Cert – PG, Run-time – 2 hours 20 minutes, Directors – Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson
When a new villain (Jason Schwartzman) intent on taking down Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) travels across the multiverse to grow his powers thousands of Spider-Men are at risk of having their canon and worlds destroyed
Amongst various other elements one of the many reasons for which 2018’s Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse received praise was its visuals. One things that’s clear from the very beginning of sequel Across The Spider-Verse is the even more stylised nature of the animation. Different styles crop up throughout as we meet different variants of Spider-Man from across the endless universes and each one fits right into the piece and simply allows for an overall stronger visual flare, and there are some truly stunning (and fun) shots in this film. The sequel was delayed a handful of times during production for reasons of the pandemic and just to give it more time. The extra time was worth it as not only are the visuals great but the story flows effectively from one development to the next.
The flow best comes across in the extended action sequences where it’s clear that the creatives know how best to move things along and keep track of them in the moment through both the storytelling and animation. It helps to move the overall story along as Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) finds himself thrown in and out of different universes in an attempt to track down The Spot (Jason Schwartzman – having increasing fun with the character the more the film goes on). After being labelled as a simple ‘villain of the week’ the ‘nemesis’ in question truly begins to gain the label of an unstoppable threat as he grows power from the different spider-universes intent on taking down Morales and his family.
However, as Miles tries to chase him down and stop him, with familiar faces such as Hailee Steinfeld’s Spider-Gwen by his side, it’s him who comes under even greater threat as he risks breaking the canon, the key events of each Spider-variants life, which holds each universe together. The figure monitoring everything and making sure all stays in order? Spider-Man 2099, AKA Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Isaac). A looming figure with seeming little trust for most new figures he meets as he tries to ensure that what needs to happen in each world happens. He contrasts to the much brighter, far less threatening, figures we meet across the way, especially the likes of Pavitr Prabhakar AKA Spider-Man India (Karan Soni) and Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya).
With a number of the variants, particularly when all roaming around together in one world where there are plenty of references, jokes and cameos to delight in, there are a number of laughs to be found. Amongst the action which takes place, and the tension which arises, this is a very funny film almost from start to finish. Finding the right balance with everything that goes on over the course of the relatively tight 2 hour and 20 minute run-time. With so much going on there’s a well-tracked nature which keeps you engaged and generally avoids dropping for the most part, only seeming to take a slight second after the big action sequences before getting back into the swing of things. Plus, it gets out just as it borders on feeling a little too long.
There’s a strong feeling that Across The Spider-Verse may even strike better on a re-watch. However, for a first viewing there’s plenty to enjoy within what is an excellent piece of work. You can see the time and effort which has gone into making both the visual story and that taken upon by the characters and it all draws you in and keeps you in place throughout.
Overflowing with visual style and an equally strong narrative flow. especially during action sequences, there’s a lot to like about the developments and storytelling within Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse. An overall excellent piece of work.
Just A Little Bit Random 