Key Points:
- Rotten Tomatoes score for Kraven the Hunter debuts at 15%, tying it with Morbius among Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) low performers.
- Madame Web holds the lowest score in the SSU at 11%, surpassing Kraven‘s critical disappointment.
- Critics highlight a clunky script, poor CGI, and tonal inconsistencies.
- Despite Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s efforts, lackluster performances and deviations from the source material mar reception.
Kraven the Hunter, the sixth installment in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU), has received dismal reviews ahead of its December 13, 2024, premiere. Holding a Rotten Tomatoes score of 15%, it joins Morbius as one of the lowest-rated films in the SSU. Critics have cited its weak screenplay, poor visuals, and lack of depth, making it a disappointing entry.
Why Did Kraven the Hunter Disappoint Critics?
1. Rotten Tomatoes Score and Context
As of December 11, 2024, Kraven the Hunter scored 15% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on early critic reviews. While this ties it with Morbius, Madame Web continues to hold the dubious honor of the lowest-rated SSU entry at 11%.
- Historical Comparison: Similar to other SSU films like Venom and Morbius, Kraven suffers from an over-reliance on clichés, leading to negative comparisons within the franchise.
- Franchise Struggles: This poor reception raises questions about Sony’s ability to build a cohesive and engaging Spider-Man Universe without Spider-Man.
2. Main Criticisms
- Clunky Script: Critics labeled the storytelling as incoherent and lacking depth, describing the dialogue as “cringe-worthy” and the plot as rushed.
- Subpar Visual Effects: The CGI, particularly for animal effects, was criticized for being unrealistic and distracting. A reviewer humorously compared the animal designs to “Lindt Milk Chocolate Holiday Bunnies.”
- Tonal Inconsistency: The film oscillates between serious drama and awkward humor, leading to a confused narrative tone.
- Lackluster Performances: Despite Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s physical portrayal of Kraven, critics found his performance overly wooden, with the supporting cast underutilized.
3. Deviations from Source Material
- Taylor-Johnson’s portrayal shifted Kraven’s character from a selfish and cunning villain to a more noble anti-hero.
- Fans of the comics criticized this deviation, arguing that it diminished the complexity and appeal of the character.
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How Did the Cast Perform in Kraven the Hunter?
Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Kraven
- Mixed Reviews: Taylor-Johnson’s physicality and action scenes were praised, but his performance overall was described as lacking emotional depth. Critics noted that the poorly written script hampered his efforts.
- Characterization Issues: The film’s Kraven diverges from the source material, presenting a less compelling and sanitized version of the character.
Supporting Cast
- Alessandro Nivola as Rhino: Received some praise for injecting charisma into his over-the-top role.
- Dakota Johnson: Criticized for appearing disinterested, with a performance that lacked engagement or energy.
- General Criticism: Supporting characters were described as underdeveloped, with weak dialogue and shallow arcs further diminishing their impact.
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Were There Any Positive Reviews for Kraven the Hunter?
While overwhelmingly negative, a few critics found redeeming qualities:
- Action and Entertainment: Some reviewers acknowledged the film’s action sequences as fun and entertaining for casual viewers.
- Comic Book Easter Eggs: The film includes Easter eggs and references for comic book fans, offering brief moments of enjoyment for dedicated viewers.
- Slight Improvement Over Morbius and Madame Web: A handful of critics noted that while Kraven the Hunter is far from great, it is marginally better than these prior SSU entries.
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Kraven the Hunter continues Sony’s pattern of critically underwhelming entries in the Spider-Man Universe, raising concerns about the franchise’s future. Poor reviews, a lackluster Rotten Tomatoes score, and criticism across multiple facets position this film as a missed opportunity to redeem the SSU.
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