Spider-Man : Across the Spider-Verse – MCU, Take Notes.

Spider-Man Continues to Master the Multiverse.

In 2018, Spider-Man : Into the Spider-Verse made waves in the film industry.  Quickly becoming one of the most beloved films of recent years, it changed the game for animation, and set a new bar for so many films moving forward.  Now, in 2023, its sequel, Spider-Man : Across the Spider-Verse, finds itself in an interesting position.  The sequel is releasing in a post-COVID world, word of mouth spread on just how good its predecessor was.  Marvel Studios has been struggling since Phase 4 began, with only a few projects being praised as ‘good’ at least.  So, how does Across the Spider-Verse fair?

Short and to the point, Spider-Man : Across the Spider-Verse is another game changer.  The animation and soundtrack is somehow better than the original.  Despite the MCU focusing on the multiverse, Disney and Marvel Studios have been floundering at finding meaningful ways to implement it(outside of, ironically, another multiverse, web-slinging adventure).  This movie expertly ties the multiverse to its themes of what it really takes to be Spider-Man, predestination, canon, and so much more.  Simply put, Spider-Man : Across the Spider-Verse is another masterpiece which all Superhero films should look to learn from moving forward.

A Fundamental Understanding of Great Story-Telling

Part of the reason why Into the Spider-Verse became as popular as it, outside of the animation, is the quality of its writing.  For the number of characters and references throughout Spider-Man history, the fact it manages to keep track of it all, while telling a heartfelt story about how anyone could be Spider-Man, is nothing short of masterful.  Of course, Across the Spider-Verse could have had a solid story, and the improvements to the soundtrack and animation would likely have left this movie seeing the same success it is seeing now.  But the team behind this movie aren’t just trying to make this a typical sequel.

The team has set out to tell another, more mature, and thought provoking story of the very nature of Spider-Man.  Miles and Gwen’s relationship, both to each other and to the role of Spider-Man/Woman is what this film is about.  Both are struggling with the baggage and trauma that comes with being Spider-Man, and when a threat comes along that challenges them and the fellow Spider-people, both find themselves on a journey to redefine what being an arachnid themed hero truly means.  The heart of this conflict really comes from the rivalry between Miles, and Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099.  O’Hara is no nonsense, and his approach to a multiverse threat is understandable, but one that seems at odds with what Spider-Man should do as a hero, with Gwen caught in the middle.

Every Character Steals the Show

Of course, there are more characters than this in the Spider-Verse.  Two new highlights include Spider-Man India and Spider-Punk.  India, while only present for a short time, is one of the most humorous characters of the film, with each of his jokes sticking the landing.  Punk meanwhile is less humorous, but many of his actions help push the story forward, and help Miles in his quest to rise against the more totalitarian aspects of the Spider Society. Peter B. Parker returns, alongside his infant daughter Mayday Parker.  While he still serves a purpose in trying to calm Miles down and progressing Gwen’s arc, his presence compared to the first film is minimal.

In addition, the main villain of the film, The Spot, is one of the more unique ones for the Spider-Man franchise as a whole.  One top of his unique abilities of creating dimensional rifts, the characterization of him as nothing more of a joke, villain of the week becoming an existential threat is both humorous as it is impressive.  His reasons for doing what he does are equal parts petty as they are relatable.

Of course, there are also tons of cameos and appearances from other fan favorites.  From the version of Parker from the fan favorite Spectacular Spider-Man television show, Ben Reilly, and a few other surprise cameos best left unmentioned.

To Be Concluded…

It of course should be mentioned that Across the Spider-Verse was originally marketed as the first part of a two-part narrative.  Still, Beyond the Spider-Verse isn’t far away, releasing in March of next year.  With high stakes set, the coming conclusion will have massive expectations to meet.  Still, if this team is two for two, then it’s safe to say Miles Morales may have one of, if not the best, trilogy in animation, superheroes, or film in general to his name.

RANKING – 10/10

Check out Spider-Man : Across the Spider-Verse in theaters.