There are just SO many films out there! You see two to three wide releases on a weekend with a handful more in limited release. Throw out at least a dozen more on VOD or streaming and now you have an overload on content. But we only have so many hours in the day and we must be thoughtful towards what we dedicate that precious free time to. That is the point of this series of articles giving you specific reasons why you should run out to your nearest multiplex, drive to search for that limited release, drop some money in the virtual cinema, or to surf those streaming services. Here on The Wasteland Watchlist, you will find some reasons to check out the latest and greatest of films including… Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (theaters June 2nd)
| Directed by: Joachim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Jake Johnson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Schwartzman, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Karan Soni, Shea Whigham |
The Animation
There is something breathtaking in the way that this film is animated. There are so many different approaches with different specific looks that feel unique but all equally beautiful. The animation of the first film was so dynamic and textured to begin with but as the characters travel from universe to universe, there are fresh visuals with different approaches to the animation. The colors are so powerful and how they morph and change. Gwen’s home is strikingly beautiful in the way that the background morphs with the emotions of the scene. Each character embodies their own animation style as they represent a whole different existence that is beautiful in its own way.
The Action
This film is incredibly thrilling from start to finish. The portal battles with Spot are so unique and inventive in the way that they are visualized and created. The chase at the Spider Squads’ headquarters is incredibly detailed and exhilarating. There is so much energy and creativity that goes into the way these super beings use their skills to try to capture one of their own. Each work proves a unique sandbox to mess around with and the creators know how to maneuver in each of these spaces to maximize the action and offer plenty of fresh elements.
The Direction
This directorial team is impressive in the way they craft this towering film. First off, the pacing is perfect. This is a 140-minute film that does not fall into the trap of most American animation films. The film is energetic and exhilarating when it needs to be, but it is so confident in the way it lives in the emotional and intimate moments of its story. There is no drag. There are no tonal issues. This is a beautifully realized film that moves and delivers the themes and emotions it needs to in the most impactful ways. There are plenty of laughs. You will get plenty of excitement from the superhero elements. But there are deeply moving moments that capture the themes and connections in this impressive script.
The Music
Daniel Pemberton is one of the most underappreciated composers working in film today. After tearing the house down with his score for King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, he made his mark that says he can create dynamic and impressive music that will blow you out of your seat. What he does in Across the Spider-Verse is something so impressive. There is immense range in the music that Pemberton creates from somber and poignant emotional beats to haunting and propulsive beats for the action. There are elements like drumming that even have deeply resonant elements the connect to the characters and stories.
Miles & Gwen
This film turns out to be a dual tale of two young people struggling with parallel issues. They both struggle with their truth and how to include their loved ones in it. They also have such a deeply beautiful and relatable connection that this film has us fall for all over again. Their bond drives so much of this film and it is so moving and poignant. Miles struggles with his need to branch out compared to the close loving dynamic his parents wish to share with him. But it is his place in the Spider-Verse that is the great mystery and driving force of this film that delivers so much emotion and depth. Gwen is a young woman who has lost so deeply when it comes to her only friend but now struggles with opening herself up to Miles. But her struggle with coming out to her father as Spider-Woman is an event that she runs from. The payoffs to these elements are so well done and are the backbone to this whole film.
Comics Love
Do you love Spider-Man comics? You will love the heck out of this movie. There are SO many references to hundreds of different Spider-Man characters. There are even some impressive cameos that you might not expect. But the level of detail that goes into the Easter Eggs and references are insane. There are even plenty of meta moments to the greater Spider-Man mythology and canon.
The Cast
This film is stacked on the gills with so many impressive actors. Moore and Steinfeld are incredible as the main duo that will anchor this whole entire story. They each bring so many layers and emotions to these characters. They also have some chemistry despite these being voice performances. Henry and Velez bring so much heart to soul to this film (they are the real anchors to Miles’ story). Isaac is a real standout with his aggressive and unnerving performance. Schwartzman is so recognizable at the beginning of the film, but his vocal performance evolves so much over the course of the film and he ends with quite an intimidating presence. Kaluuya is a real standout as one of the most unique versions of Spider-Man we have ever seen. I could write pages on just the performances…but I will leave the rest for you to experience.
