Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Directors – Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson

Writers – Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Dave Callaham

2023, USA

Stars - Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac

 

 

And then, when it gets tired of dazzling, it kicks in with the narrative fully. Sometimes its speed is so frantic and A.D.D. that if you blink, you’ll miss something. Everything is possible: slapstick with nemesis Spot, other Spider-man films, Lego, Donald Glover, a needle-drop… Spider-cats … Nothing is off the table, it seems. And yet, with everything and everyone, it never loses its focus on Miles. But only a second watch and a pause button will fully reveal all the Easter Eggs and the marvel of the animation. Firstly, just gawp at the variety of art styles on display.

 

Its focus on outsiderism and “I Can Do Anything” are at the heart of super-hero narratives, with all the teen angst and coming-out and intergeneration conflict are all deftly handled. The struggle for friendship, acceptance, achievement, self-acceptance, etc, is more convincing and moving than most. Although the chief magic ingredient is that Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) is such a likeable protagonist – though not to undervalue the work done to enhance Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld). The animation is fantastic with Miles’ expressions and body-language. And then the narrative really kicks in, expanding on details set out in ‘Into the Spider-Verse’ and even having time for a few twists. It’s a film that is always spiking something new and resonant, whether it’s an art style or something quieter, like an upside-down invisible Miles thinking Glen has turned around for possible kiss.

 

 

Even if its pace and metaverse kaleidoscope will turn off those not used to or interested in keeping up with or engaging with such narratives, for comic book fans it’s a superlative treat. These Miles Morales animated films are proving to be something special, tuned in to the short attention-span but emotional depths of a young modern audience, and formally bold, anarchic yet reverential and seemingly free to do what they want.

 

Exhaustingly gorgeous and thrilling. You could freeze-frame it anywhere and get a spectacular visual. Probably the definitive animation to capture the joyousness of comics.