‘Across the Spider-Verse’ is thrilling

Continued from page 5 prescribed storylines get upset. Seemingly anything goes in these multiverse realms, but, Miguel informs us, there is Canon that needs to be obeyed. Certain foundational narrative beats must occur, in some form, for every Spider-Man, including the sacrifice of a loved one.

When Miles tests these tenets, he brings about a cataclysmic battle across the Spider-Verse, and a movie series hellbent on deconstruction faces-off against formula.

For Lord and Miller, the postmodern makers of “The Lego Movie” and “The Mitchells vs. The Machines,” it’s a battle they’ve been girding for their whole lives.

The danger in all these crisscrossing dimensions is that no reality seems to mean all that much.

By exponentially multiplying worlds and Spider-Men, “Across the Spider-Verse” risks making itself dizzy. Yet it surprisingly, even movingly, stays true to the teenage emotions at its core and the parent-kid relationships driving all these multiverse convulsions.

It’s the first Marvel movie that I felt in the theater a palpable disappointment that it was over.

(‘’Across the Spider-Verse’’ is a sequel in two parts, and ends here in full-on cliffhanger fashion.)

That “Across the Spider-Verse” earned that response is surely partly due to its giddy design just as it is to its conviction that we all contain multitudes. As Rachel Dratch’s principal says in the film: “Every person is a universe.”

“Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse,” a Sony Pictures Animation release, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for sequences of animated action violence, some language and thematic elements. Running time: 117 minutes.

Retorts: Tom Hanks in Orange

Continued from page 3

The Los Angeles Times recently published a feature about Beach Boulevard in north Orange County, giving particular attention to the sketchy motels along that street and efforts to turn eyesores into eye-catching. Rodeo 39, a hip foodie hall in Stanton on Beach drew much favorable comment, as an example of how that city was improving its image.

While it didn’t replace a flophouse-motel, it is a big boon to the almost-abandoned shopping center that was re-invented imaginatively. It’s always nice to be recognized.

Jim Tortolano’s Retorts is posted Wednesdays and Saturdays.