Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse's first reviews are here, offering fans a taste of what to expect from the eagerly-anticipated sequel.
Acting as a direct sequel to 2018's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, a synopsis for the film teases: "After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn's full-time, friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence.
"However, when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders. He must soon redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most."
It won't be the final time Marvel lovers get to traverse the Spider-Verse with a third film, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, already in the pipeline and poised for release in March 2024.
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So what can fans expect from the latest outing from the iconic hero? Early reactions shared by those lucky enough to see the film hail it a "total blast" with many commending its "darker than expected" narrative.
After watching an early screening of the film, Collider's Steven Weintraub tweeted: "Absolutely loved Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Wanted to push pause about a hundred times to study the incredible artistry on display. Cannot recommend this film enough and already looking forward to seeing it again. Next time in @IMAX!"
CinemaBlend's Sean O'Connell echoed the sentiment, writing: "OK. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse lives one step above Masterpiece. It's an actual work of art. Every frame deserves to be hung in a museum. The jokes and nods to Spidey lore are perfect. It's OUTSTANDING. The best Spider-Man movie. Might be my favorite movie ever. Cherish it."
The Hollywood Reporter journalist Brian Davids said the film is " yet another resounding win for the Lord Miller-produced universe", adding: "Hailee Steinfeld really comes into her own as Gwen Stacy, and her scenes with Shea Whigham's Captain Stacy are truly special. It's darker and sadder than I expected, but necessary."
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Rotten Tomatoes critic Tessa Smith teased plenty of twists and turns in the film, tweeting: "Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse raised the bar with its unique animation style and way of storytelling. Minds were blown when it was released and fans thought there was no way it could be topped. Think again. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse raises its own bar which seemed impossible.
"There are shocking twists, unexpected surprises, and a story that truly makes sense for the crazy multiverse world that we have all jumped head first into. The new Spider-People are all amazing! Across the Spider-Verse never feels it's length."
She ended by saying that unless something "completely unexpected" is released, Across The Spider-Verse has winning Best Animated Feature at the next Academy Awards "in the bag", and goes as far as to say it deserves a Best Picture nomination.
Fandango's Eric Goldman called the film "fantastic" and has expressed his excitement for the planned next instalment.
"I am very happy to say that Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is fantastic! Deftly juggles deeply heartfelt character beats with crazy multiverse content just packed with so many delightful Easter eggs. Loved how Gwen's story is expanded. Can't wait for the third one," he wrote.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has a cinema release date of June 2, 2023 in the US.
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Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy
Rebecca is a freelance journalist who specialises in TV and film. After beginning her career as a digital entertainment journalist for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, she embarked on a freelance career in 2021 contributing to the likes of Metro UK, The Sun, WhatCulture, Screen Rant, FilmHounds Magazine and more.
Her particular field of interest is horror cinema and she has written for genre publications such as Ghouls Magazine and Moving Pictures Film Club.
