Kraven the Hunter (2024)

While not without flaws, Chandor's film is the most coherent and fun entry in the Sony Spider-Man Universe series, with confident direction and efficient action that sets it apart from predecessors. It understands the silly freedom of shedding continuity better than earlier installments.

The review highlights how the R-rating enables bloodthirsty action that helps elevate the film above typical comic-book fare. The critic notes the decent action sequences as a saving grace amid other shortcomings.

The action is fine but rarely exciting, and the film feels derivative and generic as the beginning of the end for Sony’s Spider-Man Universe; Taylor-Johnson lacks star power here amid vague plotting and backstory.

The earnest but goofy origin story approaches campiness yet lacks quality overall, with dodgy CGI and missing exposition; it offers dumb fun mainly through unintentional humor and supporting performances.

A woeful, silly slog with clunky exposition and poor CGI that fails to lean into its absurdity; better than Morbius or Madame Web but still not worth the effort.

The film is sadly underwhelming with a leaden script that lacks zing, though the action has some highlights and it is better than prior Sony Spider-Man Universe entries like Morbius and Madame Web.

Built on brawn but limited by incomprehensible plotting and dodgy one-liners, the film is merely another defanged Sony comic-book excursion. The anticlimactic fights and silly elements keep it from being enjoyably bad.

The critic finds the film a limp and uninvolving superhero origin story that fails to capture fun or coherence despite some brutal action moments. Chandor's direction and the thin script are singled out for criticism, with praise reserved for Russell Crowe's performance.

A lacklustre introduction to the character that reaches new levels of creative exhaustion; Taylor-Johnson brings intensity but neither the character nor his backstory are compelling.

The film is described as a muddle of disjointed plotlines and characters that fails to cohere into an engaging standalone story. Director J.C. Chandor's visual work and some action sequences receive praise, but overall it is called a dud that is neither enjoyably bad nor entertaining.

The film is an overstuffed, undercooked slog with lifeless characters, ham-handed performances, and aimless action that fails to capture any joy or spark. It is a charmless stinker polished just enough to make one resent it.

Sony’s Spider-Man Universe concludes poorly in this misfire, only salvaged somewhat by an inspired performance from Alessandro Nivola as the villain. The film ends with a shirtless whimper rather than any real impact.

The critic finds little to enjoy beyond Russell Crowe's robust turn as the bullying Russian oligarch father. The origin story is deemed laborious, generic and lacking the craziness that once made superhero films watchable.

The critic finds the film a punishingly dull and turgid origin story that fails to ignite excitement despite its action and blood. Chandor's direction and the cast's efforts are undermined by wooden performances and incoherent plotting.

The review deems the film a total disaster and a new low for the extended Spider-Man Universe. It criticises the lead performance, lack of humour and perfunctory action sequences.

The critic calls it a goofy delight that remains ludicrous but consistently entertaining. A knotty family psychodrama is noted but the cartoonish tone is embraced over any deeper ambitions.

The movie is a collection of eccentric characters in search of a compelling narrative, hampered by uneven direction and a lack of genuine interest in its protagonist. It explores the inner workings of a guy audiences never cared about, alongside underwhelming action.

The critic had a surprisingly good time with this ultraviolent R-rated origin story that plays more like a mob movie. They single out Aaron Taylor-Johnson's spectacular action- and character-driven performance and J.C. Chandor's tight, exciting filmmaking.

The critic finds the film incoherent and filled with worn-out superhero tropes but notes that its badness pairs with the lead character's blustering confidence to create a certain whimsical charm. Kraven himself is portrayed as an arrogant yet charming antihero whose skills make his attitude feel earned, allowing viewers to laugh along despite the surrounding mess.

The film arrives too late to the Sony-Marvel party and is held back by its comic-book trappings. The critic singles out the real hands-on brutality of the action sequences as a highlight amid the mess.

The critic calls it a vacuous, lifeless superhero movie that wastes its cast and director's talents, resembling the worst 2000s comic book films. Occasional action beats and performances like those of Russell Crowe and Alessandro Nivola provide fleeting entertainment amid an overall damned effort.