The first social media reactions are in for Sony Pictures’ upcoming Marvel comic book adaptation ‘Madame Web,’ and they skew heavily negative. Critics suggest the film continues Sony’s shaky track record in expanding their Spider-Man-centric cinematic universe.
Madame Web stars Dakota Johnson as the clairvoyant mentor to spider-powered heroes and villains. Sony hopes the film can launch a new franchise on par with their successful Venom movies.
However, those who viewed early press screenings came away decidedly unimpressed. Descriptions paint Madame Web as “an embarrassing mess” with “atrocious dialogue,” “awkward editing,” and a “laughable structure.”
A Promising Premise Squandered
Others felt it was simply mediocre rather than disastrous. They call the movie “totally fine” if unremarkable, with charming leads but little substance. The unique supernatural slasher premise fails to impress.
Multiple reviewers even declared the critically maligned Morbius, starring Jared Leto, as superior to Madame Web. Given that Morbius sits at just 17% on Rotten Tomatoes, that suggests truly dismal prospects for Madame Web’s quality.
The film does have some defenders, with one reviewer praising the cast chemistry and their ability to “work magic” despite weak writing. Dakota Johnson also receives positive marks for her performance in the title role.
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Sony’s Spider-Verse Struggles Continue
But the general sentiment is that Madame Web disappointingly squanders its potential. It continues Sony’s rollercoaster track record in its efforts to build an interconnected on-screen Spider-Man universe.
With Tom Holland’s Spider-Man still reigning supreme for Marvel Studios, Sony struggles to launch complementary franchises centered on Spidey’s extensive rogues gallery and allies. So far only Venom has succeeded at the box office. But critical reception remains uneven at best.
Madame Web hits theaters on February 17th. But based on these initial reactions, general audiences may be better served waiting for its inevitable streaming release. When even Morbius is a preferable viewing option, Madame Web appears to strike out as another lackluster Sony Spider-Verse entry.
“Swing into the Spider-Verse’s latest with our Madame Web review. See if Dakota Johnson’s clairvoyant superhero can weave a compelling narrative or if this origin story gets tangled in its own web.”
