Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

UK Release Date: 02 June 2023

Certification: PG
Director: Kemp Powers, Joaquim Dos Santos, Justin K. Thompson
Cast: Brian Tyree Henry, Oscar Isaac, Jake Johnson, Daniel Kaluuya, Shameik Moore, Jason Schwartzman, Hailee Steinfeld, Luna Lauren Velez

Rating: 90%

         

                                                                                                                                          

Review:

Arguably, the biggest release of 2023. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse hit cinemas five years after the rapturous success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and briefly held the title of greatest film of all time on Letterboxd (now sitting ninth). 

A gorgeous feat of animation. An astonishing achievement and the pinnacle of animated filmmaking. Each frame is painstakingly rendered with excellent hand drawn work from an extraordinary team of animators. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse manages to immerse the audience into the unique dimensions instantly with distinct styles and ever-changing intense colours. Complex, displaying a variety of emotion through the craft of animation. 

Bolstered by an exuberant soundtrack predominantly produced by the illustrious, Metro Boomin. A lot of the songs encapsulate Miles' experience as Spider-Man - 'Am I Dreaming', 'Annihilate' and 'Calling'. Coi Leray's 'Self Love' is an incredible representation of Gwen's state of mind. And 'Mona Lisa' by Dominic Fike backdrops a terrific showcase of Miles' improvement as a hero from his first venture. 

Daniel Pemberton's score is astonishing. He somehow improves upon his phenomenal effort in the first in a career best. Largely done with the use of a synthesised flute the score is breathtaking. There is no clear standout with so many pieces already feeling rememberable. A concentrated focus follows each piece of music. Whether it is a character introduction or a moment of triumph, he hits the nail on the head every team. Gwen's lonely punk-rock attitude parallel with a steady built-up anger, the menace of antagonist crowds and the chilling atmosphere of the film's conclusion - it's all there on show. Pemberton's effort is nothing short of remarkable, utter perfection. 

The technical elements of the film ultimately only enhance the quality of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse if the character work is stellar. Fortunately, for the film it is exceptional. Miles and Gwen evolve from the first film with a careful tenderness when dealing with their arcs. Despite, tackling the concept of multiverse storytelling (a daunting task) this is a film that spends the majority of its time focused on expanding the friendship between the two central characters. Both have issues to deal with. Yet, Miles and Gwen remain relatable as they combat the pressures of growing up and meeting expectations. A sensational demonstration of emotional depth and maturity captured superbly by Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld respectively with real heart. 

Supporting members of the Spider Society are worthy additions to the cast. Daniel Kaluuya as Spider-Punk is terrific casting. The British riot outlook on the world is superb. Every single line is delivered with dead-pan excellence, initiating the majority of the laughs - "It's a metaphor for capitalism."

Both villains are incredible. The film manages to take an unknown comic book character in the form of the Spot and creates a menacing threat for Miles. He's the perfect antagonist for this story, the polar opposite of Miles. Voiced impeccably by Jason Schwartzman. Alongside is Oscar Isaac as Spider-Man 2099. An imposing force that will stop at absolutely nothing to achieve his goal. The character design is flawless.  

Simply, preferred the story of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse believed it to be more concise and streamlined. The emotion felt more warranted and the 'Leap of Faith' is an out of this world scene. Can't wait to see how the trilogy wraps up.