We learn from Miguel that there are canon events that a Spider-Man hero must go through to don the uniform. These events include losing an uncle and having a police captain die. These canonical events must happen. If they do not, the universe will collapse, which may lead to collapses in the spider verse.
Oscar Isaac is incredible in this role. As you feel his intensity and the lengths to which Miguel will go to protect the Spider Society. I cannot wait to see what Miguel O’Hara brings to the story in Beyond the Spider-Verse.
Music
What blew me away the most in the first film back in 2018 was the soundtrack. Nearly five years later, I listen to that soundtrack when going to the gym or hiking. It’s a soundtrack I will listen to for the rest of my life and is close to my heart. Some of my favorite tracks from the first movie include the following:
- Let Go (By Beau Young Prince)
- Scared of the Dark (By Lil Wayne, Ty Dolla $ign, XXXTenacion)
- What’s up Danger? (By Blackway, Black Caviar)
Across the Spider-Verse does not disappoint and also has an incredible soundtrack. The album was created by the very talented artist Metro Boomin. It was great to see Toronto (my hometown) rapper Nav appear on the album. While not as good as the first, there are still quite a few tracks that I enjoy listening to. They include the following:
- Calling (By Metro Boomin, Nav, Swae Lee, A Boogiee Wit da Hoodie)
- Self-Love (By Metro Boomin, Coi Leray)
- Am I Dreaming (By Metro Boomin, A$AP Rocky, Roisee)
- Annihiliate (By Metro Boomin, Swae Lee, Lil Wayne, Offset)
Animation
The animation in this movie is top-tier and in a league of its own. Much different from the classic CGI look that Disney and Pixar have been giving us since the 2010s. Phil Lord and Christopher Millin have something special going on here. They also recently wrote and produced a beautifully animated film, ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’
Some scenes that stood out to me when watching the film include Gwen and Miles sharing a moment as they swing around New York. Finishing up this beautiful moment, they sit upside down on a rooftop staring at New York. This moment could be a painting that I would put in my living room (and I totally would).
A character with unique animation is Hobie, aka Spider-Punk. After watching the New Rockstars breakdown (check them out), I learn that Hobie has a slower frame rate of 6 FPS. To represent a rock and roll poster like you would see in the 80s. I thought this was an extremely creative way to show a character’s personality, as his staggering movements stand out in a movie like this one.
Fight Scenes
Like all Spider-Man movies, you can expect the fights to be fast-paced, and this film is no different from its predecessors. We have never seen Spider-Man go up against alternate versions of himself. The final fight scene with Miles going up against the Spider-Verse is perfect. We see how he uses his powers of invisibility and venom blast to his advantage.
My favorite moment in the fight would have to be the entire Spider-Verse on a train going after Miles Morales so that he can use his Venom Blast on Miguel O’Hara. To create a domino effect and have the spider-verse be shocked upon touch. Miles uses this as a plan to help him go back home. Something that I would do when playing the Spider-Man video game.
Dialogue
Like all Spider-Man films, this one is hilarious. Jokes are happening within seconds of one another. I thought the funniest character in this film was easily Spot, who would make funny comments about his holes having meaning. The film also makes fun of typical norms, like Spider-Man venting to a therapist about his uncle’s death. I can see myself watching this film several times and laughing at the jokes with every viewing.
However, even with comedy, this film is good at switching to intense moments for certain characters. Some of the most intense moments in the movie happen between Gwen and Captain Stacy. Gwen tells her dad that she needs to use her powers to stop crimes and to protect the people she cares about most in her life. A lifestyle that all Spider-Man heroes live up to. Overall, the dialogue the characters use throughout this movie is superb, and you’ll be glued to your seats as you listen to these conversations.
Biggest Questions
After watching this movie, I have so many questions as I wait for the sequel. These questions include the following:
1. Will the live action Miles Morales be introduced?
I did not think this was possible until I saw Childish Gambino appear as a live-action Uncle Aaron from an alternate reality. Childish Gambino first appeared as Aaron back in 2017 in Homecoming. Kevin Feige has confirmed that Spider-Man 4 is in the works, with Tom Holland getting bored of the role. It may be time for the MCU to introduce Miles, and I could not think of a better way.
How will they set up the female spin-off?
Phil Lord and Christopher Millin have confirmed the film coming next year is the final installment in the series. However, they are currently working on a female-focused spin-off. I hope for Gwen Stacy as the lead since Hailee Steinfeld is spectacular in this role. I would love to see her return in a feature film of her own.
Can Miles save his dad?
Miles has a relatively intact family compared to other Spider-Man heroes. He has a supportive family and a diverse group of friends (even though they are from different universes). Miles still has not had that ‘With great power comes great responsibility’ moment. This speech might result from his dad dying, making Miles a true Spider-Man. We’ll have to wait and see until next year if he has this monumental moment.
What will happen to Earth-42?
Without a Spider-Man, this version of New York became a city of crime run by thugs and gangsters. It might be that the young Prowler we see took on the mantle so that he can become a symbol of peace in a universe that doesn’t have a web-slinging hero. If this is true, hopefully, our Miles helps his counterpart restore peace to Universe 42.
What will happen next?
So overall, there is everything you will love about Across the Spider-Verse. I hope you watch it in theaters this summer. I cannot wait for the final film in the trilogy, Beyond the Spider-Verse, to debut next spring. Given how incredible the first two films have been, I think it’s safe to say that this franchise will end on a high note.
What did you guys think of the movie? Let me know in the comments, and share your predictions for what will happen in the finale. If you liked this post, check out my GOTG review. Thank you so much for reading, and as always, until next time.
