Rio may not know what her son is hiding, but she gives him the strength to push on. (Sony Pictures) A sequel better and richer than the original Oscar Isaac is Spider-Man 2099, who leads the team of arachnid-themed heroes trying to keep the multiverse timelines from degrading. The sequel does occasionally use comic panels to split our attention, but the colouring is bold and daring, like a LeRoy Neiman painting sprung to life. What keeps the film from drowning in a sea of hyper-niche comic book references is the firm grasp on the story at the centre. Indeed it's the strength of that story and clarity of the characters that gives the movie the freedom to experiment.Īcross the Spider-Verse has evolved beyond the first film's constantly self-referential comic art. While Gwen and her father argue as the screen swims with plush pastels, a full-frame shot of Gwen's furrowed brow is complimented by abstract designs - Kandinsky meets Miami Vice. Spider-Punk himself appears like a faded concert flyer, the colour bleached away, his edges ragged and torn.
(Sony Pictures) Daring art meets strength of storyĪs characters come and go, the film shifts colour pallets and esthetics with ease. Across the Spider-Verse features the return of some of Miles' interdimensional friends, including Gwen Stacy and Peter B.
