Directors: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson
Writers: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Dave Callaham
Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, and Luna Lauren Velez
The Newest Spider-Man Film Brings Eye-Catching and Heartfelt Content
‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ met fans’ expectations as an action-packed and emotionally driven sequel to the 2018 film, ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.’ Viewers reconnected with Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) and Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), separated in their respective universes. Spider-Gwen provides more than just background, as her narration depicts her life after closing the multiverse, and how she is somehow fighting a villain from another dimension.
That’s right… King Pin’s collider was not completely destroyed, so portals to other universes continue to exist. This brings us to our weak, or perhaps not-so-weak, villain.
The Spot (Jason Schwartzman) is, well, spotted with portals. Portals that can take him to other dimensions, and destroy the connecting webs of the Spider-Verse. At first, Miles brings the Spider-Man silly-goofy action as he attempts to capture The Spot, but is splitting his time between duty and being a son.
The interpersonal challenges that Miles, and nearly every other Spider-Person, has to overcome blends seamlessly into the overarching plot to defeat The Spot. Begging the interpretation of the so-called ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ ways to handle situations.
But… Miles has other things to worry about. Like preparing for college, and more dauntingly, trying to get his parent’s to understand him. The film offers something for all ages in this way. We are provided various viewpoints from youth, the concern (and love) from parents, and the actions of heroes. Audiences from all generations can expect to pick up a small tidbit about family and friend dynamics, possibly with a few tears.
The action truly starts to pick up when Gwen rejoins Miles in his universe… which she isn’t supposed to do. And for good reason, because once Gwen leaves, Miles follows. Catapulting him into the universe of Miguel O’Hara Spider-Man (Oscar Isaac) where a (massive) team of Spider-People fix anomalies and protect the Multiverse.
Directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson and writers Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Dave Callaham fill viewers’ eyes with countless creatively re-imagined Spider-People. Providing limitless ideas for audiences about who is under the mask. After all, Stan Lee once said he liked the Spider-Man costume because people “...in any part of the world can imagine that they themselves are under the costume.” In this film, viewers can truly believe that anyone, including themselves, can be a hero.
So, prepare to suit up for an amazing time at the theaters as you join Miles and Gwen (plus hundreds of other Spider-People) across the Spider-Verse!
Plot: ★★★★☆ 4/5
Cinematography: ★★★★☆ 4/5
Character Arc(s): ★★★★☆ 4/5
