Madame Web Blu-ray Review
“Madame Web” is further proof of Sony’s Spider-Man spin-off failings.
Based on the Marvel Comics characters, “Madame Web” begins in Peru in the year 1973. Ezekiel Sims, Constance Webb and their respective research team seek out mythical spiders with alleged healing powers. Sims finds one and takes it for himself and leaves the pregnant Constance for dead in the process. An indigenous tribe manages to save Constance’s baby (Cassandra), but Constance passes away. The story jumps ahead to 2003 where Cassandra is now living in NYC as a paramedic. While on the job, Cassandra begins to have visions of the future. Meanwhile, Ezekiel (who is also in NYC) also begins to have visions of 3 teen girls (Anya, Mattie and Julia) who may be responsible for his demise in the future. Cassandra, who learns the 3 women are in danger, goes about protecting them from Ezekiel. The 3 women also just might be future heroes. Elsewhere in the story, Cassandra attempts to learn about her past, her mother and her powers.
Outside of the excellent Spider-Man films (live-action and animation), the Sony Marvel Spider-Verse has been completely mishandled. Introducing characters within the Spider-Man universe before they appear in an actual Spider-Man film doesn’t work nor does it make sense. Both “Venom” films were underwhelming, “Morbius” was a joke, and now “Madame Web” is easily the worst of the lot (so far).
It boggles my mind how S.J. Clarkson (who directed the project and co-wrote the script alongside Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless and Claire Parker) could make a comic book movie starring 2 of the very best actresses in the movie biz today with Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney and completely waste their talents. From the opening minutes, it’s clear that “Madame Web” is a rush job origin story that feels like a bad studio comic book movie of yesteryear. The characterization is minimal at best, the story so badly wants to get to the action set pieces and villain showdown (which are entirely forgettable), and even the inclusion of clairvoyance (which could have been a cool plot device) feels underutilized. Studios should know by now that the way to build a universe and create successful spin-offs is to introduce characters within the tentpole movies (AKA Spider-Man films). At the very least Sony should be consulting Marvel to help build their universe because these spin-offs are so below even the weakest MCU movie in quality.
Going back to the cast, one would think Dakota Johnson would at least elevate the material, but even she seems to know the movie is a disaster. She looks completely disinterested in the part and who can blame her? The supporting cast includes a lot of noteworthy actors like Sydney Sweeney (the current It Girl), Adam Scott, Isabela Merced, Celeste O’Connor, Emma Roberts, Mike Epps, Kerry Bishe and Tahar Rahim. Alas, none of them get a chance to shine nor are there characters remotely developed. They basically exist as plot points and nothing more. The writing staff attempts to tease viewers with a look at the future heroic Spider-Women characters in the end, but by the time the end credits roll it’s obvious that any future installments will never happen (especially after it flopped at the box office).
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. Grade: A-
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: A
Extras:
* Digital copy
* Sony trailers
* A deleted scene titled “You Died.”
* A 4 ½ minute gag reel.
* “Future Vision”- A basic rundown of the movie, plot and characters with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
* “Casting The web”- A featurette on the cast.
* “Oracle Of The Page” tackles the comic books the film was based on.
* “Fight Like A Spider” revolves around the stunts.
* “Easter Eggs- The Many Threads Of Madame Web” focuses on the comic book references.
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