With the embargo on social media reactions lifted, Across the Spider-Verse early reviews are pouring in with acclaimed responses positioning it as a masterpiece for its groundbreaking animation. While praise-worthy mentions for the VFX were evident from the promos, Spider-Verse 2’s writers and producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller are also being commended for the story’s emotional depth in exploring Miles Morales’s arc.
Across the Spider-Verse early reviews may have surpassed the expectations set by the Oscar-winning 2018’s Into the Spider-Verse. In fact, several critics like Brandon Davis state the movie is “so good, it’s hard to believe it exists.”
While the Spider-Verse 2 trailers highlighted mostly the extravagant multiverse sequences, critics like Collider’s Steven Weintraub state that every frame in the movie is a work of art. Few journos like Jake Hamilton and Erik Davis compared Spider-Verse 2 to the likes of Star Wars’s The Empire Strikes Back and Back to the Future 2.
Journos were not short of praises for Shamiek Moore & Hailee Steinfeld‘s chemistry as well, noting they are a phenomenal duo. Although there are numerous Spideys – the movie apparently still keeps the focus on Miles Morales and his family, as DiscussingFilm’s Andrew J. Salazar tweeted. In addition, Spider-Gwen is also given more screen time sharing scenes with Shea Whigham‘s Captain Stacy and “steps deeper into the spotlight” and Rightly so as one of the leading characters of the sequel.
Across the Spider-Verse early reviews state the sequel is sadder and dark with a mature tone
Sony Pictures marketing strategy received flak for giving away too many surprises like C-class villains Armadillo and Spider-People such as Western Cowboy Spider-Man and Toi Spidey. However, Youtuber Reel Reject’s Greg Alba says, “No amount of trailer footage prepares you for this.”
Some Across the Spider-Verse early reviews are predicting it has a strong chance of bagging the Best Animated Feature award if not being a major contender for the category at the Oscars. Readers can check out reactions below.
The moment SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE ended, I knew I'd experienced a cinematic moment I'd cherish forever.
If INTO is A NEW HOPE, this is EMPIRE – darker, more powerful and better in every way.
It's going to be a LONG wait until March '24.
HOW DOES THIS MOVIE EXIST?! pic.twitter.com/5KD8puRXMD
— Jake Hamilton (@JakesTakes) May 25, 2023
Hands down, #AcrossTheSpiderVerse is real deal. Visually unlike anything you will see in a theater this year – it very much feels like the BACK TO THE FUTURE II of the series. A middle chapter that's weird & funky & shocking, but also the ultimate #SpiderMan experience. It rocks! pic.twitter.com/TNvoIF6Wio
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) May 25, 2023
#AcrossTheSpiderVerse is yet another milestone for animation. Yes it's gorgeous & visually mind-blowing, but this sequel surpasses the first for always putting Miles AND his family front and center.
Spider-Gwen also rightfully steps deeper into the spotlight, co-owning the film. pic.twitter.com/maYL97vAeg
— Andrew J. Salazar (@AndrewJ626) May 25, 2023
#SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse is yet another resounding win for the Lord Miller-produced universe. 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. pic.twitter.com/BekW4nVAyv
— Brian Davids (@PickYourBrian) May 25, 2023
#AcrossTheSpiderVerse is EVERYTHING! The animation is next level, every spidey is perfect, the surprises are insanely epic, & the music is fire. You'll be on the edge of your seat bc this ride is wild. It feels so good 2 back in the Spider-Verse!#SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse pic.twitter.com/LTT76F2d0n
— Ashley Saunders she/her (@ThatAshleyErin) May 25, 2023
The hype is real! Every frame of #SpiderMan #AcrossTheSpiderVerse is gorgeous. I didn't want to blink because I didn't want to miss anything. You can watch this film over & over & finds something new to enjoy. There are some surprises in this film that I truly wasn't expecting. pic.twitter.com/8UpTCXzyCM
— Joseph Deckelmeier (@joedeckelmeier) May 25, 2023
Across the #SpiderVerse is simply an incredible accomplishment. It’s stunning but also very much an unfinished story by its end.
Visually, it’s such a stunning achievement. It’s everything a #SpiderMan fan could ask for and much more.
So good, it’s hard to believe it exists. pic.twitter.com/HLtQwQw8LB
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) May 25, 2023
Unless something completely unexpected comes sweeping in, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has Best Animated Feature in the bag (& deserves a Best Picture nom, if we are being honest). The way the colors express and enhance the emotional beats..#SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse pic.twitter.com/GqTJc7WTww
— Tessa Smith – Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) May 25, 2023
Absolutely loved #SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse. 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! pic.twitter.com/R4dQFQwSpH
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) May 25, 2023
#SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse is THE BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR! GROUNDBREAKING animation takes you on a wild, darker journey, interweaving countless Spider-Man characters & JAW-DROPPING SURPRISES. I found myself repeatedly saying "Oh My God" in disbelief! #Spiderverse @SpiderVerse pic.twitter.com/5gikQcgrjJ
— Shahbaz • The Movie Podcast (@shayhbaz) May 25, 2023
The best #Spiderman movie ever made comes out next week.#AcrossTheSpiderVerse transcends comics, movies, words.
I am overwhelmed with emotion.
I am enamored.
I am the happiest I have EVER been as a Spider-Man fan. pic.twitter.com/oVcxRVw5is— Coy Jandreau (@CoyJandreau) May 25, 2023
#SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse is AMAZING and a REVOLUTIONARY achievement in animation. It does the impossible of surpassing the original and delivers one of THE BEST Spider-Man stories EVER. It’s more mature and a WEB-SLINGING WONDER beginning to end.#SpiderVerse @SpiderVerse pic.twitter.com/8zuklJH8EI
— Daniel Baptista • The Movie Podcast (@dbapz) May 25, 2023
#SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse is a stunning achievement. Yes, it’s visually dazzling, with expansive, expressive new realms (Gwen’s world is my favorite). But the movie’s real superpower is its emotional depth and its beautiful, melancholic tone. I love this movie so, so much 🕷️ pic.twitter.com/ofHvWCrNqy
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) May 25, 2023
#SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse lives up to the hype in every conceivable way!
Miles Morales absolutely shines in his second Marvel movie adventure. Gwen Stacy takes her place at the head of this table too. Tons of heart on display in every corner of this one. pic.twitter.com/7SFbpOqhKA
— Aaron Perine (@SumitLakeHornet) May 25, 2023
after watching #SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse …..
Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit! Didn’t want it to end. No amount of trailer footage prepares you for this. AVOID SPOILERS as much as you can
— Greg Alba (@TheGregAlba) May 25, 2023
OK. #SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse 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 #SpiderMan movie. Might be my favorite movie ever. Cherish it. pic.twitter.com/mQxSnfKF0N
— Sean O'Connell (@Sean_OConnell) May 25, 2023
OMG… #Spiderman #AcrossTheSpiderVerse is mind-blowing. The animation, the writing, the music, and everything is simply amazing. I'm not even overhyping it. It deserves the hype. OMG… they did it again #SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse
— Laura ลอร'า 劳拉 🍥 (@lsirikul) May 25, 2023
Shameik Moore & Hailee Steinfeld are a phenomenal duo with great chemistry. All timer performances. This film is gonna have a huge, emotional impact on the audience. Beautiful art.@shinypinkbottle @philiplord @JDS_247 @Powerkeni @chrizmillr #SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse pic.twitter.com/GIdfFcXBra
— Atom (@theatomreview) May 25, 2023
#SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse is not only an incredible achievement in story & animation. It's a cultural experience that will make every Puerto Rican teary eyed & filled with pride! I shed tears every time I saw that PR flag pop up on the big screen! #SpiderVerse @SpiderVerse pic.twitter.com/Z2rUcIg98e
— Vanessa D. (@BriteandBubbly) May 25, 2023
Aside from being a visually thrilling experience, Spider-Verse 2 is also a cultural experience that is sure to get Puerto Ricans teary-eyed, as noted by Vanessa D. Though the family theme was hinted to be a major focus since the first trailer.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will swing into theaters on June 2.
