mitchell

Beautiful movie—the visuals are incredible. Unfortunately, that was the only noteworthy part of it. This movie completely lacks the charm and personality of the first film. Something about it feels so impersonal. The dialogue is generic, the themes are generic. The movie used three hours of my time just to not tell me anything new about the lessons it wished to teach. The first film, however, managed to do that very adequately which is why I’m unsatisfied with this one. Is it the worst movie? Of course not, and I understand why people like it. But if you like Into the Spider-Verse because of its characterization of Miles and demonstration of his growth, perhaps you won’t like this one because to be honest, such a concept doesn’t exist in this film! Miles hardly develops in a significant way and it upsets me. Seeing him find his way around his new life in the first movie was fun because it was realistic and heartfelt, but everything in Across the Spider-Verse felt so arbitrary. I think there was just too much going on in the film—too many relationship dynamics to be explored on top of explaining all the technical stuff about the multiverse. It was just a lot for one film. I would hope things are tied into a neat bow in the third movie, but I don’t plan on seeing it when it comes out. This one was just too overwhelming. I understand why it is so beloved, but if you find that you feel the same way I do about the first movie, approach the second film with these critiques in mind before you let your expectations soar. Happy viewing!