Like any good comic book tale, Spider-Man: Through the Spider-Verse faced an almost impossible task of living up to the groundbreaking 2018 Oscar-nominated show Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. According to the first batch of reviews, the sequel does the job amazingly, and somehow even more stylishly.
Through the Spider-Versewhich brings back Miles Morales for another multiversal adventure, racks up near-universal praise with the only gripe that fans will have to wait a year for the second part of this tale that once again pushes the boundaries of animation and redefines what makes a great comic book movie in these days of superhero fatigue.
You can see what the reviews are saying below:
mike ryan, Uproxx:
While watching Spider-Man: Through the Spider-Verse – which is quite on par with the first film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse – which won an Oscar and somehow came out five years ago – I wondered how fine the line was between this immersive and wonderful experience, as opposed to something something that just gives a headache. I suspect it’s closer than we think. I think that’s why I’m so amazed by these movies. On paper, this probably shouldn’t work. “An Ambitious Mess,” would be the most likely title. Instead, it’s one of the most, if not the most, immersive superhero stories, pushing far beyond the boundaries of what superhero stories should and could be.
Owen Gleiberman, Variety:
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” doesn’t just extend the story of Miles Morales. The film takes this story forward into newly enhanced realms of wow-ness that make it a true spiritual companion to the first film. This one made our heads spin and more; this one makes our heads spin even more (and would the fans, including me, think otherwise?).
Valerie Complex, Deadline:
What sets this film apart from other superhero movies is its sheer commitment to authenticity. From cartoon-like transitions to dynamic action sequences, the film exudes an organic love for its source material. It’s not just a movie, but an experience and a nod to any Spider-Man fan who has ever flipped through the pages of a Marvel publication. Watercolor animation is a brilliant mix that swirls to create something bold, enchanting, and innovative. It’s a real step up from its predecessor, using a colorful palette that brings every image to life as every scene appears as if it’s been painted by hand.
Gyarkye plate, The Hollywood Reporter:
Through the Spider-Verse vibrates with the same energy as its predecessor even when it feels more leaden with a backstory. This chapter is the first of a planned two-part sequel to Into the Spider-Verse. Splitting the sequel into two gives the screenplay, written by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and David Callaham, more room to settle into the crests and grooves of Miles’ story. The extra space turns out to be both a gift and a curse because Through the Spider-Verse takes us deeper into the world of Miles.
Nick Schager, The daily beast:
Appearance, however, is only part of Spider-Man: Through the Spider-Verse‘s amazing package. Featuring a series of sets so fast and complex that trying to keep up is its own joy, the film leaves its blockbuster competition in the dust, buried under an avalanche of titanic action in the urban chaos. The level of detailed planning and messy invention that must have gone into concocting these sequences is breathtaking. What ultimately matters, however, is the finished product, and what a product it is, with each mid and chase, skirmish and rescue more distinctive and impressive than the next.
Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com:
Like the work of a young artist who refuses to be held back by the boundaries of the frame, “Across the Spider-Verse” is loaded with incredible imagery and compelling ideas. It’s smart and exciting work that reminded me of other great parts like ‘The Dark Knight’ and ‘The Empire Strikes Back’. Like those films, it leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next chapter (which arrives in March 2024), and it earns its cliffhangers by grounding them in a story of young people refusing to submit to a concept of what the arc of a hero must be.
Tom Jorgensen, IGN:
Spider-Man: Through the Spider-Verse springs with visual inventiveness and dynamism in an undeniably strong evolution of the style established in Into the Spider-Verse. Miles and Gwen’s search for their place in the multiverse is relentless and thrilling, almost wrongly so, and though the plot is often an afterthought on the sheer chaos of exposed creation, solid performances, and character arcs. who feel loyal to the heroes we have met. the last time help ensure that Through the Spider-Verse is a more than worthy sequel to an all-time classic.
Germain Lussier, io9:
Really, it couldn’t be real. How is it actually possible that a sequel to a basically perfect movie is itself so amazing? And yet, it was not a dream. Spider-Man: Through the Spider-Verse is it amazing. It’s everything everyone loved about the first movie, only more human, more complex, and more visually stunning. Directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson lead a cinematic tour de force that transcends animation and will leave you heartbroken, breathless, and completely dazzled.
Spider-Man: Through the Spider-Verse hits theaters June 2.