Last Updated on June 3, 2023 by Dexter Roona
With the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse swinging into theaters we bring you our Spider-Verse sequel review giving you background on the movie, be warned there are some plot spoilers and ask the big question on what is next for the franchise as head toward Spider-Man Beyond the Spider-Verse.
Building upon the foundation laid by 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, this highly anticipated Across the Spider-Verse film takes the multiverse concept to new heights, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience that captivates audiences from start to finish.
Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Justin K. Thompson, and Kemp Powers with a script penned by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and David Callaham, Across the Spider-Verse dives into the thrilling adventures of Miles Morales, the Spider-Man of his world.
As Miles explores the vastness of the multiverse, he discovers that his interdimensional exploits have inadvertently disrupted the fabric of reality itself. Teaming up with Spider-Man 2099, an imposing and humorless figure from the future, Miles embarks on a quest to repair the anomalies and safeguard the very existence of all dimensions.
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Spider-Verse Sequel Review – Across the Spider-Verse – Artistic Vision
One of the most striking aspects of Across the Spider-Verse is its ambitious artistic vision. The film takes the revolutionary comic book style introduced in its predecessor and pushes the boundaries even further. Each dimension visited by the characters boasts a distinct and captivating visual design, immersing viewers in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and stunning imagery.
From Gwen Stacy’s ethereal world, with its impressionistic blend of pinks, purples, and blues reflecting the characters’ emotions, to Mumbattan, the domain of Spider-Man India, inspired by the vibrant colors of pop art, and Spider-Punk‘s rebellious world reminiscent of Sex Pistols’ collage work, the visuals are nothing short of breathtaking. These choices not only enhance the storytelling but also firmly establish the film as an integral part of the broader cultural landscape.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Merchandise – Entertainment Earth
Beyond its visual prowess, Across the Spider-Verse weaves together profound themes of identity, parenthood, and the acceptance of personal growth. It explores the core qualities that define Spider-Man across various iterations, highlighting shared personal tragedies as the unifying factor. The film delves into the struggles faced by young individuals, particularly Miles, who must navigate complex relationships with his parents while simultaneously embracing his role as Spider-Man. In this exploration, the movie touches upon the challenges faced by young Black men in society, offering a poignant reflection on parental love and the difficult process of letting go.
The animation in Across the Spider-Verse is a triumph in itself. It brings the comic book pages to life with its meticulous attention to detail and fluidity of movement. The film is a joyful spectacle that never fails to astound. Even exposition becomes a visual treat, with the animation elevating the storytelling to new heights. The action sequences are a particular standout, combining exhilarating choreography with imaginative use of the multiverse concept. From gravity-defying leaps to acrobatic combat, every frame is filled with dynamic energy.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Merchandise – AMAZON
The script, crafted by Lord, Miller, and Callaham, strikes a balance between clever dialogue, heartfelt moments, and the sheer spectacle of the movie. It expertly blends the intimate and quiet scenes with the more action-packed sequences, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative. The film’s pacing keeps the audience invested throughout, never allowing a dull moment to creep in.
Spider-Verse Sequel Review – Across the Spider-Verse – Voice Cast
The voice cast is exceptional, with Shameik Moore once again delivering a standout performance as Miles Morales. Hailee Steinfeld‘s portrayal of Gwen Stacy is equally captivating, bringing depth and vulnerability to the character. Oscar Isaac‘s portrayal of Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099 is a perfect match for the character’s serious and enigmatic nature. Additionally, Jake Johnson‘s reprisal of Peter B. Parker adds a touch of humor and mentorship to the mix. The chemistry among the voice cast is palpable, enhancing the film’s emotional impact and creating memorable character dynamics.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse raises the bar for animated superhero films, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience that transcends its genre. With its ambitious visual style, profound themes, and engaging storytelling, the film cements its place as a trailblazer in the world of animation. As the narrative leaps across dimensions, so does our imagination, leaving us eagerly anticipating the continuation of this epic journey in Beyond the Spider-Verse. This is a film that showcases the boundless potential of animation and proves that the Spider-Verse franchise is an absolute triumph in every sense of the word.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Merchandise – eBay
With its brilliant animation, heartfelt storytelling, and diverse representation, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a must-see cinematic event that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats. It’s a love letter to Spider-Man fans, an artistic achievement, and a testament to the power of imagination. This is a film that will be remembered as a milestone in the superhero genre and one that demands to be experienced on the big screen. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse swings into theaters, inviting us to embark on an epic journey through dimensions where anything is possible and heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Strap in, because this is a ride you won’t want to miss.
But don’t take my word for it!
Here are what fans are saying!
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a monumental triumph that takes everything we loved about the original film and catapults it to an unprecedented level of greatness. This stunning sequel serves as a resounding testament to the power of animation, the art of storytelling, and the enduring legacy of everyone’s favorite web-slinger…
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a spectacular achievement in filmmaking that reaches the heights of iconic sequels like “The Empire Strikes Back” and “The Two Towers” in the realm of Spider-Man trilogies and franchises. This remarkable film not only raises the bar but surpasses the innovative animation of its predecessor without compromising the quality of its storytelling and relationships. It truly nails the bigger and better card…
“Across the Spider-Verse” is undeniably one of the most highly anticipated superhero sequels of the past five years, and it goes above and beyond expectations, positioning itself as a strong contender for the title of the greatest superhero film ever made. As a potential installment in an all-time trilogy, it elevates the genre to new heights. In this film, we are treated to a story that carries even greater stakes, as Miles Morales discovers that there is a whole multiverse of Spider-people beyond the ones he knows. This revelation becomes pivotal in the face of the latest threat, Spot, who poses a danger not only to Miles but also to those he holds dear.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Ending Explained
BIG SPOILERS AHEAD!
The end scenes of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse focus on Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy, as they find themselves in different dimensions within the multiverse.
In a pivotal moment, Miles receives shocking revelations that alter his understanding of his role as Spider-Man. Firstly, he discovers that the spider that bit him, labeled as #42, originated from another universe and was intended to be the source of that universe’s Spider-Man. This revelation implies that Miles is an anomaly who was never meant to acquire his powers and become Spider-Man.
The Spider Society’s reluctance to accept him as a member, as hinted by Gwen earlier, stems from this realization. Spider-Man 2099, aka Miguel O’Hara, explains that meddling with the established “canon” of each universe leads to chaos and was the cause of the death of his own world’s Spider-Man.
Adding to Miles’ distress, he learns that the “canon” dictates that every Spider-Man must endure a specific tragedy. In his case, the canon predicts that his father, Jefferson Davis, will meet his demise once Miles assumes the role of Police Captain. Breaking the canon can result in irreversible damage to the universe, as evidenced by the appearance of a black hole when Miles saved the Police Captain in Mumbattan.
Miguel warns Miles that if the canon continues to be disrupted, it could have catastrophic consequences across the Spider-Verse. Unconvinced and unwilling to accept his father’s fate, Miles defies the Spider Society and escapes using a dimensional travel machine.
Upon returning home, Miles is astonished to find his uncle, Aaron, alive, realizing he has inadvertently entered the wrong universe. The machine had transported him to the world where the radioactive spider that bit Miles originated, granting him his spider powers. In this alternate reality without a Spider-Man, New York City is in disarray, Jefferson Davis died instead of Aaron, and Miles himself followed a dark path, becoming a criminal rather than a hero. Miles seeks help from his variant, the Prowler, who is an evil version of himself in this universe, but Prowler-Miles appears indifferent to his plea.
Meanwhile, the antagonist, the Spot Jason Schwartzman, has gathered enough dark matter spots from various universes to execute his master plan of seeking revenge on Miles. He transports himself to Earth-1610, just outside Miles’ home where his parents reside. Earlier, Miles had a vision of his father sacrificing himself to save a child from a collapsing building, and the Spot appears to be the cause of that incident. The Spot’s arrival brings Miles closer to the tragic fate awaiting his father.
Gwen Stacy – Spider-Verse Sequel Review
However, hope remains. Gwen Stacy, also known as Spider-Gwen, reconciles with her father, Captain Stacy, in her own dimension. Realizing that Miles is not present at his home, she gathers a group of Spider-People, defying the directives of Spider-Man 2099 and the Spider Society. This team includes Spider-Punk , Mumbattan Spider-Man, Spider-Byte, Peter B. Parker, his daughter and more.
Its an intense and uncertain future. As Miles faces the possibility of losing his father, the collaboration of Spider-People offers a glimmer of hope for his rescue. The film leaves audiences eagerly anticipating the continuation of this thrilling adventure and the resolution of the challenges that lie ahead.
BIG Questions for Beyond the Spider-Verse – Spider-Verse Sequel Review
One of the biggest questions we’re left with after the thrilling conclusion of Across the Spider-Verse is whether Miles Morales can defy the Spider-Man canon and save his father, Jefferson Davis. As an anomaly, Miles may have the opportunity to break free from the cycle of tragic loss that has plagued Spider-Man throughout history. But if he manages to rescue his dad, what will be the consequences for his universe and the entire Spider-Verse? The potential fallout could be catastrophic, threatening everything we know.
Before Miles can tackle that monumental task, he must confront the cold and uncaring Prowler-Miles and his Uncle Aaron. Prowler-Miles, lacking the guidance of a compassionate father figure like Peter B. Parker, has become hardened and villainous. Convincing them to assist in saving his dad and the Spider-Verse will be an uphill battle for Miles at the start of Beyond the Spider-Verse.
What is the fate of Spider-Gwen’s Universe?
Another pressing question revolves around Spider-Gwen’s universe. After revealing her secret identity to her father, Captain Stacy, and running away, he decides to quit his job. This departure from canon potentially alters the fate of Gwen’s dimension. Will this break unravel her world, or has Gwen found a loophole to ensure her universe remains stable? This may hold the key to preventing the collapse of the Spider-Verse and aiding Miles in his mission to save his father.
Will Miles Morales wind up with Gwen Stacy?
While the fate of the Spider-Verse hangs in the balance, we can’t help but wonder about the romantic connection between Miles and Gwen. Despite hints of a past relationship with Spider-Punk and Miles’ interest in Spider-Byte, their intimate bond is undeniable. Their emotional conversation and Gwen’s unwavering affection for Miles demonstrate the strength of their connection. Though Spider-Man stories often end in tragedy, perhaps these two can defy canon and find a way to create their own happy ending.
Will Tom Holland’s Spider-Man feature in Beyond the Spider-Verse?
And finally, the absence of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in Across the Spider-Verse raises the question of whether he will make an appearance in the sequel. While other versions of Spider-Man from various cinematic universes were showcased, Holland’s portrayal was noticeably missing. With plans for a live-action Miles Morales movie in the works, it’s possible that Beyond the Spider-Verse will feature a crossover, allowing Miles to step into the realm of live-action and encounter Holland’s Spidey. Although speculative, it’s an exciting possibility that would add another layer of unpredictability to the story.
As we eagerly await the release of Beyond the Spider-Verse, these burning questions leave us anticipating an action-packed and emotionally charged continuation of this beloved franchise.
