Nerds That Geek Movie Review – ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’

Written by Shae Rufe

Spider-Man (Shameik Moore) and Spider-Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation’s SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE. PHOTO BY: Sony Pictures Animation © 2022 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

​​Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is hands down one of the best sequels to ever happen. Not only does it continue the unique art style from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, it expands upon it. This fantastical art style is used to showcase the ever-changing emotions of the characters within a scene, making the art itself a living character within the film. Allowing for a more in-depth view into the characters themselves. The unique art style does more than just add to the story, it tells the story through a different lens. The art is constantly moving and changing, colors not just setting the mood, but evolving it into the next scene. Aided with the beautiful soundtrack that doesn’t just add to the background but leads the way. Visually, this is a stunning movie. Viewing the art of the film as its own character just continues to make the film even better.
 
Plot wise, this time, it’s not just about Miles Morales, rather we start with Gwen Stacey recounting the events of the last film. We also see more of Gwen’s world and life. Things haven’t been easy for Gwen, not since she came back. Her anger at the situation only grows and leaves her resentful. Being a Spider-Woman isn’t easy, and Ghost-Spider is doing her best. Much like in any Spider-Verse, she’s blamed for the tragic death of a loved one too. Still, Gwen fights on.
 
Miles is also fighting on. He’s dealing with his feelings for Gwen by thinking of her and drawing her, constantly, and he’s fighting crime while trying to keep up with school and family life. It’s not going well. He’s doing his best though! A fight with a particularly difficult villain has made Miles late enough for important meetings and even family events. Balancing the life of a hero and a teen is difficult. Couple that with parents who don’t know about his secret identity and, well, it gets messy.

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Things are even messier when the Spider-Verse is fully revealed. An all-star voice cast makes every moment of this film perfect. From Oscar Isaac to Issa Rae and everyone, it’s a wonderful ride to spot the voices of these amazing actors. Of course, the cameos are even better when you hear them! This film was well worth the wait. As the voice cast itself not only made the film as amazing, but the actors fully invested themselves into this Universe.
 
This sequel was more than just an addition to the first film. It was for new and old Spider-Man fans. A fresh take on the comics many grew up with. The style of the animation lends itself to the comic feel while the story itself has a grittier edge with humor sprinkled in to soften the harsher moments. It’s a different type of Marvel Movie that allows for a broader perspective and view into this world. The Spider-Verse is vast, and we see that visually, but to have a story told on this grand of a level, constantly upping the stakes, is a whole other experience. This movie deserves all the praise, as it has more than earned it.
 
But how does it end? Well, you can find out today since Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is now in theaters, nationwide. It’s not just the must-see film for any Spider-Man fan, but the must-see film of the summer, courtesy of Miles’ journey. Because it is just amazing to watch young Miles progress as a character as he deals with the trials and tribulations of being Spider-Man.

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