Madame Web – Movie Review

Madame Web is a misstep in Sony’s Spider-Verse.

In Sony’s continued quest to expand the Spider-Man universe without the titular hero, they’ve stumbled upon Madame Web, a character beloved by many but perhaps not ready for her cinematic close-up. Despite the intriguing premise and the allure of multiple ‘webheads’ promised in the trailers, the film falls short of expectations, leaving both Spider-Man fans and general moviegoers feeling a bit underwhelmed.

Dakota Johnson leads the cast as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who discovers she has the power to see the future. Johnson delivers a decent performance, but unfortunately, she’s let down by a disjointed storyline that struggles to find its footing. While the supporting cast, including Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, and Celeste O’Connor, do their best with what they’re given, the lack of depth in some characters and the off-kilter pacing makes it difficult to fully invest in their arcs. One of the film’s biggest missteps is the portrayal of the villain, played by Tahar Rahim. Rahim’s portrayal of Ezekial feels out of place, with his odd accent and attempt at a Bruce Wayne/Batman-esque persona falling flat. His character lacks the menace and depth needed to truly challenge Madame Web, leaving the climactic showdown feeling somewhat lackluster.

Despite its flaws, it does have its moments, particularly in the final act.

The resolution of the film offers a glimmer of promise, hinting at what could have been if the rest of the movie had lived up to its potential. However, it’s hard to shake the feeling that something essential is missing, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment rather than satisfaction. Directed by SJ Clarkson and featuring a talented ensemble cast including Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, and Isabela Merced, Madame Web had the potential to be a thrilling addition to the Spider-Man universe. Unfortunately, it falls short of expectations, leaving viewers longing for the magic that made the web-slinger’s adventures so memorable.

Verdict

I give Madame Web 3 out of 5 stars. While the film boasts an impressive cast and an intriguing premise, it ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive and engaging story. It’s a missed opportunity for Sony to expand their Spider-Verse further in a meaningful way, leaving audiences hoping for better luck with future installments.

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