Film Review: Madame Web

 Genre: Action / Adventure /Sci-fi)

Cert: 12A

Director: S.J. Clarkson

Screenwriter: (screenplay) Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless, Claire Parker, Claire Parker (story) Kerem Sanga, Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless (created by "Madame Web") Denny O'Neil, John Romita Jr. (created by "Spider-Man") Stan Lee, Steve Ditko

Starring: Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O'Connor, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts, Adam Scott, Kerry Bishé, Zosia Mamet, José María Yazpik, Kathy-Ann Hart, Josh Drennen, Yuma Feldman, Miranda Adekoje, Deirdre McCourt, Naheem Garcia, Jill Hennessy.

Running time: 1h 56m

Parents are advised to read before viewing the film as some scenes may contain scenes unsuitable for younger viewers.

Sex & Nudity: NONE

Violence & Gore: In visions, a clairvoyant sees a villain stab her and break a girl's neck, but she intervenes to avert these killings.

A villain shoots a pregnant woman, with resulting bloody detail.

A villain picks a teenager up by the throat.

Fight scenes in which guns, grenades and fantastical powers are used.

A man stabs Cassandra with a knife in a fight in a bar and it's pretty graphic. No gore but you can see the knife getting through her body.

There Is A Fist Fight Taking Place Between Two Men, They Also Use Japanese Swords.

Scene of a police raid, involving members of a tactical response unit. A thug is shot to death as he reaches for his gun, and another one is also shot dead, but as he is behind a door, we only see the door riddled with bullets, and later we see his bloody corpse.

A Man Gets Shot In The Head With A Shotgun.

A Woman Gets Stabbed.

Multiple Uses Of Guns, Knifes And Other Strong Combat Weapons.

Rape Is Implied.

A henchman gets a gun barrel slammed into his eye socket - it impales through his head and then is used to shoot the target standing behind him.

A man and a woman have a bloody fight in a glass hallway, which results in The Second man being stabbed in the neck, blood spurts out of his neck when the knife is removed.

Most of the Violence is CGI.

A man breaks into a store and beats another man with a pipe repeatedly.

It Is Implied That Three Teenagers Jump A Senior For Some Chinese Food.

Profanity: Profane words include: "bitch", "asshole", "shit", "fricking" and "damn".

Use of the 'middle finger' gesture.

Alcohol/drugs: There is one scene with mild alcohol consumption.

Frightening/Intense Scenes: certain scenes may trigger past trauma 

 Story: In a switch from the typical genre, Madame Web tells the standalone origin story of one of Marvel publishing's most enigmatic heroines. The suspense-driven thriller stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who develops the power to see the future... and realizes she can use that insight to change it. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she forges a relationship with three young women bound for powerful destinies...if they can all survive a deadly present.

Review: "Madame Web": A Web of Intrigue with Mixed Execution

"Madame Web" swings onto the big screen with a mix of promise and pitfalls, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the enigmatic world of Cassandra Webb. Directed by a visionary filmmaker, the film attempts to unravel the mysteries of destiny and power, but not without stumbling along the way.

One of the film's strongest aspects is its intriguing premise. Set against the backdrop of a bustling metropolis, "Madame Web" introduces audiences to the titular character, a mysterious seer with the ability to peer into the tangled threads of fate. The concept holds immense potential, offering a fresh take on the superhero genre by focusing on themes of prophecy and existentialism.

The cast delivers commendable performances, with the actress portraying Madame Web capturing the character's enigmatic aura and depth. Her journey to uncover the secrets of the universe is compelling, drawing audiences into a web of mystery and intrigue. However, some supporting characters feel underdeveloped, lacking the complexity needed to fully engage viewers in their arcs.

Furthermore, "Madame Web" explores existential themes with depth and nuance, posing thought-provoking questions about fate, choice, and the nature of power. The film's exploration of these complex ideas adds layers to the narrative, elevating it beyond mere superhero spectacle.

However, the film falters in its execution in certain areas. The pacing can be uneven, with moments of exposition dragging on while action sequences feel rushed. Additionally, the film's ambitious scope occasionally leads to convoluted plot points and unresolved narrative threads, leaving audiences confused and unsatisfied.

Moreover, the visual effects, while impressive in some scenes, fall short in others, detracting from the overall immersion of the film. Certain CGI-heavy sequences lack the realism needed to fully captivate audiences, resulting in moments that feel jarring and out of place.

Overall: Despite these shortcomings, "Madame Web" remains a bold and intriguing addition to the superhero genre. With its compelling premise, strong performances, and exploration of existential themes, the film offers a unique perspective on the complexities of power and destiny. While it may not fully realize its potential, "Madame Web" is still a captivating journey into the unknown that will leave audiences pondering the mysteries of the universe long after the credits roll.

Rating: 5 out of 5 for Entertainment / 5 out of 10 for story