Sony's latest entry in the live-action Spider-Verse, Madame Web, seems to be receiving a less-than-favorable response from critics. As the embargo is lifted and the reviews pour in on Rotten Tomatoes, it's becoming clear that the film is struggling to impress. With only a 17% rating on the Tomatometer based on 60 reviews, Madame Web is currently not sitting well with audiences. In fact, its rating is only marginally better than Morbius, which holds a 15% rating.
Critics have not held back in their evaluations of the film. David Fear of Rolling Stone describes it as the 'Cats: The Movie of superhero movies,' citing a lack of sound decision-making and performances that feel out of sync with the material. Similarly, Richard Lawson of Vanity Fair laments the minimalist performance of lead actress Dakota Johnson, suggesting that her casting was an unfortunate mistake.
One major criticism leveled at Madame Web is its disregard for the source material. The characters of Cassandra Webb (played by Dakota Johnson) and the film's villain, Ezekiel Sims (portrayed by Tahar Rahim), bear little resemblance to their comic book counterparts. Ezekiel's portrayal lacks depth and instead feels like a dime-store serial killer from a B-movie, complete with a poorly designed Evil Spider-Man-esque costume.
Grace Randolph of Beyond the Trailer also expresses her disappointment, labeling Madame Web as a low point in Sony's Spider-Man-less movies. She believes that the film's connection to the source material is tenuous at best, likening it more to a watered-down episode of Jessica Jones or Birds of Prey rather than a professionally made film.
The negative reviews have undoubtedly affected the film's prospects at the box office. Prior to the release of these scathing critiques, Madame Web was projected to earn a modest $39 million during its opening weekend in the domestic market. However, now it seems likely that these disappointing numbers may even sink further.
Reviewers have pointed out several issues with the film. Kaitlyn Booth of Bleeding Cool notes that Madame Web has some good ideas but suffers from poor execution reminiscent of early 2000s comic book movies. Chris Joyce of Movies and Munchies adds to this sentiment, mentioning the hampered production due to subpar special effects and lackluster action sequences.
Dakota Johnson herself has emphasized that Madame Web exists in a 'standalone universe.' However, it is important to note that the film incorporates several Spider-Man characters, including a young Uncle Ben portrayed by Adam Scott. Despite this inclusion, fans should not hold their breath for any mid or post-credit scenes, as there are none to be found.
In summary, it seems that Madame Web has failed to live up to expectations. The film's disregard for the source material, lackluster performances, and underwhelming action sequences have left critics and audiences disappointed. As the box office numbers reflect this sentiment, it appears that Madame Web may struggle to secure a place in the pantheon of successful superhero films.
