‘Madame Web’ Review: Dakota Johnson’s Latest Criticized As ‘Genre’s Worst’; 34-Year-Old Actress Discusses Script Changes And Generation Gap Challenges With Co-Stars

By Tulika Shreshthi - Founder & Author
6 Min Read
Image Credit: Madame Web/Instagram

Dakota Johnson’s most recent film, ‘Madame Web,’ has stirred up considerable debate among moviegoers and critics alike. Unfortunately, Sony Pictures’ film released to theatres amidst high expectations fell short of meeting audience and industry standards, with many labelling it as one of the worst in its genre. Sony went through old Spider-Man stories to find a not-so-popular character for a new movie. They picked Madame Web, who doesn’t have clear powers and isn’t very exciting.

Dakota Johnson as Madame Web

The movie came out on February 14, 2024, but it didn’t impress critics or viewers like Sony had hoped. This flop might affect Sony’s future Spider-Man movies. On the other hand, Paramount’s movie ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ made a big splash at the box office on Valentine’s Day and surpassed all expectations. The film about the famous reggae star is doing even better than predicted, earning $23.3 million worldwide since its release. It left ‘Madame Web’ far behind at the box office.

Despite the criticism, Dakota Johnson has been candid in discussing the challenges faced during production, particularly in navigating script changes and addressing the generation gap with her co-stars. The 34-year-old actress’ insights shed light on the complexities of bringing a beloved character to life on the big screen, illustrating the intricacies of filmmaking and the pressures that come with it. Unfortunately, the movie didn’t start well.

Also Read: ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Becomes Most-Watched Trailer In 24 Hours; Teaser Hints At Secret Wars, X-Men Cameos, And MCU Connections (Trailer Breakdown)

Dakota Johnson’s ‘Madame Web‘ Receives Scathing Reviews, Failed At Box Office!

The new movie Madame Web in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, featuring Dakota Johnson, 34, as the main star, is getting lots of love for her acting skills. This is the very first movie about a female superhero all on her own in the Sony-Marvel universe. It’s also the studio’s first big movie of the year. However, fans and critics are unhappy with the movie’s storyline and have given it harsh reviews.

Dakota Johnson (Image Credit: Madame Web/Instagram)

According to reports, critics have shared their thoughts about ‘Madame Web,’ and their opinions vary. Early reviews of Madame Web labeled it the “worst comic book movie” by Forbes. It only got a 13% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Other critics said that the movie is awful. They felt it was the worst of its kind, with bad effects that looked like something people would see on basic TV. The action could be more exciting, and the dialogue could be more humorous and well-spoken.

Variety’s Peter Debruge said Johnson’s movie is unnecessary. He wrote, “Madame Web was never going to touch the relatively high-concept, Disney-made “Avengers” movies. The script is confusing, the action stale and the visual effects cheap. A recurring device that places Cassie at the center of what looks like a giant plasma ball, surrounded by static tendrils, is downright embarrassing.”

He continued, “But guess what? Tickets still cost just as much as they would for a more canonical Marvel movie. So why settle for the knockoff?”

It’s the fourth movie in Sony’s Spider-Man series. S.J. Clarkson directed it and starred Sydney Sweeney, Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced, Tahar Rahim, Adam Scott, and more. The movie is about Madame Web, a character from a comic book in 1980 called ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’. In the comic, she’s an old lady who can’t move or see because she’s got a rare sickness. She must stay alive with a particular machine resembling a spider’s web. But she can see the future because she’s got psychic powers. In the new movie, Cassandra Webb, played by Johnson, is a paramedic in New York who is interested in psychic stuff.

Also Read: ‘Fantastic Four 2025’: Marvel Studios Reveals The Official Cast Uniquely On Valentine’s Day, Know Release Date & More!

Dakota Johnson Expresses Frustration Over Script Changes And Generation Gap Challenges With Co-Stars

According to The Wrap, lead actress Dakota Johnson’s new movie, ‘Madame Web,’ changed drastically after agreeing to be in the film. She told the publication before the movie came out on Valentine’s Day that the script underwent extensive changes.

Dakota Johnson with her co-stars (Image Credit: Madame Web/Instagram)

Furthermore, speculations show that Johnson has yet to watch her film. In an interview, she said, “For me, it’s a way not to have, like, an existential crisis. Not watching my movies is like self-care.”

After the release of her movie, Dakota Johnson discussed feeling different from her co-stars in the Sony Pictures film because of their age gap. She thought she needed to fit in with the younger actors on set. Johnson mentioned feeling a disconnect between herself and her three co-stars. She said they could sometimes bother her during filming, but she still cares about them and loves them.

‘Madame Web’ is showing in theatres now.

Also Read: ‘Dune: Part Two’ First Reactions: The Sci-Fi Epic Sequel Shines at London Premiere; Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya Stun in Jaw-Dropping Red-Carpet Attire

Source: Variety, The Wrap

Share This Article
By Tulika Shreshthi Founder & Author
Follow:
Meet Tulika Shreshthi, the talented mind behind MAGZINIO. With a wealth of experience in content management, digital content writing and social media management, she brings a unique blend of skills. She's a versatile creator, from crafting captivating web content to mastering graphic design. Specializing in entertainment media, she knows how to keep her audience engaged. Outside of her blogging pursuits, she's also a proud mother to a lovely daughter. Alongside her responsibilities, she harbours a deep passion for digital art and enjoys listening to music.
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Exit mobile version