Madame Web Reviews Are Bad—This is Why

Before Madame Web hit theaters, skepticism and negativity surrounded Sony Pictures’ latest superhero movie. Many viewers had preconceived notions going into the film, and unfortunately, the critics were right—Madame Web falls flat in nearly every way.

The Plot: Unbalanced, Underdeveloped & Underwhelming

Set in 2003 New York City, the film introduces Cassandra Webb, a young paramedic whose life changes dramatically when she begins experiencing glimpses of the future. Her visions lead her on a dangerous journey, forcing her to protect three teenage girls from a villain haunted by his own premonitions of their role in his downfall.

Although the premise has potential as a standalone origin story within the Spider-Man universe, the film fails to develop its core narrative. The supernatural elements, which could have been a unique highlight, remain underexplored. The movie misses the chance to showcase the future Spider-Women’s powers, leaving them entirely unseen. Instead of focusing on character and story development, the film feels more like a weak setup for future installments.

Several subplots attempt to integrate the movie into the larger Spider-Man timeline, but they often distract from the main plot. These side stories feel forced and fail to add meaningful depth.

The pacing is atrocious. The film drags through long, uneventful stretches only to deliver underwhelming revelations that fail to advance the story.

Shallow Character Development

Cassandra Webb, played by Dakota Johnson, takes center stage, and while she delivers a solid performance, her character arc feels unconvincing. The lack of emotional resonance makes it difficult for audiences to connect with her journey.

The future Spider-Women, played by Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, and Celeste O’Connor, are largely underutilized. Their characters feel one-dimensional, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.

On the other hand, Adam Scott as Ben Parker brings a refreshing energy to the film. His chemistry with Dakota Johnson feels authentic, adding much-needed warmth to the movie.

The weakest link, however, is the antagonist Ezekiel Sims, played by Tahar Rahim. His character remains underdeveloped, leaving audiences confused about his sudden wealth, power, and the origins of his visions. The atrocious acting and dubbing only further disconnect him from the story, making him one of the worst Marvel villains we’ve ever seen.

Inconsistent Visuals and Uninspired Cinematography

The cinematography lacks creativity, reminiscent of early 2000s superhero films. The film struggles with poor framing, inconsistent focus, and shaky camera work, particularly in the opening scene. Though a few visual moments stand out, the overall effect is bland. The special effects suffer from uneven quality, with subpar CGI detracting from key action sequences. While the costumes are comic-accurate, they fail to impress due to weak fight choreography. Overall, the film lacks the polish that audiences expect from Marvel productions.

Weak Screenplay and Contrived Dialogue

The screenplay of Madame Web leaves much to be desired. Too often, the characters speak in a stilted manner, with lines that feel forced and out of place. Even moments intended to add humor or elevate the film’s tone come across as awkward or disjointed.

Entertainment Value

Similar to Morbius, Madame Web suffers from a weak script, underdeveloped characters, and uninspired direction. Die-hard Spider-Man fans may find some value in a single viewing, but the movie offers little excitement or emotional engagement. It’s certainly not a film that encourages rewatching.

Final Thoughts: A Disappointing Superhero Film

Madame Web ultimately stands as a forgettable entry in the superhero genre. While it has a few redeeming moments, the film’s disjointed plot, lack of emotional depth, and an unconvincing villain place it among the worst Marvel films in recent memory.