Review Roundup For Madame Web -- Here's What The Critics Think

Sony's newest Spider-Man spinoff, Madame Web, arrives in theaters this weekend. But how is the superhero film faring with critics? Reviews have begun to appear online, painting a picture of the critical reception to the film from reviewers, and we're collecting scores below.

Madame Web stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb in an origin story for the Marvel character. She can see into the future and is able to use her insight in dramatic ways. She teams up with three other women, including Sydney Sweeney as a young Julia Cornwall, a future Spider-Woman in Marvel lore. The movie also features characters played by Isabela Merced and Celeste O'Connor. Adam Scott also stars in Madame Webb as Ben.

S.J. Clarkson co-wrote and directed Madame Web. Clarkson was also on the creative team for the Game of Thrones TV show Bloodoon that HBO spent $30 million on and then canceled.

GameSpot's Madame Web review scored the film a 6/10. Critic Phil Owen said it's a "mostly a pretty fun and different" kind of superhero film. However, Owen said, "The parts that aren't fun and different--mainly the climax and ending--are such a huge drag that they nearly end up obscuring the good stuff."

As mentioned, Madame Web is a Sony Pictures movie made in partnership with Marvel. That's because Sony owns the theatrical rights to Spider-Man and its universe of characters. You can check out some review scores and excerpts below. For more on the critical reaction to the movie, head to GameSpot sister site Metacritic or Rotten Tomatoes.

Madame Web

• Directed by S.J. Clarkson
• Written by SJ Clarkson, Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless, Claire Parker, Kerem Sanga
• Starring: Daktoa Johnson, Isabela Merced, Sydney Sweeney, Adam Scott, Celeste O'Connor, Tahar Rahim, Emma Roberts
• Premiere Date: February 16
• Rating: PG-13
• Runtime: 1 hour, 56 minutes

GameSpot -- 6/10

"This is not your standard Marvel spectacle--it's got far more in common with horror films like Friday the 13th and Final Destination. That's a good thing, and as a result, Madame Web actually has something new and fresh to offer comic book movie audiences." -- Phil Owen [Full review]

Variety

"Madame Web feels like a cross between an extended soda commercial and a teaser trailer for still more spinoffs. 'Whatever the future holds, we'll be ready,' Cassie promises. But you don't have to be a soothsayer to see this particular franchise is D.O.A.--or a snob to expect better." -- Peter Debruge [Full review]

Austin Chronicle -- 1.5/5

"The studio is contractually obligated to keep releasing new material in order to retain the rights, and boy does this movie feel like it's just checking boxes and running the clock out--the cinematic equivalent of quiet quitting." -- Kimberly Jones [Full review]

USA Today

"Burdened by bad dialogue, negligible character development, a lackluster bad guy, and assorted B-movie silliness, Madame stars Dakota Johnsonas a New York City paramedic able to see the future. While gamely trying to venture outside of her drama comfort zone, she as well as others unfortunately get stuck in the film's web of nonsense." -- Brian Truitt [Full review]

The Hollywood Reporter

"There's something so demoralizing about lambasting another underwhelming Marvel offering. What is there left to really say about the disappointments and ocean-floor-level expectations created by the mining of this intellectual property? Every year, studio executives dig up minor characters, dress them in a fog of hype and leave moviegoers to debate, defend or discard the finished product." -- Lovia Gyarkye [Full review]