It’s movie season in Wilsonville! With the widespread shutdown of theatres across the globe during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, the medium of movie theatres seemed to be in jeopardy. However, today movie theatres are at their most popular since pre-lockdown. 

There are many contributing factors to this trend, the biggest being the slew of new quality movies being released recently. The latest to take over discussion surrounding this sphere is “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” with movie-goers heralding the movie as a modern classic. In the social media age these terms get thrown around annually, but does Spider-Man ATSV live up to the hype?

It’s no secret the general public loves Spider-Man. The 2021 release “No Way Home” garnered similar praise as it dominated the box office and discussion across social media. “The last movie I have seen get this many people talking was the other most recent Spider-Man” reflects Junior Grayson Williams. ASTV differs from No Way Home in a few key distinctions: one, the movie is animated instead of live-action, and two, the reviews are universally glowing. 

 On IMDB the film hosts a staggering average score of 9.0 out of 10, making it the 11th highest rated film in the website’s history. Rotten Tomatoes bolsters the acclaim with an incredible 96% critic approval rating and 95% audience approval rating. 

I was skeptical going into the film, how good could it be? But finally watching it cast all my doubts aside. Many animated movies are at a disadvantage among older audiences, with the medium largely getting the label as being “for kids”. Spider-Man ATSV uses its animation not as an insecurity, but as its greatest weapon.

The visuals of ATSV are groundbreaking and accessible, every frame of the movie could be used as a painting displayed in a museum. “The graphics of this movie blew me away” comments Junior Maverick Summers. Additionally, the film uses animation to its advantage by telling a complex and lengthy narrative that simply wouldn’t have worked nearly as well in live-action. 

Add in a flourishing score, and a host of intriguing multi-layered characters, and Spider-Man ATSV is easily one of the most incredible films I have ever seen. Most movies would be lucky to excel in one department of cinema, as ASTV does in every category. 

Spider-Man ATSV is easily one of the best new releases I have seen in years. The critical and commercial success it is currently receiving could not be more deserved. The movie is a must-watch for any casual, or avid movie fan.