Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse review

Greetings everyone,

Last night, I had the pleasure of indulging in the much-anticipated flick, "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse", and decided to compose a spoiler-free synopsis of my impressions. First off, I enjoyed the movie, but let's dig a bit deeper.

One thing worth noting right off the bat is that this isn't principally a Miles Morales Spider-Man film. Rather, it equally showcases Spider-Gwen and Miles Morales – a far cry from the expectations some may have had. This isn't a negative aspect by any means but may lean into the accusation of being a bait and switch.

Developed as a character-focused narrative, this movie flawlessly sketches out relatable characters and their intricate relationships, all amidst the dramatic chaos of the Spider-Verse. It additionally, introduces some new faces that will undoubtedly surprise the audience.

Going beyond the usual superhero flick, the movie dips into heartfelt moments, running the gamut from tragic circumstances, defiant acts, to the inescapable concept of familial bonds. The portrayal of Miles and Gwen as their true ages, laden with existing adolescent confusions further padded by their Spider-Man identities, strengthens the film's appeal.

The inevitable turmoil attached to their Spider-Man alter-egos only amplifies the impending doom in anticipation of heartbreak. The otherwise vibrant animation wonderfully distinguishes between the various universes, some more effectively than others. However, there are instances where the visual art leans on the chaotic side too much, lending a modicum of confusion to the action scenes.

As for the villain, although he may appear absurd at first, the way he was developed and used as a source of comic relief worked very well. Yet, I must admit, I am ambivalent towards the direction they chose for him.

The movie drifts in and out of some social messages – although incongruous and confusing at times – these little detours in the narrative don't become a distraction.

Finally, it is crucial to mention that this film, unexpectedly ends with a ‘to be continued’ line. I felt the conclusion of this instalment lacked the robust finale I anticipated. In my opinion, the story could have been tied up neatly in a single movie. However, I'm willing to reserve my final judgment until the release of the next part.

Summing up, "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" is indeed a commendable piece in the pantheon of superhero movies. I would highly recommend watching it.

Thank you for reading and tuning in, and until next time, peace out.