Early press screenings for Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse commenced earlier this week, and the social embargo ended earlier today. You can read some first reactions to the movie below:
Eze Baum from This Week Media said the film prioritizes fan service over a solid story:
As much as I wanted to love #SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse, it fails to come close to where the original is for me, mainly due to the fact that it prioritizes fan service over a strong story. It truly feels like the first entry in a two-part story and gets predictable as it ends.
Eze Baum on Twitter
Erik Davis from Fandango called the movie “visually unlike anything you will see in a theater this year”, and compared it to Back To The Future II:
Hands down, #AcrossTheSpiderVerse is real deal. Visually unlike anything you will see in a theater this year – it very much feels like the BACK TO THE FUTURE II of the series. A middle chapter that’s weird & funky & shocking, but also the ultimate #SpiderMan experience. It rocks!
Erik Davis on Twitter
Sean O’Connell from CinemaBlend called the film a “work of art” as well as “outstanding”:
OK. #SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse lives one step above Masterpiece. It’s an actual work of art. Every frame deserves to be hung in a museum. The jokes and nods to Spidey lore are perfect. It’s OUTSTANDING. The best #SpiderMan movie. Might be my favorite movie ever. Cherish it.
Sean O’Connell on Twitter
Mike Ryan from Uproxx said the film was “terrific”; and elaborated that the story was spread over this movie and Beyond The Spider-Verse:
SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE is not surprisingly terrific. It’s a bigger story, spread out over this movie and next, but it’s still about Miles just wanting to be accepted for who he is. (There are a lot of Spider-People in this movie.) I laughed out loud like 8 times
Mike Ryan on Twitter
Andrew Salazar from DiscussingFilm had high praise for the film, calling it a milestone for animation:
#AcrossTheSpiderVerse is yet another milestone for animation. Yes it’s gorgeous & visually mind-blowing, but this sequel surpasses the first for always putting Miles AND his family front and center. Spider-Gwen also rightfully steps deeper into the spotlight, co-owning the film.
Andrew Salazar on Twitter
Vanessa Diaz from Brite & Bubbly shed tears when she saw the Puerto Rico flag make a 5-frame appearance in the movie in the form of Rio Morales’ finger snap.
#SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse is not only an incredible achievement in story & animation. It’s a cultural experience that will make every Puerto Rican teary eyed & filled with pride! I shed tears every time I saw that PR flag pop up on the big screen! #SpiderVerse
Vanessa Diaz on Twitter
Brian Davids from The Hollywood Reporter praised Hailee Steinfeld’s performance as Gwen Stacy, and called the film “darker and sadder” than he expected:
#SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse is yet another resounding win for the Lord Miller-produced universe. Hailee Steinfeld really comes into her own as Gwen Stacy, and her scenes with Shea Whigham’s Captain Stacy are truly special. It’s darker and sadder than I expected, but necessary.
Brian Davids on Twitter
Drew Taylor from The Wrap applauded the film’s emotional depth and melancholic tone:
#SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse is a stunning achievement. Yes, it’s visually dazzling, with expansive, expressive new realms (Gwen’s world is my favorite). But the movie’s real superpower is its emotional depth and its beautiful, melancholic tone. I love this movie so, so much
Drew Taylor on Twitter
Eric Goldman from Fandom loved how Gwen Stacy’s story was expanded with this movie:
I am very happy to say that #SpiderMan#AcrosstheSpiderVerse is fantastic! Deftly juggles deeply heartfelt character beats with crazy multiverse content just packed with so many delightful Easter eggs. Loved how Gwen’s story is expanded. Can’t wait for the third one.
Eric Goldman on Twitter
Steven Weintraub from Collider can’t recommend the film enough:
Absolutely loved #SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse. Wanted to push pause about a hundred times to study the incredible artistry on display. Cannot recommend this film enough and already looking forward to seeing it again. Next time in @IMAX!
Steven Weintraub on Twitter
Joseph Deckelmeier from Screen Rant called the film “gorgeous”:
The hype is real! Every frame of #SpiderMan#AcrossTheSpiderVerse is gorgeous. I didn’t want to blink because I didn’t want to miss anything. You can watch this film over & over & finds something new to enjoy. There are some surprises in this film that I truly wasn’t expecting.
Joseph Deckelmeier on Twitter
Dorian Parks from Geeks of Color said Across The Spider-Verse is “one of the best movies to come this year”.
#AcrossTheSpiderVerse is, without question, one of the best movies to come this year. The first film became one of my favorite movies of all time and this one somehow managed to surpass it! The essence of the first film was there, but this one expands on the themes beautifully.
Dorian Parks on Twitter
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse releases in theaters on June 2.
