The Empire Strikes Back doesn’t just grow on trees. Does that make sense? Let’s just go ahead and pretend that it does.
Writers/Producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller found themselves tasked with that exact job, to artificially manufacture The Empire Strikes Back. It is not an uncommon task for a potential trilogy to attempt. The basic concept of taking your preexisting cast of characters and turning their world on its head. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse follows in the footsteps of fellow acclaimed animated sequels such as Toy Story 2 and How to Train Your Dragon 2 by legitimately Empiring the Spider-Verse.
The film is quick to remind you of the type of beast you’re soon to consume, as the Comics Code Authority stamp once again dons the screen. In a similar vein to its predecessor, the creative team does not shy away from the storied history of Spider-Man. Variations of Spider-People are constantly introducing themselves, leading to more and more characters joining the comic book pile.
Steller Music, Underwhelming Sound
It would be remiss of me at this point to not point out the potential audio issues impacting viewings across the globe. In my case, the beginning of the movie was notably quieter than anything I had experienced in a cinema before. The issue was seemingly soon rectified, with volume levels increasing around the 10 minute mark. It was a surprise to learn this was not an issue solely at my theater. I have yet to return to the theater to see the film again, but Sony is assuring audiences that a new version of the film (with complete sound mixing) is at your local cinema.
With that said, the film’s score is delightfully provided by Daniel Pemberton. As was the case with the first foray into the Spider-Verse, the score blends perfectly with the soundtrack. This time around popular producer Metro Boomin took control of the soundtrack, leading to a number of notable collaborations. Many popular tracks are already the topic of discussion online, particularly many of the character themes. The theme for Spider-Man 2099 is a fan-favorite, and I enjoy it as well. If I had to pick a singular track to comment on, it would be the Spider-Woman (Gwen Stacy) theme. The value this theme creates for the film’s first action set piece is significant.
Character Arcs
If the film carries any singular journey, it is the journey of Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld). Amidst the mild sea of audio issues, her newest adventure begins. Hailing from a world where she became Spider-Woman and Peter Parker died shortly after becoming the Lizard, she is constantly at odds with her father. In a bit of a twist, Across the Spider-Verse chooses to heavily lean into the idea of parenthood.
Captain George Stacy (Shea Whigham) is at the center of this, alongside the parental figures of Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), and a number of other Spider-People, such as Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Issac). The idea of loss and the need to protect what you have looms large over this film experience. The Stacy family unit are desperate to see eye-to-eye and accept each other as they are, not as they were.
This interpretation is exactly what the transgender community has latched onto in relation to Gwen’s portrayal. A “Protect Trans Kids” flag hangs in her room, and her father’s uniform adorns the trans flag. While the character may not be canonically transgender, the message is definitely a gift to the viewers that want it.
Miles Morales’ adventure throughout the movie is dependent on his innermost desire to belong. Despite being part of a close knit family, Miles’ only desire is to experience the Spider-Family from Into the Spider-Verse again. The reveal that he isn’t welcome into the “Spider-Society” Miguel O’Hara has created is something that he is unable to accept.
What Exactly is a Canon Event?
Across the Spider-Verse decides to take this time to introduce the idea of “canon events” in a Spider-Person’s life. The concept, while interesting, is a tad bit too flimsy. At the core of the problem is Miles’ legitimacy as a Spider-Man. Miguel is suggesting that he broke the canon by the method he received his powers. If this is the case, wouldn’t Miles’ universe have immediately begun to suffer the unfortunate consequences of breaking the canon?
On the other hand, Spider-Society features a plethora of characters, specifically Peter Parker from Insomniac’s Spider-Man (2018). In his universe, Miles Morales exists, and he is actively Spider-Man alongside Peter. This contradicts Miguel O’Hara’s hypothesis that Peter Parker of Miles’ world only died because Miles obtained his powers.
In reality, it’s just a bit of movie magic. The creative team behind the movie either wants us to accept the idea at face value, or there is simply more to explain in the next part of the trilogy.
Empire Duplicated?
The film abruptly screeches to a halt in a number of ways, providing audiences with minimal conclusions. Gwen’s arc with her father resolves rather well, leading to the theory that it’s the true throughline for the film. In Miles’ case, he finds himself on the edge of a metaphorical (and mildly physical) cliff. This is The Empire Strikes Back feeling that Lord and Miller were desperately reaching for, and I believe it’s safe to assume that they ultimately succeeded.
If you’re in dire need of an arbitrary review score, I am settling at 9/10. I believe the reviews the film is receiving from the public to be accurate, but I am not entirely sure that it succeeds in surpassing its predecessor.
The third part of the Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse will to release on March 29, 2024. We will have to wait and see if that release date proves true.
