Marvel’s Madame Web Receives Harsh Criticism from First Reactions
Marvel fans have been eagerly anticipating the release of Madame Web, the latest adaptation from the Spider-Man universe. Starring Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney, the film promised to bring a unique twist to the superhero genre. However, early reactions from critics have been less than favorable, with many describing the movie as a disappointment.
Unlike most films, Madame Web was not widely screened for critics ahead of its release. The first reactions only started pouring in after the film’s premiere this week, and they have not been kind. One writer went as far as calling it an “embarrassing mess.” The film, adapted from Marvel characters, follows Dakota Johnson’s character as she begins to have visions of the future. Alongside Johnson and Sweeney, the cast includes Tahar Rahim and Adam Scott.
Madame Web is set in the same continuity as the Venom films starring Tom Hardy and the recent flop Morbius. While The Independent’s review is yet to be released, here is a roundup of some of the reactions from those who have seen the film.
YouTuber Cris Parker did not hold back in his criticism, stating that Madame Web is “an embarrassing mess.” He criticized the dialogue, editing, and overall structure of the movie. However, he did find some redeeming qualities in Dakota Johnson’s humor, the early 2000s aesthetic, and Adam Scott’s performance.
The Hollywood Handle echoed similar sentiments, describing Madame Web as “clunky, poorly-written, messy, and sloppy.” Despite its solid cinematography and interesting concept, the film fell short due to its execution.
Another writer and critic, @bookblerd, expressed disappointment in the missed opportunities within Madame Web. While not explicitly stating the reasons, it seems that the film failed to deliver on various levels.
YouTuber @cocognz had a more mixed reaction, acknowledging that the film was not as bad as expected but still fell short of its potential. Dakota Johnson was praised for her standout performance, but the rest of the cast failed to leave a lasting impression.
These negative reactions come at a time when superhero movies are facing a growing sense of disillusionment. Many have dubbed it “superhero fatigue,” as recent releases like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and The Marvels have underperformed at the box office. This has led to speculation that the genre’s commercial dominance may be waning.
Despite the criticism, Marvel fans will still have the opportunity to judge Madame Web for themselves when it hits cinemas on February 14th. Whether the film can overcome its early setbacks and find success remains to be seen.