As Sony prepares to conclude its Spider-Man spinoff series, “Kraven the Hunter”arrives as the underwhelming spectacle many anticipated. This film may not generate the meme-worthy moments of past disappointments, but it still provides ample material for laughter in unexpected ways.
While it might seem inappropriate to ridicule Sony’s Marvel offerings, the series has become a frequent target due to its obvious shortcomings. Following the arrival of “Madame Web” in 2024, we are well-versed in the bizarre antics of “Venom: The Last Dance” and the unforgettable “Morbius.” Honestly, “Kraven”has managed to carve out its own niche in this counterculture of superhero films.
In this review, we’ll explore the film’s most amusing missteps—so entertaining they could easily earn a bonus on a TV blooper show. But let’s not forget the stellar performance of Aaron Taylor-Johnson in a vastly different role in “Nosferatu,”also debuting this month. After all, get yourself an actor who can excel in diverse roles, as the saying goes.
What Is “Kraven the Hunter” About?
In Marvel’s “Spider-Man 2″game, Sergei Kravinoff, or Kraven the Hunter, emerges as a villain. The film instead serves as an origin story that delves into his complicated relationship with his father, Nikolai (played by Russell Crowe), especially after shocking revelations regarding his deceased mother come to light.
During a hunting expedition in Ghana, Sergei narrowly escapes death from a lion, thanks to a mysterious elixir provided by Calypso (Ariana DeBose). The infusion of the lion’s blood sets off a transformation that establishes Kraven as a legendary figure. Years later, driven by a desire to rid the world of individuals mirroring his father’s qualities, he embarks on a quest to save his brother Dmitri (Fred Hechinger) from the ruthless Rhino (Alessandro Nivola).
Who Knew Nearly Dying Could Be So Funny?
It’s reasonable to assume that many ticket buyers for “Kraven the Hunter”are unfamiliar with Marvel’s extensive background, particularly Sony’s offerings. They are poised for an utterly baffling experience; the film’s convoluted plot begs for forgiveness from viewers hoping for coherence. Right from the start, the story is poorly constructed and riddled with implausible coincidences that challenge suspension of disbelief.
Continuity errors exacerbate the situation, with a spear that appears seemingly out of nowhere and poorly synced dubbing that detracts from the viewing experience. When clarity does occasionally emerge, it’s reduced to the brevity typical of an SNL skit. Despite Taylor-Johnson’s apparent dedication to his superhero role, it’s hard to take his sincerity seriously when the project as a whole feels disorganized.
The film, however, still entertains—though perhaps not in the envisioned way. Russell Crowe’s performance provides a bizarre mix of seriousness and unintended humor, especially when delivering the news of a mother’s death to his sons. It’s a scenario that shouldn’t provoke laughter, yet somehow manages to. Hechinger shines as the best among a rather lackluster cast, while DeBose might be reassessing her choices after yet another disappointing project (she’s an Oscar winner, after all!). Nivola’s portrayal of Rhino veers into absurdity, resembling a caricature drawn by a child who skimmed through the comics.
One memorable moment features Rhino’s reaction upon learning Kraven is still alive, eliciting laughs reminiscent of an antique cartoon. At this juncture, it seems like Marvel might be throwing in the towel, fully aware that it’s now scraping the bottom of the superhero content barrel. If their intent is to make audiences laugh—mission accomplished! I found myself genuinely entertained despite the overall misfire.
“Kraven”Leaves Much to Be Desired
As an experience, “Kraven the Hunter” ultimately lacks the consistent laughter one would hope for. In its latter half, the film’s pacing dips into mediocrity. We begin to anticipate a swift resolution, as the Rhino poses an unexpected threat.
One can only imagine Taylor-Johnson envisioning his Kraven as a Shakespearean play at the Globe Theater, channeling a theatrical commitment reminiscent of Michael Caine in “A Muppets Christmas Carol.” Nonetheless, this earnestness becomes tedious without any comic relief, and sincerity alone cannot redeem a Sony spinoff.
While I glossed over various predictable drawbacks in the film’s excessive two-hour runtime—such as lackluster visual effects and an oddly nostalgic foray into the mystical reminiscent of ’90s TV like “Buffy”and the 1994 “The Lion King”—these were anticipated, which diminishes their impact. Ultimately, the film feels fundamentally lifeless.
It’s worth noting that this criticism comes from someone who isn’t a die-hard Marvel enthusiast. Fans entrenched in the franchise might be even harsher in their assessments, voicing that Sony should refocus on Spider-Man. Will audiences remember this release by Christmas? My vote is a definitive no.
“Kraven the Hunter”Review Score: 2/5 – Below Average
Surprisingly, I feel compelled to award a score higher than it perhaps deserves, mainly due to how much fun I unexpectedly had watching “Kraven the Hunter.”It carries a whimsical quality reminiscent of vaudeville, with henchmen that could double as iconic characters like Phil Mitchell and a prison scene that houses a character worthy of best supporting accolades, if judged solely by Sony’s metrics.
This movie is enjoyable, campy, and I find myself wanting to experience it again! For someone entering with low expectations, the outcome exceeded what I could have reasonably anticipated. Kudos to Marvel for providing a surprising pre-Christmas delight.
“Kraven the Hunter”will hit theaters on December 13. In the meantime, be sure to catch up on all we know about “Spider-Man 4,”along with the latest on Marvel’s Phase 6, “The Fantastic Four,”and “Thunderbolts.”
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