“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” is the new animated film that follows "Into the Spider-Verse." It will be succeeded by "Beyond the Spider-Verse." The movie is directed by a talented team, including Kemp Powers, known for his exceptional work on "Soul." The writing credits feature Phil Lord and Chris Miller, celebrated for "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" and "The Lego Movie," along with Dave Callaham of "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings." Though this film ends with a "to be continued," leading into a part two next year, it still stands firmly on its own despite being a part of a larger narrative.

Attempting a brief plot synopsis for a multiversal film like this is challenging. Like A24's "Everything Everywhere All At Once," its complex, intertwined narratives defy simple summaries. But I'll avoid spoilers and attempt to capture the essence of the story without divulging too much.

We revisit Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore), who, along with Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), confronts the Spot (Jason Schwartzman), a villain threatening to tear the fabric of their worlds. The adventure spirals them into the multiverse's Spider Society, a fantastical realm brimming with 'Spider-people.'

The Spider Society includes countless iterations of Spider-Man, Spider-people, and Spider-entities. Some are so wildly unique that you might find yourself second-guessing if they belong to the arachnid family. They're charged with protecting the multiverse and its very existence.

The performances by all voice actors are commendable, with Oscar Isaac's portrayal of the cold, authoritative 2099 Spider-Man, who dedicates his life to protecting the timelines and steals the spotlight. Jake Johnson delivers an endearing performance as Peter B. Parker, perfectly capturing the nuances of a new dad navigating the turbulent waters of parenthood, particularly when it comes to the lively May Parker, who might have a touch of spider DNA herself.

One of the standout features of this movie is the multiverse, creatively brought to life through a kaleidoscope of animations. Each variation of different universes introduces us to a new, distinct animation style - each with its own aesthetic tone. Setting a new standard for animation in which this team continues to push the boundaries.

My biggest problem is how the film moves at a breathless pace, navigating through visual landscapes like a pinball on steroids. Sometimes, you might find yourself wishing for a pause button to catch your breath to consume the richness of the details. The jokes are the same way. You're still laughing at a previous gag while another three are happening simultaneously.

The Spider-Verse films triumph because they bring the aesthetic of comic books to life in a fluid, dynamic manner. At times, it feels like flipping through a comic book on a roller coaster, with scenes, characters, and dialogues whizzing past in a colorful blur.

Underpinning the relentless action is Daniel Pemberton's score that keeps step with every jump, thwip, and swing. The core themes of adolescence, identity, and the quest for one's place in the world (or worlds) remain intact. Yet, amidst the visual and acoustic wonders, the film grounds us with real characters we genuinely care about.

The narrative also introduces us to multiple outcomes, making us question the inevitability of tragedy and the possibility of alternative versions of oneself.

By his very nature, Miles feels out of sync with his surroundings, echoing the classic Spider-Man predicament. Spider-Man was always the kid forced into greatness –– "With Great Power Comes Responsibility." One minute adored by his neighborhood yet vilified by the press. The film takes this classic dilemma and amplifies it tenfold, crafting an engaging narrative that's as immersive as it is relatable.

What's impressive is how the film balances its quick-fire quips and an array of visual formats with a strong emotional core. Like "The Lego Movie," the humor whips by at a breakneck pace - blink, and you might miss it.

But amidst the laughs and high-speed action, you find yourself sympathizing with the characters, resonating with their dilemmas, and quietly appreciating the drama about being a parent, a kid, grieving lost ones, and longing, even as the narrative spirals off into a thousand spectacular directions.

4.5/5