Introduction
Hello, fellow adventurers! It’s Blaziker here, and finally, summer has arrived! School’s out, the campfire’s burning hot and a summer filled with some of the most anticipated animated movies of the year! And what better way to kick off the summer with perhaps the most anticipated animated movie of 2023 as well as the sequel to one of the most groundbreaking animated movies of recent memory, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse!
With a new set of directors and once again co-written by the legendary writing duo known as Lord and Miller, Across the Spider-Verse continues on from the first flick, Miles Morales began to adapt to his new role as his universe’s Spider-Man, but with a rising threat that could destroy the balance of the Multiverse within the various Spider-Mans, Miles (with Gwen Stacy) must now redefine what it takes to become a hero of not just his universe, but others as well.
To say that Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse reshaped the theatrical animation industry would be the understatement of the century. With its existence, not only was it the turning point for Sony Pictures Animation (who are now producing their exciting line-up of diverse and fun animated movies), but it also inspired other animation studios to forge their own path and began experimenting with their animation style. This was very refreshing after what it seems like an endless sea of uninspiring animated movies that look very similar, even from mainstream animation studios.
Will Across the Spider-Verse be yet another successful leap of faith from Sony Pictures Animation? Let us jump back into the Spider-Verse, shall we?
Key Information
- Directors: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson
- Animation Studio: Sony Pictures Animation
- Country of Origin: United States
- Rating: PG
- Release Date: 1 June 2023 (In Singapore)
Trailer
The Review
Story and Characters
Usually, when it comes to these reviews, I talk a bit about some strengths with the story, the writing and the characters. However, given that this is highly anticipated, I will not divulge any major details regarding Across the Spider-Verse.
With that being said, the story is so well written and so punchy that honestly, whatever I will say will not do it justice. At almost every turn, there is something exciting going on within the world of Spider-Man, regardless of which dimension Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) and the other Spider-Mans ended up in, and there are so many twists and turns that amp up the excitement, that the 2-hour runtime will go by quick. This is very reminiscent to Everything Everywhere All At Once and RRR, two action-packed movies with exciting and creative action and well-crafted writing, despite their long runtimes. Naturally, the pacing is as equally exciting as the story, so you get to the grips with the storyline with Across the Spider-Verse.
It is also not just the fast-paced action the writing duo known as Lord-Miller (together with the rest of the writers who had to keep up with them, and they did a solid job) that makes this movie energetic, but it is also the characters that sell this movie. Miles and Gwen were once again exciting, and their chemistry is top-notch, but a lot of the other major Spider-Mans (such as the return of Jake Johnson as Peter B. Parker and Oscar Isaac’s menacing Miguel O’Hara, one of the major Spider-Mans in this movie) have their distinct personalities and charm as well. They all add to this wonderful and rich story, and the voice acting from most of the cast is well-articulated as well.
I know this is a rather short section about the story and characters by my standards, but honestly, I could only say much about the movie that has not been said from the other rave reviews. There is so much heart and energy put into the writing, and this is a rarity given that we are losing animated movies with deep and thought-provoking writing. Across the Spider-Verse’s story is well worth the admission price ticket alone.
Animation
When Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse came out in 2018, it redefined the way we think about mainstream animated movies forever, showcasing a burs of energy with a well-written story and creative and striking visuals, and a movie that revolutionised stylised CG animation. Now five years later, with the sequel coming out, I can say that not only did Sony Pictures Animation (with their ImageWorks team) not only elevated that craft, but they showcased some animation techniques never seen.
Talking about the animation style, while the animation style is similar to what we saw in Into the Spider-Verse, the team at Sony Pictures Animation somehow elevated that style to a whole new level! Given the many Spider-Mans in the movie, it was astonishing to see the animators given them so much distinct style and personality, from the texturing on their faces to the Spider-Suits they don, the character details are beyond my comprehension, especially with Daniel Kaluuya’s Spider-Punk. I cannot imagine how much fine-tuning the animators had to animate that character, because man, this was an achievement in animation itself!
It is not just the character animation that excites me, but the action as well. The action between the many scenes is so dynamic, so exciting and so well-thought, it felt like flipping through a Spider-Man comic book, and that is no joke. In fact, the various scenes have this distinct comic book feel that pops out, making the action sequences so much fun to watch.
In fact, there are loads of fantastic animation moments that, frankly, I am not sure if any other animated movie will top that. It is rare for any animated movie to push the envelope so often, but Across the Spider-Verse, just like with the first one, tops that.
Soundtrack, Other Elements and Level of Enjoyment
Considering that Into the Spider-Verse has a funky and interesting soundtrack, the second one also has a punchy soundtrack that accentuates the various scenes throughout the movie. It may be as flashy as the first one, but the second one does the trick as well. “Calling” is a lush song that captures my feelings during my screening so easily, and given how much animation studios do not work on producing memorable soundtracks, this is good.
As for how much I enjoyed it, I was into the experience so much, two hours had gone by in a flash. Even better, I was watching it on my birthday and it was an IMAX screening, so the experience was even better being fascinated by the so many glorious moments throughout the movie. I will be honest, this might be my most favourite theatrical experience of 2023 so far, and for an excellent reason.
Conclusion
Despite being a rather brief review for my standards, I will say that it is because I highly, highly recommend you to check out this movie and I do not want to give away anything.
Spider-man: Across the Spider-Verse not only elevates the first movie, but it also even destroyed that movie in an instant. With a fun and riveting storyline that goes into different and unexpected places, characters that are worth rooting for with well-developed intentions, some of the most ground-breaking animation of the 2020s so far and an awe-inspiring soundtrack. This is not just must-see cinema, but also a Michelin-starred experience that needs to be seen to be believed. Honestly, I cannot wait for Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse to come out next year, because I really cannot believe this movie ended so fast despite its 2-hour runtime.
Thank you so much for reading this review. Now, how about we jump from one universe to another, as we switch from a world of Spider-Mans to a world of elements, but before that, how about we dive deep into a whole new world like you never see before? I will see you in the next adventure, and until then, k thanks bye!
Blaziker’s Hot Sauce Movie Rating
