★★★★½
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson) takes the superhero genre to new heights with its thrilling and inventive storyline. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), Brooklyn’s friendly Spider-Man, Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), finds himself catapulted across the Spider-Verse. In this mesmerizing adventure, he encounters a team of Spider-People from different dimensions, all charged with the task of protecting their respective universes. In a race against time, Miles must redefine what it truly means to be a hero in order to save not only his world but also the people he holds dear. This delightful and refreshing film stands out with its captivating plot and appeals to both die-hard fans of the genre and those who may not typically gravitate towards it.
One of the standout aspects of the film is its animation style. Clearly, a team of incredibly talented artists worked on this project, as the visuals are nothing short of stunning. The film explores the endless possibilities of different Spider-Man variations, each presented in their own unique style. One scene in particular stands out as a testament to the film’s artistic brilliance. When Gwen confronts her father, the background art seamlessly changes to reflect the peaks and valleys of their confrontation. It transcends the boundaries of traditional animation, offering an experience that feels more like witnessing a work of art in motion.
The writing and story of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is expertly crafted, tackling the concept of the multiverse in a clever and visually captivating way. The film manages to balance complex narratives without overwhelming the viewer. While there may be moments of confusion, they only add to the thrilling adventure that unfolds on the screen.
What sets this film apart from other superhero movies is its ability to delve into emotional depth. It successfully combines thrilling action sequences with heartfelt moments, particularly exploring the relationships between children and their parents. The voice acting is superb, bringing the characters to life in a way that blurs the line between animation and live action. Also, by making superheroes relatable on an emotional level, the film resonates with audiences in a deeper way.
Moreover, the music only adds an extra layer of excitement and fun to the film. At times, certain scenes feel like dynamic music videos that have been seamlessly edited into the narrative. The carefully selected tracks perfectly complement the action and visuals, enhancing the overall experience. The energetic beats amplify the exhilaration of the superhero sequences, creating an immersive atmosphere and making the film an absolute blast to watch.
While the film is undeniably captivating, it occasionally feels weighed down by the abundance of twists and turns in its storyline. Some viewers might find the movie to be lengthy as a result. However, the rich and immersive storytelling more than compensates for this minor flaw.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a triumph in the superhero genre, pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling. Its stunning animation, clever multiverse concept, emotional depth, and impeccable voice acting make it a cinematic experience not to be missed. While it may have its minor flaws, the film’s ability to captivate and innovate solidifies its place as a must-see for fans of both animation and superheroes.
