In 2018, movie audiences experienced a fantastic movie, Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse, which explores the possibilities of a multiverse existing within the world of Marvel Comics. Now, I am sure everyone going into this sequel has the expectations that the filmmakers cannot, in any way, top what they have accomplished previously. How can they? The first movie in this franchise succeeds on so many levels that there is no way this follow-up film could outdo what was done previously. Well, true believers, I have seen the result, and I can honestly attest that Across The Spiderverse is The Empire Strikes Back in this series and is sure to be remembered as one of the great examples where the sequel is better than the first chapter.
Since the last movie’s events, Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has been doing his best as the new Spider-Man of his universe while attempting to get through his “regular” life as an intelligent high school student. At the same time, Miles longs for the friendships he formed during his last multiverse adventure, particularly that of Gwen Stacy/Spider-Woman (Hailey Steinfeld). Miles gets to see his wish come true by reconnecting with his paramour. Still, he must also face further consequences and problems when he discovers the realities that come from exploring multiple worlds of the Spiderverse.
Written by Phi Lord, Christopher Miller, and David Callaham and directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, Across the Spiderverse takes its audience into more exciting, visually incredible, and dramatic territories than its predecessor. The movie delves deeper into what it means to be a hero–particularly a Spider hero. Being such a character requires multiple challenges and sacrifices that Miles must discover and deal with as an adult, despite his still young age. The entire affair is prime Spider-Man material, and the filmmakers show an evident love and awareness for what makes Spider-Man stories so great and relatable.
While there is much drama, heartbreak, and complex challenges for our hero, the filmmakers do an extraordinary job of blending in plenty of great humor and thrilling action. Not to mention that the visual presentation continues what made the first movie so great. The incredible voice cast that returns give their 100%, as do the new members, including Jason Schwartzman, Issa Rae, Karan Soni, Daniel Kalauuya, Oscar Isaac, and Shea Wigham.
I would like to elaborate more on what makes this movie great, but that would be like revealing that Darth Vader is Luke’s father. So, I must refrain from spoilers and allow my readers to enjoy and marvel at everything that makes this movie so spectacular and amazing.