I loved the movie ‘Into The Spider-Verse.’ I don’t think I like the movie ‘Across The Spider-Verse’… because it’s not really a movie.
It’s part of a movie, and those parts are actually really great. The first half of the picture is all about the relationships of Miles and Gwen, which were satisfyingly fleshed out. Miles’ mom gets much more screen time and is pitch perfect. We get a look at Gwen’s universe, which could have made for an awesome solo project.
But once we get past that first half, the rest is entirely setup for something we won’t get until next year. The antagonists and new primary protagonists are engaging. But the overwhelming nature of Spider universes that converge in this two and half hours nears the point of exhaustion and frustration. And that includes a host of new studio notes, now that they have a popular homegrown Spider franchise.
This could end up being a good movie, when the rest of it gets released. But right now I’m left with a hole where the rest of my movie should be.
The Review
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
An engaging start with satisfying character development for Miles and Gwen, promising expansion of their universes, but falters in the latter half with overwhelming Spider-verse convergence and excessive setup for future installments. Leaves viewers wanting more immediate resolution. Overall, a mixed experience with potential for improvement in subsequent releases.
PROS
- Satisfying character development for Miles and Gwen.
- Promising exploration of their respective universes.
- Expanded screen time for Miles' mom adds depth to the story.
CONS
- Excessive setup for future installments detracts from the immediate viewing experience.
- Leaves viewers feeling exhausted and frustrated.
- Lacks resolution and feels incomplete without the follow-up installment.
