Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen , based on child development research. How do we rate?
Spidey sequel is an action-packed delight; peril, violence.
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Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 39 parent reviews
What's the Story?
SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE starts off with narration from Gwen Stacy (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld). After her Peter Parker dies, she joins Miguel O'Hara's (Oscar Isaac) elite squad of Spider-People who help protect the multiverse from dangerous threats and anomalies. One of Gwen's assignments leads her to the Earth where Miles (Shameik Moore) is now a year older, dealing with how to balance his responsibilities as a student and a son with his duties as the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. He keeps having to lie to his parents about why he's late to or absent from important events. For example -- he nearly misses a family meeting with his school counselor because a villain dubbed the Spot (Jason Schwartzman) wants to defeat Peter. Gwen's visit (her first since the events of the first film) confuses Miles, who uses his invisibility powers to follow her to another Earth, where Spider-Man India (Karan Soni) needs protection from the multiverse-hopping Spot. After Miles unintentionally triggers a catastrophic event, he's summoned to the Spider-Person HQ, where he reunites with Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson) and meets a new crew of cool Spideys but discovers he's not as welcome as he'd hoped.
Is It Any Good?
This imaginative, intense sequel impresses with its layered, touching storyline that highlights the difficulties of being a lonely Spider-Person without anyone who knows the truth. Like the first film, this installment will be a joy to watch and rewatch, with repeat viewings practically required so viewers can (try to) capture all of the movie's various Easter eggs, in-jokes, and references to bits and pieces of Spider-Man lore. While the ambitious nemesis, Spot, isn't as initially frightening as other supervillains (he's funnily bumbling at first), his single-minded focus on destroying Miles and everything he loves is downright eerie. Then there's Miguel, a Spider-Man leader who's a compelling stand-in for everyone who demands canonical conformity in their fandoms. He seems like a good guy, but his rigid adherence to "the canon" transforms his protectiveness into an insidious gate-keeping that threatens Peter just as much as the Spot does.
Steinfeld stands out as Gwen, who has an even bigger role here than in the first movie. She and Miles share a deep connection, but, due to the circumstances, it's not yet defined as romantic, considering how the Gwens in most multiverses fall for their Peter Parkers with disastrous consequences. The effects here are stellar, combining live-action characters, video footage, and more with different forms of animation. Some of fans' favorite Spider-People from the first movie aren't in this film, but the new ones are fascinating, particularly Jess Drew (Issa Rae), who's somewhat of a mentor to Gwen, and Hobie Brown, aka Spider-Punk, a Black, Cockney-accented anarchist voiced brilliantly by Daniel Kaluuya. He's got a Basquiat-meets-Jimi Hendrix vibe and is so cool that Miles is part in awe, part jealous. The movie's ending is sure to spark debate, but directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson have given writer-producer Phil Lord's vision enough Spidey Sense to lock in audiences for another must-see movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Do you think comic book-style violence impacts viewers differently than live-action violence? Why, or why not?
Which of the new Spideys is your favorite, and why? What do you think of the references to the live-action Spider-Man franchises as well?
Discuss the concept of "canon" when it comes to comics and pop-culture fandoms. Do you consider yourself a canon purist like Miguel, or are you open to new storylines like Miles?
What do you think of Gwen Stacy's larger role in this installment? Where do you think Gwen and Miles are headed? Do you prefer them as friends, or do you hope for a romantic relationship?
How is Miles' cultural background explored in the sequel? Why do representation and diversity matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 2, 2023
- On DVD or streaming: August 8, 2023
- Cast: Shameik Moore , Hailee Steinfeld , Jason Schwartzman , Jake Johnson
- Directors: Joaquim Dos Santos , Kemp Powers , Justin K. Thompson
- Inclusion Information: Black directors, Black actors, Female actors, Asian actors, Multiracial actors, Latino writers, Asian writers
- Studio: Sony Pictures Releasing
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Superheroes , Adventures
- Character Strengths: Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 140 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: sequences of animated action violence, some language and thematic elements
- Awards: Common Sense Selection , Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated: July 29, 2024
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