Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) Review: Animation Pushed to Its Wildest Limits
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
- June 2, 2023
- 2h 20m
- English
- PG
- Streaming
Miles Morales catapults across the multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence — and clashes with them over how to handle a new threat.
By Site Admin · · 1 min read
We watched the full film before writing this review. Our score is independent of any affiliate relationship. Poster and stills are the property of their respective copyright owners.
Trailers
Official Trailer #2
YouTube · Sony Pictures Entertainment
Our rating
- Story8.5
- Acting9
- Visuals10
- Direction9
- Soundtrack9
Recommended for: Animation fans and anyone who loved Into the Spider-Verse
How we rate moviesSynopsis
A year after the events of Into the Spider-Verse, Miles Morales is balancing school, family and crime-fighting in Brooklyn. When Gwen Stacy reappears, Miles follows her into the multiverse and discovers the Spider-Society — an organization that has very firm ideas about what being Spider-Man requires.
A new look for every world
The animation is the headline: Gwen's world shifts color with her emotions, Mumbattan bursts with comic-panel detail, and Spider-Punk looks like a ransom note come to life. It is one of the most visually ambitious studio films ever made.
Performances
Shameik Moore gives Miles more confidence and more doubt this time, while Hailee Steinfeld's Gwen arguably becomes the emotional lead of the first act. Oscar Isaac brings real weight to Miguel O'Hara, a hero convinced he is doing the right thing.
Where it stumbles
This is the first part of a two-film story and it ends abruptly. The sheer amount happening in every frame can also make action scenes hard to follow on first viewing.
Who will enjoy it
Fans of Into the Spider-Verse
Families with older kids and teens
Anyone interested in where animation is heading
Pros
- Every universe has a distinct, stunning art style
- Gwen Stacy's story gets real emotional depth
- Daniel Pemberton's propulsive score
Cons
- Ends on a cliffhanger rather than a resolution
- The visual density can be overwhelming
Our Verdict
Across the Spider-Verse expands what a superhero film — and animation itself — can look like. Just know going in that it is the first half of a bigger story.
Cast & Crew
- Joaquim Dos SantosDirector
- Kemp PowersDirector
- Justin K. ThompsonDirector
- Shameik MooreMiles Morales (voice)b. 1995 · Atlanta
- Hailee SteinfeldGwen Stacy (voice)b. 1996 · Los Angeles
- Oscar IsaacMiguel O'Hara (voice)b. 1979 · Guatemala City
- Jake JohnsonPeter B. Parker (voice)b. 1978 · Evanston
- Issa RaeJessica Drew (voice)b. 1985 · Los Angeles
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse released?
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) was released in theaters on June 2, 2023.
Who directed Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse?
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) is directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson.
Who is in the cast of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse?
The main cast includes Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, Jake Johnson and Issa Rae.
How long is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse?
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) runs 140 minutes (2h 20m).
What is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse rated?
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) is rated PG.
Where can I watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse?
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) is available on Apple TV and Prime Video. Availability varies by region.
Written by
Site AdminSite Admin has been writing about film for over a decade, with a soft spot for big-screen science fiction and character-driven dramas.
