Madame Web (2024) Review

With Marvel Studios taking on more responsibility involving Spider-Man, Sony have decided to try and build a universe involving smaller characters from the same lore as him. We have had Venom and Morbius and will get Kraven The Hunter later this year but here we have Madame Web. I saw this film last night and here is my review for Madame Web. The p[remise of the film sees a women bestowed with powers where she has to save 3 girls from being killed by a villainous foe. 

Main Character

I must be honest that I have never been a huge fan of Dakota Johnson and she plays Cassandra Web here and I have to be honest she isn't particularly good here. She is overacting everything here and her character is super unlikeable and hard to care about. She is clearly hampered by the awful writing in this film and she can't rise above it and give us a lead role to support or care about and Cassie Web will go down as one of the worst leads in a comic book film ever. 

Supporting Characters

Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced & Celeste O'Connor play the three girls that are in the view of the villain and they are all pretty awful. Their characters are really awkward and not particularly likeable, the film tries to force you to like and care about these characters but it comes across poorly and these actresses aren't good enough to make me care. 

Tahar Rahim plays Ezekiel Sims and he is one of the more frustrating parts of this film because I have seen him be a good actor and this character had some potential but the film really flops here and makes him this over the top villain that is so stupid that it really takes you out of the film. 

Adam Scott as Ben Parker is probably the best person here but he isn't really given much to do and it still upsets me that he plays Ben Parker and it is really clear that this was just done to provide some stupid fan service that actually annoys me even more. 

Story

The story is nonsensical and completely stupid. The plot makes no sense and characters do things that make no sense, Cassie Web in particular is one of the dumbest characters that I have seen in recent movies. This film also tries its best to ruin the character of Spider-Man even though he isn't in the film and it is just the backdrop to this pretty dull and horrendous adventure. 

Script

This is a really awfully written film. Things make no sense, characters are unlikeable and there is no humour here at all. There are so many plot holes it is crazy and the film has nothing interesting about it at all. 

Style 

I mean I guess the action scenes are okay and the bad guys suit was okay but that is it. The film is filmed really poorly, the editing looks unfinished and at times it is actually quite jarring to watch it. There are way too many jump scares especially for a film that is not a horror film. The trailer shows things that barely happen in the film and it feels like we were sold a different film that never got made. 

Overall

Overall, Madame Web is a truly disastrous film. This is up there with one of the worst films I have ever seen and is up there with the worst comic book films of all time. Though I am glad I saw this film to have this experience but at all cost avoid this garbage and do something better for 2 hours. 

Rating - 1/10

Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) Review

After playing Asylum & City, I have now competed Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy with Arkham Knight and here is my review for the game. The premise of the game sees Gotham City evacuated after a terrorist threat from Scarecrow, along with a new villain called The Arkham Knight he aims to take down The Batman. On one night, Batman has to use all of his skills and gadgets in order to take down all of the villains currently lurking in Gotham. 

Characters

The late Kevin Conroy is back as Batman/Bruce Wayne and he is tremendous here and is probably his best performance in the trilogy. They really make it clear that this is the biggest challenge that Batman has ever been through and Conroy really conveys that. He is still intimidating as Batman but also has some emotional moments and scenes with other members of the Bat Family. 

John Noble takes over the role of Scarecrow and I really like the depiction of the character here. He is really calculating and cruel and Noble really delivers a chilling performance as this character that is worthy of taking over the responsibility of being the main villain. 

Jonathan Banks plays Commissioner Gordan here and this is the game where he has the most impact and Banks fills the role well with his gruff and intensity adding plenty to the character. The chemistry between himself and Conroy is really good and feels very believable. 

Ashley Greene and Matthew Mercer take over the roles as Oracle & Robin and I thought they felt pretty natural for this game and fit it in really well with Batman and the game. They are good in their roles and I thought they were great additions to this game. 

Story

The story here is all over the place, there is so much the game has to do that it loses its way. I really like the personal story Batman goes through in this game as he deals with all of the stress that comes with the night and other factors that come into play and it has a very interesting ending. But the game fumbles plenty of things, particularly the portrayal of The Arkham Knight, there was so much hype for him but it falls flat and he is a really disappointing part of the story here. Other characters from the previous games such as Two Face & Hush are totally underutilized and could have been a major part of the main plot instead of smaller side missions. 

Side Content

This game is huge, it is one of the biggest maps I have ever played and there is loads for Batman to do, along with lots of DLC where you play as not just Batman but other members of The Bat Family. Unfortunately, its a mixed bag in terms of the side content. There is some really good side content, for example the Professor Pyg investigation and Azrael's story are some of my favourite butt there is just too many misfires. Basically everything to do with The Arkham Knight's Militia is really repetitive and mind numbing and certain characters are in side missions that aren't given the time to matter or truly care. 

Gameplay

This is easily the most fluid combat system for any of the Arkham games and flows incredibly well. The extra use of gadgets in combat and the way that Batman moves more aggressively makes it a much more enjoyable experience. Onto the elephant in the room and that is The Batmobile, a huge part of the marketing was the use of The Batmobile and I can't deny that it is fun to use. Facing Tanks in the car and traversing through Gotham with it is really enjoyable but there is no denying that it is overused and does become a bit repetitive at times. 

Style

Maybe the best part of this game is the style. It is a beautiful game and this game came out 9 years ago looking way better then most modern day games. Gotham itself feels huge and looks great with the horrors of the night being emphasized well. 

Overall

Overall, Batman: Arkham Knight is a great game. Replaying the game has given me a different perspective and realise that there is lots to really enjoy here and that it deserves to be played by Batman fans and alike. 

Rating - 8/10