Another day, another bad “Spider-verse” movie from Sony that isn’t animated. Can’t say we didn’t see this coming. In the latest blow to Sony Pictures‘ superhero lineup, Madame Web is receiving scathing reviews from critics, who are deeming it an outdated disaster and one of the worst superhero movies to hit the screens in recent years.
Is anyone really surprised? Anyone? Bueller?
Following in the footsteps of disappointing predecessors like Venom and Morbius, Madame Web appears to have fallen prey to the same pitfalls of mid-2000s superhero storytelling. While the cast is acknowledged for their efforts, the film’s downfall lies in its lackluster script and uninspired ideas.
Despite a few glimmers of promise, including the presence of the talented cast, the movie fails to deliver a compelling narrative or engaging action sequences. Dakota Johnson’s performance is singled out as lacking inspiration, contributing to an overall underwhelming viewing experience.
Critics note that Madame Web lacks the excitement and innovation expected from a modern superhero film, with a paper-thin villain and a serious absence of costumed action further dampening its appeal. While the inclusion of the three Spider-Women offers brief moments of interest, the film ultimately fails to capitalize on its potential.
While some may argue that Madame Web surpasses the quality of Morbius, it still falls short of expectations and fails to provide Spider-Man fans with a memorable experience. With a consensus among critics that the film is best suited for streaming rather than a theatrical release, Madame Web joins the ranks of disappointing superhero adaptations in recent memory.
REELated:
“Madame Web has some good ideas, but poor execution mimicking the worst aspects of early 2000s comic book movies drags down the entire production into something as thin and flimsy as a spider web.” – Bleeding Cool
“On the basis of Madame Web, however, Sony’s Spider-Man Universe is now completely lifeless—and in no need of resuscitation.” – The Daily Beast
“There aren’t any exciting comic book teases to break down (there are teases of teases more than anything else) or satisfying emotional achievements to latch onto. It’s a story that only makes sense if you don’t think about it, filled with performances that aren’t very engaging, and then it ends. That ending does tease there could be more Madame Web to come, but we’d be very, very surprised if that ever happens.” – Gizmodo
“If there’s one interesting thing in Madame Web, it’s how the film navigates the post-9/11 personal security landscape. Through Ezekiel’s villainous planning with his assistant, Madame Web shows how much privacy civilians voluntarily gave up — or the United States government took — all in the name of national security. It’s a rare satisfying element in a film that otherwise fails to deliver at every turn.” – The Hollywood Reporter
“Madame Web has the makings of a interesting superhero psychological thriller, but with a script overcrowded with extraneous characters, basic archetypes, and generic dialogue, it fails the talent and the future of its onscreen Spider-Women.” – IGN
“Johnson is one of the most naturally honest and gifted performers to ever play the lead role in one of these things, and while that allows her to elevate certain moments in this movie way beyond where they have any right to be, it also makes it impossible for her to hide in the moments that lay bare their own miserableness.” – IndieWire
“Ultimately, Madame Web could have been a decent little B-side of a superhero film, but the terrible, cornball dialogue and lacklustre pace doom it early on.” – JoBlo.com
“No matter how likeable Cassie and her friends are, they are powerless in the face of a plot that goes through the motions, revealing ‘shocking’ twists about her past and building to an overblown finale. Madame Web argues that no one’s future is written, but it is very easy to see exactly where this film is going.” – Screen Daily
“Because if you thought ‘Morbius’ was bad, buckle up for ‘Madame Web.’ Directed by S.J. Clarkson (‘Jessica Jones’), the psychological thriller (★½ out of four; rated PG-13; in theaters Wednesday) barely clears the painfully low bar set by Jared Leto’s pseudo-vampire flick.” – USA Today
“In the end, ‘Madame Web’ feels like a cross between an extended soda commercial and a teaser trailer for still more spinoffs. ‘Whatever the future holds, we’ll be ready,’ Cassie promises. But you don’t have to be a soothsayer to see this particular franchise is D.O.A. — or a snob to expect better.” – Variety
Is anyone surprised?
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