It’s quite a sight as Sony wraps up their Spidey spinoff series. Kraven the Hunter emerges as a strangely underwhelming affair that we all seemed to anticipate. But don’t let that deter you; there’s a wealth of entertainment within.

Uncover the Laughs in Kraven the Hunter’s Underwhelming Journey

What is Kraven the Hunter about?

In Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 game, Sergei Kravinoff, aka Kraven the Hunter, made his villainous debut. However, the new movie takes on the role of an origin story. Taylor-Johnson’s version finds him at odds with his dad Nikolai (Russell Crowe) after the truth about his dead mother is revealed.During a hunting trip in Ghana, Sergei is nearly killed by a lion but is saved by an elixir from the mysterious Calypso (Ariana DeBose). As the animal’s blood mixes with his, a new legend is born. Years later, Kraven spends his life eliminating men who resemble his dad too much.When his brother Dmitri (Fred Hechinger) becomes a target, Kraven will go to great lengths to get him back from the Rhino (Alessandro Nivola). It’s a story filled with twists and turns, and while it may have its flaws, it holds its own in the counterculture of superhero movies. 1: The basic storyline is laid out clearly in the opening scenes, relying on absurd coincidences that require us to suspend our disbelief. There are also numerous continuity errors, like a random spear appearing out of nowhere and ADR voiceover not matching the moving mouth. But when Kraven does make sense, it’s presented with the brevity of an SNL sketch. Taylor-Johnson seems fully committed to his role, but the overall picture is a shambles. 2: Despite the flaws, the movie is entertaining in its delivery. Russell Crowe, in particular, has his moments. He manages to make telling his sons about their mother’s death a laugh-a-minute moment, which is no easy feat. Hechinger hangs in there as the best of a bad bunch, and DeBose is likely considering a new agent after being in some less-than-stellar projects. Nivola’s Rhino is a sight to behold, resembling something a five-year-old might draw after reading the comics.

The Acting and Performances

Taylor-Johnson gives his all in his Marvel role, but it’s hard to ignore the wider picture’s shortcomings. Russell Crowe seems to be playing multiple priests, trying to pray away the memories of his previous roles. Hechinger holds his own among the cast, while DeBose’s situation is a bit of a mystery. 1: Nivola’s Rhino takes the cake with his preposterous backstory and non-verbal responses. His reaction to finding out Kraven is still alive is akin to an ostrich with a stepped-on foot. It’s these small details that add to the movie’s charm, or lack thereof. 2: The acting in Kraven the Hunter is a mixed bag. Some performances shine through the chaos, while others leave a bit to be desired. But it’s this combination that makes the movie unique and memorable in its own way.

The Pace and Overall Experience

As the movie reaches its final third, the pace slows down, becoming more mundane. It’s a bit of a letdown after the initial entertainment. But there are still moments that make you smile and laugh. 1: The movie has a certain vaudevillian quality to it, from the henchmen who seem to be inspired by Phil Mitchell to a prison roommate who could potentially win Best Supporting Actor in a Sony movie. It’s these unexpected elements that make the viewing experience a bit more enjoyable. 2: Despite its flaws, Kraven the Hunter is a movie that leaves a mark. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a fun ride that offers some unexpected laughs. Whether you’re a Marvel fan or not, there’s something to be found in this underwhelming adventure.Kraven the Hunter hits cinemas on December 13. In the meantime, explore everything we know about Spider-Man 4 and the latest updates on Marvel’s Phase 6, The Fantastic Four, and Thunderbolts. For more information on our scoring guidelines, check out our website.