Opening with a quote from my nine-year-old, who proclaimed, “That might be the best movie I’ve ever seen,” seems fitting to describe the exhilarating experience of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” This sequel, following the acclaimed “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” elevates the bar with its remarkable animation, deep characters, and layered themes. It’s a film that overflows with creativity, akin to a young artist’s work that defies the confines of the canvas. This sequel stands alongside legendary follow-ups like “The Dark Knight” and “The Empire Strikes Back,” not only for its thrilling narrative but also for how it leaves viewers eagerly awaiting the next installment, due in March 2024.

Set a year after the events of the first film, “Across the Spider-Verse” sees Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) grappling with her secret identity in her universe, while a new set of challenges emerge involving villains like the Vulture, Spider-Man 2099 (Oscar Isaac), and Spider-Woman (Issa Rae). Meanwhile, Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) balances life as a student and a superhero in Brooklyn, contemplating whether to reveal his secret identity to his parents. His world is upended when he encounters The Spot (Jason Schwartzman), a villain with the power to open portals, posing a threat to multiple universes.

The core of this story revolves around challenging preconceived notions of heroism and destiny. It's a narrative that encourages taking control of one's fate rather than succumbing to a predefined hero’s journey. This theme of empowerment resonates deeply, particularly in today’s superhero-saturated culture.

Visually, directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson have outdone themselves, building on the first film’s stunning aesthetics to create one of the most visually captivating animated films. The animation style allows for creative freedom far beyond live-action constraints, resulting in sequences that are not only spectacular but artistically and cohesively executed.

The voice cast enhances the film’s impact, with Shameik Moore delivering a nuanced performance that perfectly captures Miles’s complex blend of youth, maturity, and heroism. The ensemble cast, including Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Issa Rae, Jake Johnson, Jason Schwartzman, Luna Lauren Vélez, Daniel Kaluuya, and Oscar Isaac, contributes significantly, each bringing depth to their characters.

Unlike mediocre sequels that simply rehash familiar elements, “Across the Spider-Verse” builds upon its predecessor, enriching its themes and setting the stage for future developments. While the current trend of blockbuster films often involves open-ended conclusions, this film justifies its continuation, promising to further an already rewarding narrative.

In summary, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” is a triumphant sequel that not only respects its source material but also expands upon it in meaningful ways. It’s a visual feast that pushes the boundaries of animation, coupled with a story that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking. The anticipation for what comes next in this saga is both a testament to the film’s quality and a promise of continued excellence in storytelling.