Madame Web: A Disappointingly Dull Addition to the Spider-Verse

Throughout the film, Madame Web squanders several opportunities to create an interesting storyline. The decision to set the movie in 2003, for no apparent reason, feels arbitrary and unnecessary. Additionally, the character of Ben Parker, Cassie’s EMT partner, remains a mystery, as the film refuses to reveal his full identity. These choices only add to the confusion and lack of direction within the plot.

The film’s lack of coherence becomes even more apparent when Cassie effortlessly travels to the remote Peruvian jungle to confront her past. Her encounter with indigenous Spider-People, who conveniently speak English, feels contrived and unconvincing. Furthermore, the climactic scene takes place in an abandoned factory filled with fireworks, for reasons that are never explained. These inconsistencies only serve to further undermine the film’s already weak narrative.

Madame Web exemplifies the problem with modern superhero movies – a lack of vision and a focus on marketing future spinoffs rather than creating a compelling standalone film. The studio executives heavily reworked the film, resulting in a disjointed and incoherent final product. Johnson herself has admitted that the finished script bore little resemblance to the one she initially signed on for. This lack of direction and purpose is evident throughout the film, leaving audiences wondering why it was made in the first place.

Madame Web is a disappointing addition to the Spider-Verse, failing to deliver an engaging story or memorable characters. While Dakota Johnson does her best with the material she is given, the film’s lack of vision and coherence make it difficult to enjoy. As superhero movies continue to dominate the box office, it’s disheartening to see films like Madame Web that prioritize marketing over storytelling. With no promising future installments on the horizon, one can’t help but question why this film was made at all.