Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Mini-Review)

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse shows the continuing adventures of Miles Morales. Miles is still going to school while keeping the streets safe. On the day of his teacher-parent conference, he is delayed when the Spot tries stealing an ATM machine. Figuring the villain was nothing serious, he thinks there is nothing to worry about. But Miles doesn't realize how deep the Spot's hatred for him goes. His life only gets more complicated from there. Miles' reunion with Gwen Stacy leads to him finding out about a secret society made up of Spider-Man variants. But what happens when Miles' views make him more enemies than friends? Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was released in 2023. It was directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson. It stars Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Vélez, and Jake Johnson.

There is only a teaser for the next film in the series. So there's no reason to wait until the end of the credits if you already know the title of the sequel.

This movie has a long runtime but you hardly notice how much time is going by. There is so much going on at any given moment, never mind the numerous revelations, that each moment is not wasted. The cameos by other Spider-People are sure to keep die hard comic book fans happy for years to come. My favorite has to be the T-Rex cameo. I don't know about it in the comics but its appearance was more than amusing.

While not canon, a lot of people have noticed hints that Gwen Stacy is trans. From the colors of her costume to something above her door. Some people are fuming mad because to them that ruins established canon. Which is hilarious as some of the sub-text of this movie is that following established canon is not good. What is good is to take things in a new direction and not let old ideas fester just because they were there first.

Miguel O' Hara is the leader of the Spider-People. Unlike most Spider-People, he isn't quick to joke and many people comment on how different he is from most Spider-People. His backstory does explain why he is that way but...something doesn't feel right to me. A movie doesn't mention one fact numerous times just for it to be unimportant. So it could be that he was lying about large portions concerning his backstory or he isn't the real Miguel O' Hara. I can't wait until the sequel comes out so those questions can be answered.

I'm glad about waiting to see this movie as the theater was crowded. I don't want to imagine how packed it would have been opening day. I have social anxiety and trips to the theater are partially to test my resolve. But even though a crowded theater scared me, it made a much more enjoyable movie going experience. There was a cameo, a very multi-layered one, and someone was extremely excited by it. So I knew when I got home to look it up. It was something I had the knowledge about but had just forgotten. Though I didn't realize how deep that cameo went. Also when the Spider-People all pointed at each other, the whole theater erupted into laughter.

I would highly recommend Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse to fans of the first movie. I would also highly recommend Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse to fans of Spider-Man (there are just so many deep cuts for you to gush over). I would also highly recommend Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse to those looking for an animated movie.