'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review

Great expectations

Across the Spider-Verse is an incredibly difficult film to review, at least right now. By most metrics, it's another artistic achievement in the vein of its predecessor, an utter aesthetic accomplishment even exceeding the original - every frame's not a painting but a gallery, a testament to the purity of expression which defines art at its finest, and the youthful exuberance which drew so many of us to larger-than-life heroes in the first place. Coursing through the splendid visuals, as well, is a story which matures the original's main thrust, with a steadier emotional cadence and greater weight to its thematic expounders, impeccably acted through characters who are endearing as every conceivable iteration of Hell. A powerful story is prepared of loss and consequence, of what we gain and lose with growth, and the difficult task of defining the just and heroic choice. But that's the core problem: the story's not over yet. While all the threads offered are indeed promising, nearly all remain unresolved come the cliffhanger, and it's difficult to discern what might be a plot hole from a future aspect; there's more to take on faith for eventual fulfillment than in actionable practice, and it makes Across difficult to consider on its own intrinsic merit. Overall, it's a somewhat scattered yet decently satisfying sequel; I look forward to whenever the conclusion finally arrives, when I can deliver a proper verdict.