An Electrifying Sequel – ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Movie Review

A Spidey sequel that lives up to the hype in every universe.

The hype for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is real, and if you’re a fan of its predecessor, you won’t be disappointed.

There’s always the worry that a sequel won’t live up to the expectations of the first movie, but honestly – Into the Spider-Verse walked so Across the Spider-Verse could run.

Going into the film and having seen all the trailers already, I thought I had a good idea of what to expect.

But I was wrong.

While the trailer for Across the Spider-Verse seems to show a lot, it doesn’t give much away at all. There is so much story kept under wraps, so if you think you know what to expect, you don't. 

Across the Spider-Verse takes Miles through the multiverse, where he meets a team of Spider-People who are charged with protecting every universe.

Miles is needing to make some hard calls between the choice of saving the people he cares about, or saving the universe… Can he do both?

His story and his family remain at the heart of the Spider-Verse films. The relationship between Miles and his parents are expanded on in some really heart-felt moments, as Miles struggles to balance his personal life with his secret identity.

Hailee Steinfield and Spider-Gwen fans - get excited because Gwen gets her time to shine even more in this film.

Her extra screentime in this film fits seamlessly with the themes of the movie, and will leave you wanting more – she could honestly have her own solo movie, and I’d be down for that.

The cast of other core Spider-People in the film includes motorcycle queen Jessica Drew, charismatic Spider-Man India, rockstar Spider-Punk, and the return of the lovable Peter B. Parker.

It’s a bit hard to top the OG team of Spider-Man Noir, Spider-Ham, and Peni Parker, but the new additions are incredibly likeable.

Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Dune) plays Miguel O'Hara, who's responsibility is to make sure every universe is protected. He's such a complex character, you're torn between whether you support his ideas or not, which makes him great... villain? (We'll let you decide).

I want to talk more about the Spider-People lobby, but it’s honestly best saying nothing at all. There are honestly so many different variants featured, you won’t know where to look - there’s definitely something for every Spidey fan out there.

Just when you think the animation from the first movie couldn’t be topped, Across the Spider-Verse kicks it up another notch. It continues to push boundaries by experimenting with even more types of animation and art styles.

To hear more about the animation, check out How Did I Get Here?  to watch Charlie catch up with Thomas Thistlethwaite, an Australian-born animator on the film.

You’ll probably find yourself pouring over every shot from the film. There are heaps of different easter eggs to keep an eye out for, with some more obvious than others.

Spider-Verse continues to dazzle with another electrifying score and soundtrack to accompany its amazing visuals, keeping you on the edge of your seat through its emotional and gripping moments throughout the story.

I honestly can’t think of anything I didn’t enjoy. If anything, maybe it started off a little slow, but I didn't mind it.

The film gave valuable time to develop important moments in relationships that will set up the confirmed sequel Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse set to release in March 2024.

If you loved everything about Into the Spider-Verse, there’s no doubt that you must see Across the Spider-Verse ASAP.

★★★★★

Looking forward to the movie? Before you swing into cinemas, book your $12.50 HOYTS tix now!

Image: Sony Pictures.