Review: 'Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse' is trippy, colorful & a massive step up from its predecessor

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse

Superhero fatigue? Says who? When done well, there can never be any 'fatigue' setting in no matter the concept being explored again and again. On one hand, an array of Marvel films have witnessed declining numbers and critical appreciation lately till Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 came in; on the other hand, we continue to have versions and versions of Spider-Man films coming in. What is amazing though? It just seems to get better and better. 

After the recent three Spider-Man live action films, we now have the sequel to the animated 2018 blockbuster, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse coming in the form of Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse. Having had the chance to see the film beforehand, here is what I thought about it-

Trippy, Dizzy & Totally Bananas!

One of the most innovative factors about the 2018 film was how, inspite of being an animated feature, it chose portray it in comic-book style thus adding another layer of connect for the Marvel fans out there, especially the ones who have been avid comic book readers. The sequel ups the ante in the best way possible. The sheer effort and artwork that has gone into making these characters and the surroundings in the same comic-book style but with some added elements is brilliant. 

The luscious and efficient use of water color style in frames, the rapid movement of frames to give the Pow!, Wham! etc of comics, the bombardment of every possible color you can imagine - it is all a ride indeed. This gets trippy and might even make you dizzy after a point but it is totally worth it. The situations of action is absolute banana town where the speed almost seems like it has changed the setting to -.5 x faster.

The Writing, Commentary & Humor

Hey Marvel writers who seemed to have grown tired! THIS - this movie is the perfect example of impeccable writing and even better infusion of humor. There is a tongue-in-cheek comment in almost every sequence coming in thus keeping you constantly laughing and chuckling, It has a rare blend of some relatable and even cliched humor that is at the expense of casual exchange of dialogues along with some of the wittiest, most intelligent lines of hilarity. 

Not to say, that there isn't subtle commentary on multiple factors that only add to the smartness of the writing. Right from having a pregnant superhero to fascism and what not - it is all there! The amalgamation of hilarious lines and timing along with a taut screenplay makes the film totally worth it.

The Indian Segment Introducing - Pavitr Prabhakar

The most fun thing about Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is the sheer fact that we get to see not one, not two, not three but literally a bajillion Spider-Men & Women in more and more dimensions than you can imagine. And this leads us to meet none other than, Indian Spider-Man, Pavitr Prabhakar. The Indian version of Spider-Man gets ample screentime and an entire track for the Indian fans to rejoice. Right from not resorting to stereotypes to, in fact, making fun of how Americans stereotype Indian facets, it is absolutely fantastic. 

As an Indian, don't you feel almost weird that Americans call it 'chai-tea' - it is basically saying two words that mean the same 'tea-tea'- this becomes a running gag in that segment. Pavitr Prabhakar is joyfully voiced by Karan Soni, who is best known as the taxi driver, Dopinder from Deadpool franchise. This ride to Mumbatten cannot be missed.

The Verdict

The trippy nature of the film, some insane action pieces doesn't in any manner mean that the emotional core is muddled with. The relationships ranging from father-daughter, father-son, friendship, mentor-apprentice and so on are beautifully portrayed in touching scenes between the characters. 

Granted the rapid change of colors and frames does get to you a bit where you might want to flinch your eyes time and again; and the pacing also suffers a bit right around half-way through. But none of these factors are enough to let you miss this incredibly original, innovative and exhilarating ride across the Spider-Verse with Spider-Man and the many Spider-Men and women.

Rating - **** (4/5)