***SPOILER***
Kraven the Hunter seems to be Sony’s final attempt at standalone entries in the Spider-Man universe—and honestly, that’s for the best. While there’s more that works here than in previous efforts like Morbius or Madame Web, it ultimately feels like too little, too late.
So, what works? The action sequences. If, like me, you’re a sucker for great action, this film delivers in that department. The set pieces are thrilling, frequent enough to keep you engaged, and long enough to leave an impression. The action alone might make the movie worth a watch for fans of the genre.
Unfortunately, that’s where the positives end. The dialogue is lackluster—sometimes serviceable, but more often cheesy and forced. The script feels like a rough draft, surprising for a studio with such a strong track record in the Spider-Man universe. Sony has given us smash hits with Tom Holland’s live-action Spider-Man, the Spider-Verse animated films, and even the PlayStation games. With that pedigree, the underwhelming quality of Kraven is disappointing. As the saying goes, “I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.” #DadSpeech.
The film also falls into a common trap: killing off major villains too quickly. This has become a cardinal sin for superhero movies, especially when dealing with expansive lore and devoted fanbases. Villains should be assets to build on, not disposable plot devices. If nothing else, I hope Sony’s missteps here serve as a cautionary tale for other studios attempting to adapt beloved properties.
In the end, Kraven the Hunter isn’t without its moments, but it doesn’t reach the heights fans might have hoped for. While it’s a step up from some of Sony’s other standalone entries, it’s still far from the potential this universe holds.
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