Redemption is hard to come by, and even harder to believe, especially when the same writers who created “Morbius”, were given a second chance with “Madame Web”. “Morbius” is a a completely underwhelming superhero story regarding vampires; if the movie rings a bell, the majority of its publicity came from memes. “Madame Web” seemed set up for a terrible story arc and visuals from the start.
During the movie the protagonist, Cassandra (Cassie) Web discovers herself to gain the superpower of future vision or clairvoyance. Using this ability, she protects three teenagers from an evildoer desiring to kill them.
Ben Parker played a substantial part in the movie for being a side-character. Parker is Web’s paramedic partner, and throughout the movie has a story plot revolving around his sister having a baby. Without any context, Parker’s story plot seems completely unconnected to how Web controls and uses her future vision. More knowledgeable fans however, notice Ben Parker and Peter Parker, Spider-Man himself, are very likely related. The story of Ben becoming an Uncle, becomes an exciting cameo, but only to fans who recognize the side character.
This theme also plays a part in the movie’s conclusion, needing prior knowledge to make the story feel complete. Without such information, the twist seems unrelated and an odd way for the movie to unfold.
The movie sets itself up nicely to reach a heartfelt conclusion, tugging at the audience’s heart strings. However random aspects appear, convoluting the conclusion. Characters experience random design changes, fast-paced story progression and awkward sounding lines just to fit some original quotes in. Yet again, without any of this prior knowledge the movie expects people to have, viewers are left dumbfounded, especially at the disconnected ending.
However, the movie was visually interesting to watch. There are many unique camera angles used throughout the film despite having such a minuscule budget compared to other Sony-Marvel superhero movies, the movie is not lacking in special effects.
When Web mentions she feels like she is going crazy, the audience can clearly see how she reached such a conclusion. Each vision in “Madame Web” was unique, not repetitive with her past ones. Even watching the movie for the second time, such a distinctive twist on Web’s visions is incredibly enjoyable.
Considering these weaknesses, “Madame Web” is gearing itself towards individuals with previous knowledge on the characters appearing in the movie. In itself, the movie is not too confusing but is substantially more exciting to long-term fans. While anybody can enjoy the movie, it is best when people are able to look up information regarding previous iterations of “Madame Web” and truly enjoy how this new movie adapts those elements.