The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s latest attempt at keeping its Spider-Man movie license alive, Kraven the Hunter, is a cringeworthy exercise in mediocrity. The film’s poorly executed CGI, combined with a convoluted storyline and underdeveloped characters, make it a chore to watch.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as Sergei Kravinoff, a mythical “Hunter” who can talk to animals and possesses superhuman strength. However, his abilities are wasted in action scenes that rely too heavily on cheap CGI tricks. The film’s attempt to connect Sergei’s affection for animals to his actions is undermined by the poor portrayal of these characters.
The storyline follows Sergei as he navigates a complex web of family dynamics and criminal underworld rivalries. Director J.C. Chandor, known for thoughtful mob movies like A Most Violent Year, seems out of depth in balancing comic book concepts with real-world elements. The result is a disjointed narrative that fails to engage.
The cast, including Russell Crowe and Fred Hechinger, deserves sympathy for being saddled with subpar material. Even charismatic actress Ariana DeBose is wasted in a one-dimensional role as the sole female character of note.
The only standout moment comes from Alessandro Nivola’s nerdy gangster Rhino, who brings some much-needed campy energy to the film. However, even his performance can’t salvage the movie’s overall lackluster experience. With its poor CGI and weak storytelling, Kraven the Hunter is a missed opportunity for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/kraven-the-hunter-review-aaron-taylor-johnson-russell-crowe