"Madame Webb" is the latest addition to the somewhat Sony/Marvel cinematic universe, directed by S.J. Clarkson, known for her work on TV series like "Succession," "Jessica Jones," and "The Defenders." Starring Dakota Johnson as paramedic Cassie Webb, a clairvoyant with the ability to foresee the future, the film follows her journey to save the lives of three young women who may become spider people. However, despite its potential, "Madame Webb" falls short in several areas, leaving both critics and casual viewers disappointed.
A TV Show Masquerading as a Film
One of the main issues with "Madame Webb" is its TV show-like feel. The film's dialogue comes off as cheesy and quirky, reminiscent of something that would be better suited for the small screen. The corniness of the dialogue and the lack of depth in the storytelling make it difficult for viewers to take the film seriously. While the movie tries to connect itself to the larger Sony/Marvel universe, it falls short in delivering the same level of quality and structure as other films in the franchise. "Madame Webb" feels like it should have been made for CW television, specifically targeting a casual audience that may not be as familiar with the Spider-Man lore. The film lacks the necessary beats and structure that fans have come to expect from blockbuster superhero movies, making it a disappointing addition to the so called "Marvel universe".
Poorly Written Dialogue and Lack of Depth
Another major flaw of "Madame Webb" is its poorly written dialogue. The cringeworthy lines and lack of nuance in the characters' interactions make it difficult for viewers to fully engage with the story. The film takes itself very seriously, but the dialogue fails to support this seriousness, resulting in a disjointed and unsatisfying viewing experience.
Furthermore, "Madame Webb" lacks the depth and complexity that fans have come to expect from more grounded superhero films. The characters feel underdeveloped, and the plot fails to explore the potential of the clairvoyant powers and the spider people concept. The film misses an opportunity to delve into the emotional and psychological aspects of its characters, leaving them feeling one-dimensional and uninteresting.
A Terrible Movie with Good Intentions
Despite its flaws, it's clear that the creators of "Madame Webb" had good intentions. They wanted to create a powerful and empowering story with strong female characters. However, the execution fell short, resulting in a film that fails to live up to its potential.
While diehard comic book fans may want to steer clear of "Madame Webb," casual viewers who are looking for a movie with powerful female characters may find some enjoyment in it. The film may not satisfy the expectations set by other Spider-Man films, but it does offer a different perspective and a unique take on the superhero genre.
In conclusion, "Madame Webb" is a messy Marvel film that misses the mark. Its cheesy dialogue, TV show-like feel, and lack of depth make it a disappointing addition to the Marvel universe. However, for casual viewers looking for a movie with powerful female characters, it may still offer some entertainment value.
For a more visual review check out:
Comments