Jewel of animation cinema, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Or Spider-Man: Next Generation according to its hazardous French translation) had seduced well beyond the sphere of comic book lovers when it was released in cinemas in 2018. Sony Pictures Animation has logically ordered a sequel, or rather two, for a new two-part adventure that begins this week in theaters with Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. And as hoped, we still took a slap.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is first and foremost an incredible visual feat.
After saving his dimension and the few Spider-Hero who had ventured there in spite of themselves, Miles Morales has grown old and still leads a tumultuous teenage life, monopolized by his academic success, his obligations as a New York caretaker and the memory that haunts him of a Gwen Stacy from another dimension. While managing the conflicts brought about by his secrets with his parents, he meets Taska nasty blunderer with origins linked to his past who will quickly prove to be much more dangerous than at first glance. From a distance, while we discover a little better the traumas and the universe of Spider Gwenthis one will have a bad encounter that will lead her to cross paths with others Spider-Heroprotectors of Multiverse in the face of anomalies from other dimensions.
It is in this context that we are going to discover a slew of universes and Spider-Heroall more original and unexpected than each other, often with scenes of revelations badass for characters who are just as much. The completely fun and quirky tone of this Multiverse will, however, gradually give way to a darker twistoffering a gripping approach to the myth of theSpider Man and its formative events, and a multidimensional reflection on predestination. A good way to resume and respect the codes of Spiderman, while once again giving them a facelift and even managing to connect the many re-readings of the license. And, yes, there are cameos and easter eggs galore, but they are almost exclusively there only to support backgrounds rich in detail without ever hindering neophytes.
2h20 long, all the same, Across the Spider-Verse enthralls for most of the viewing, aided by long, interesting introductory passages and a gradual build-up. The alternation between fast-paced action sequences and more sedate moments, whether it’s strong dialogue about the future of miles, the doubts of Spider Gwen very present on the screen or elongated and successful humorous exchanges, captivates almost to the end. The quick and scattered valves throughout the adventure also often hit the mark, especially those of the anarchist Hobie aka Spider-Punk. There last part, slower, even too long by a few minuteshowever, reminds us with difficulty that a sequel was planned from the start and that we will have to wait for it to discover the answers to our questions and the outcome of the various cliffhangers.
But beyond its absorbing storytelling, strong characters, or perfectly involved voice cast, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is above all an incredible visual feat. Sony Pictures Animation goes even further than Into the Spider-Verse by pushing his style to the extreme, which mixes several of them, with inspirations straight from the different ages of comics, animated series, black and white sketchesand lots of things that we will let you discover and which are inherent to the very concept of Multiverse with various scenes. Between comic book panels, vibrant watercolor colors that change from view to view and visual effects that add movement and aesthetics even at the simplest scenes, there is always something to rave about, without it hindering readability.
Add to that compositions of plans which have nothing to envy to the most beautiful films that the cinema has offered us, and sleek and stylized fight sequences that trigger massive, guilt-free pleasure (special mention at the entrance of Jessica Drew aka Spider Woman), and you will understand that this animated action feature has everything it takes to become one of the most essential in its category. And we could almost say the same about the soundtrack, at the top, whether thanks to its original melodies with catchy electronic accents or the hip-hop nuggets that we will be happy to listen to again. We would almost resent it sometimes for being too good, so much so that we focus more on the shape than what it shows.
You will have understood it: go see Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse At the movie theater. Already, because the multitude of animation techniques and visual styles is enough to make you fall head over heels, and you won’t count the times you stare at the screen with stars in your eyes, preventing you from taking your eyes off until the end of the end credits. And then, especially if you like the myth of theSpider Manbecause this a richer and more generous than ever approach to Multiverse gives rise to a thrilling narrative, anchored around two teenagers who have not chosen their destiny.
The only downside that we could formulate would be the last part, which calms the rhythm and drags a little bit in length to raise the stakes of a sequel, and which does not allow the film to be fully enjoyed on stand-alone viewing. Waiting for the release of Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse April 3, 2024 in France, this part has a little taste of unfinished, which could quickly turn into a flavor of timeless classic if the next hits as hard, or even more.
Note : 4.5 stars 5
Spider-Man: Next Generation is available on 4K Blu-ray from €14.99 on Amazon.co.uk.
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| Favorite editor of your favorite editor since 2009, passionate about music that makes boom boom, follower of comic series of all kinds. I’ve played a little too much Pokémon in my life. | ||
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