HCA Gradebook: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”

Movie: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Plot: After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.
Cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Karan Soni, Jason Schwartzman, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Greta Lee, Rachel Dratch, Jorma Taccone, Shea Whigham, and Oscar Isaac.
Director: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson.
Release Date: June 2, 2023
Studio: Sony Pictures
Number of Graders: 32
Overall Grade: A

Zach Pope says, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is not just the BEST Spider-Man film of all time, it’s not just the BEST COMIC BOOK FILM of all time, it’s not just the greatest sequel ever made, it’s bar none one of the best films I’ve ever watched. More than a masterpiece. This is everything.”
Grade: A+

Jonathan Fujii says, “A testament to what films can achieve with animation. Characters with emotional depth with conflicts that feel real and true to those same characters, all wrapped up in a Spider-Man finish. It blew me away.”
Grade: A+

David Gonzalez says, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a marvelous and unforgettable cinematic triumph. From its spellbinding and breathtaking animation to all those spiders. Spider-Verse exudes all the makings of another animated masterclass of storytelling and world-building. The laughs, charm, heart, and surprises remain, but at its core, the film continues to be a tale of acceptance, dreams, and expectations, and its emotional depth ripped me to shreds.”
Grade: A+

Tessa Smith says, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is filled with twists and turns, major reveals, emotional beats, exciting surprises, and truly stunning visuals. Not only does it feel like it ties into the greater MCU’s multiverse in a way, it is able to do its own thing without getting repetitive. Something that is impressive. This movie is the Spider-Verse’s Avengers: Infinity War. It ends on a cliffhanger that will have viewers begging for more.”
Grade: A+

Ashley Saunders says, “Across the Spider-Verse is the rare sequel that is not just as good as its predecessor but better, which is an incredible feat considering that Into the Spider-Verse was an Oscar-winning masterpiece. It lives up to the comic titles of Spidey himself being amazing, sensational, and you get the idea on the adjectives. This film maintains the humor, heart, and insane visuals that drew audiences in the first time around while leveling up every part of the experience. The result is not only one of the greatest animated movies ever but one of the greatest superhero movies ever. Period.”
Grade: A+

Meredith Loftus says, “Across the Spider-Verse is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. From the animation to the music to the sound design to the story itself, it’s a film I can watch over & over again and discover something new. I’m in awe of the creative team for making a multiverse film that expands what is possible.”
Grade: A+

James White says, “How exactly do you follow the Oscar-winning Into the Spider-Verse? By switching up some of the talent behind the camera, maintaining what worked and going even further with both the explosive, beautiful, crazy blend of art styles and never letting the style overwhelm the emotional journey. Some have called it too long, but honestly I’d have taken a three-hour chunk of Spidey goodness. Loaded with callbacks and easter eggs that never annoy, this explores the Spider-mythology even more deeply and will be appearing on lists of best sequels –– forget the superhero or animated qualifier — for years to come.”
Grade: A+

Joel Amos says, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is an absolute cinematic miracle. Sure, it has a plot and storyline that is compelling, timely, and engrossing. But the film is also a revolutionary artistic landmark. When it comes to animated cinema, Across the Spider-Verse is the Mona Lisa of film endeavors. Every single frame is a piece of artistic mastery worthy of the art form’s greatest works. The thing is, the artistry of this animated Spider-Man journey, is matched by its searing social relevance when it comes to its story. Every single frame packs an emotive punch and an all-to relevant humanistic landscape. If the first film was considered revolutionary, the sequel should be considered seismic on a multitude of levels.”
Grade: A+

Leo Rydel says, “This movie is phenomenal beyond words. A new milestone in animation, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse brings the central Spider-Man conflict between family and responsibility into a bigger battle. The different animation styles create a visual feast that keeps anyone watching fixated and wanting more. The voice acting is as stellar as ever, and all of the Spider-Man references and Easter Eggs will keep mega fans HAPPY. A step up from the first, Across the Spider-Verse has etched itself into the top Comic Book Movies of all time.”
Grade: A+

Chelsea Schwartz says, “Why is it that Sony makes continuously better Marvel movies than Disney? Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is THE multiverse movie we’ve all been wanting (although it could’ve used a dash more Spider-Punk). Loved diving into Gwen’s story line more heavily, and the nonstop Easter eggs and Spidey cameos pushed this already epic film into comic book perfection. This should be the gold standard for comic book movies from now on. It captures the likeness and spirit of a comic book without losing, well, anything. Well done!”
Grade: A+

Aaron Neuwirth says, “Somehow, this incredible sequel has not only matched what that previous film delivered but surpassed it. It’s bursting with color, multiple animation styles, and a ton of innovation for the sake of deepening what can be done with comic book movies.”
Grade: A+

Rama Tampubolon says, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was a spectacular sequel. Arguably a better film than the first installment. The visuals on this one were on a whole other meta level, man! It’s like watching picasso or van gogh or some masterpiece art. Sony Pictures Animation has really outdone themselves. And oh my god, the amount of hilarious easter eggs was limitless, you will geek out at every Spidey appearance, at every Spidey reference plus some cool guest star cameos. The story was a lot more emotional, a lot more sad. The potential romance of Gwen and Miles kinda got interrupted by their personal tribulations but all of those aspects were brilliantly woven into the overall exciting adventure that made this one of the best Spider-Man movies I’ve ever seen.”
Grade: A+

Maggie Lovitt says, “Across the Spider-Verse is one of the most ambitious animated features to date and it excels at that ambition. From the character growth and exploration to the new introductions and dazzling universes, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has something for everyone. But more importantly, it has the best Spider-Man to date, and Beyond the Spider-Verse has him primed and ready to pull off even more awe-inspiring web-slinging action.”
Grade: A+

Jami Philbrick says, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is an amazing and near perfect Sequel! Larger in scope than the original, Across the Spider-Verse has fun exploring alternate realities while still focusing on Miles Morales’ growth as a hero.”
Grade: A

Zaki Hasan says, “Still catching my breath after being completely blown away. Not just a powerful restatement of everything that made the first film special, it expands the Spider-mythology for a story that’s both bigger and deeper. The wait until the next part will be agonizing!”
Grade: A

Nicholas Spake says, “Every once in a while, an animated film comes along that propels the medium to a new frontier. Snow White, Toy Story, and Spirited Away are a few titles that come to mind. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is another example with several subsequent films replicating its style. With Into the Spider-Verse being such a game-changer and trendsetter, Across the Spider-Verse seemed destined to live in its predecessor’s shadow. Against every conceivable odd, this team has made a follow-up that makes the Oscar-winning original almost seem like a dress rehearsal. While Into the Spider-Verse remains a masterstroke, the sequel elevates the artistry, drama, and stakes. It not only deserves to be in the Best Animated Feature race, but the Best Picture conversation.”
Grade: A

Wendy Lee Szany says, “They did it again! This movie is firing on all cylinders – animation, story, sound, all of it. Love the way it’s expanding the spider-verse. This movie exceeded my expectations and it might just be my favorite movie of 2023.”
Grade: A

Sean Chandler says, “A groundbreaking animated film. The story tellers push the boundaries of what is possible with storytelling with animation, and thus deliver images that we’ve never seen before. Likewise, it’s a deep exploration of Spider-Man lore. A true unique experience. But it is an incomplete story.”
Grade: A

Sara Clements says, “Making a good or better sequel is difficult, but Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse makes it look easy. Takes its boundary pushing animation even further. It’s a dynamic shockwave of colour, style and energy. Its story is incredibly bold and exciting, as Miles challenges the superhero canon in shaping his own destiny. Like no other comic book movie before it, and safe to say it may be the best.”
Grade: A

Alexander Robinson says, “Amazing and Spectacular. Two words that have described Spider-Man in his 60+ years of comic history cannot describe how great this film is. It takes everything that made Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse a groundbreaking achievement in animation and builds upon it. The different art styles for each Spider variant and universe make this possibly the best-looking animated film of all time. How the filmmakers were able to seamlessly blend all of these looks together is a true accomplishment. The film also never loses focus on its main characters. Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy are fantastic together and we see them go through similar yet different struggles with juggling these powers with their non-superhero life. It’s a visual treat with a story that is just as strong as the first film. However had it not been for the way the movie ends, this would be the perfect Spider-Man movie. That being said, it does a great job of getting you excited for Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse and I will be there on opening day, March 29, 2024!”
Grade: A

Mike Manalo says, “Like it’s predecessor, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse creates the case once more that both animation and superhero movies should be considered truly serious cinema by more viewers when they’re as beautifully, exquisitely done as this. Every bit an emotional and visual work of art as Into the Spider-Verse, but with higher stakes and more poignant messages, Across the Spider-Verse manages to evolve it’s characters and the narrative to heights never before met in any genre. Lord and Miller, directors Powers, Thompson, and Dos Santos, and the hard working animators have truly leveled up their own game, and in crafting such a fine masterpiece, have utterly changed the entire game overall.”
Grade: A

Don Shanahan says, “There’s something about the kinetic energy of Spider-Man that lends itself to enthralling animation like this. The huge urban environments, the dynamic designs, the imaginative powers, and the fluid ways the characters physically contort themselves look better drawn than they ever do acted on wires by stunt people leading to sometimes hokey results. These two Spider-Verse movies, especially this unbridled sequel, might finalize that theory for good. No offense to Sam Raimi, Tobey Maguire, Marc Webb, Andrew Garfield, Jon Watts, and Tom Holland, but can we just leave Spider-Man this way?”
Grade: A-

Matthew Creith says, “Across the Spider-Verse pits Miles Morales against friends and new foes but honors its main character with hints of what Marty McFly experienced in Back to the Future Part II. In fact, there are a lot of similarities between both sequels, except that I doubt Miles will make his way to the Old West in the next installment. This movie appeals to film nerds and comic book aficionados in a very positive way. It expands on the first film’s legacy and creates space for the reinvention of a somewhat tired Spider-Man trope that’s been introduced repeatedly for the past 20 years onscreen.”
Grade: A-

Nate Adams says, “Into the Spider-Verse was the rare superhero film with the sense of awareness to capture what it felt like picking up the comics for the first time. Now, not only does Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse manage to tap into the splendid animated visuals that made its predecessor beloved, it brings an emotional undercurrent of what it means to be Spider-Man in a universe with an infinite amount of them. It explores the foundation of destiny and the sacrifice one must explore in order to fulfill said destiny. If you thought the possibilities were endless after watching Into the Spider-Verse, the sequel shows the filmmakers were barely scratching the surface.”
Grade: A-

Rick Bentley says, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a masterful example of taking a well-known genre and making so many modifications that just watching it can be mind blowing. Even with that possibility, the only way to come close to fully appreciating the magic of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is to view it repeatedly.”
Grade: A-

Tom O’Brien says, “The trilogy’s second film, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, expands its vision as 15 year-old Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), who accidentally became Brooklyn’s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, finds himself caught in a multiverse world filled with Spider-creatures whom he may have inadvertently imperiled with his presence. It’s not a perfect film — it’s way too long (at 140 mins.) and the torrent of ideas the film tries to tackle can provoke exhaustion at times. But the film is so dazzling to the eye in its visuals and to the ears in its killer soundtrack that, whether or not you’re a superhero fan, you’ve likely never seen anything quite like it. It may just win the Oscar again this year.”
Grade: A-

Michael Lee says, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse defies its high expectations to spin a visually stunning next chapter that swings and soars. There’s a comforting resonating coming-of-age story that pairs well w/ the eye popping animation, music, darkness, and meta-humor. Absolutely Phenomenal.”
Grade: A-

Nestor Bentancor says, “Even more amazing than the first film on the visual front, this beautiful sequel offers a transfixing experience with astonishing visuals and arresting music. On the narrative side, it takes advantage of being a two-part story by focusing more on its three-dimensional characters and their dynamics, with mostly moving and hilarious results.”
Grade: A-

Mark Johnson says, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is more than just a visually stunning work of art. It’s full of great storytelling with themes of fate vs free will and the hardships of parenting. Lots of folks in the audience groaned with the way it ended, but I can’t wait to see what happens in Beyond the Spider-Verse.”
Grade: A-

Daniel Loria says, “Doubles down on everything that made the original refreshing, fun, and exciting—without ever feeling repetitive or contrived. The story expands into new (literal) dimensions that are visually dazzling—while staying grounded with a surprisingly touching set of character arcs revolving around parenthood. If the film suffers from anything, it is the affliction that drags down most contemporary franchises: it loses sight of landing the narrative with the audience in favor of world-building and setting up a sequel down the road.”
Grade: B+

Yael Tygiel says, “Highlighted by a gorgeously body-diverse environment, the next chapter of the Spider-Verse franchise is more visually stunning as the first film. Bursting with precise and vivid animation, a cleverly woven plot, and an overwhelming number of spider-people, Across the Spider-Verse delightfully builds allows its characters to evolve, as showcased by an undeniably talented cast.”
Grade: B+

Peggy Marie says, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider Verse is a well done animated film about a Universe I didn’t know existed. Across it’s two plus hours run time, I found myself becoming part of a story where the familial parts were more relatable than the comic part of it. Good – yes it is and heads up – no post credits so no need to stay.”
Grade: B-