Dakota Johnson stars in Madame Web, a Spider-Man-adjacent film where she plays a paramedic with glimpses of the future. Critics have panned it, but the hosts debate if it's really that bad. They delve into the characters, the villain, emotional connections, and even discuss the impact of Pepsi references in the movie.
Despite mixed reviews, 'Madame Web' offers moments of greatness and potential for spin-off TV shows.
Dakota Johnson's aloof performance brings charm but fails to engage in superhero moments.
Deep dives
Madam Webb: A Superhero Film with Mixed Reactions
Madam Webb, the latest Spider-Man adjacent film, has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While it has been ruthlessly mocked by memes and criticized for various reasons, there are some redeeming qualities to the movie. The podcast guests express their opinions, with one guest finding it surprisingly enjoyable, reminiscent of superhero films from the past. Another guest appreciates the suspense and thriller elements, as well as the potential for spin-off TV shows from the movie's concept. However, they highlight the flaws in the script, pointing out the weak motivations of the villain and the mismatch between the lead actress's performance and the superhero genre. They also discuss the excessive use of ADR (additional dialogue recording) and disjointed editing. Overall, Madam Webb falls short as a superhero film but does offer sporadic moments of greatness amidst its shortcomings.
Dakota Johnson's Performance and Character in Madam Webb
Dakota Johnson stars as Cassie, a New York City paramedic with the ability to glimpse the future after a near-death experience. The podcast guests discuss Johnson's performance, noting her aloof and detached portrayal of the character. They feel that her dry humor and unique charm work in certain scenes, particularly the ones where she interacts with her paramedic partner. However, they point out that her affect doesn't match the urgency and stakes of superhero moments, resulting in a lack of engagement. Despite this, they highlight her ability to bring depth to an unlikable character and appreciate her moments of humor in the film.
Flaws in Madam Webb: Weak Villain Motivation and Script Issues
The podcast guests delve into the flaws of Madam Webb, specifically the weak motivation of the villain, played by Tahara Heem. They criticize the lack of depth in his character and the inadequate exploration of his actions. Additionally, they discuss script issues, including repetitive and confusing dialogue that fails to establish character motivations effectively. They draw attention to the excessive use of ADR and disjointed editing, which suggest that the movie went through significant reshoots and alterations. While they acknowledge some suspenseful moments and intentional comic relief, they ultimately classify Madam Webb as a film that doesn't work well due to its problematic script and execution.
Madame Web, the latest Spider-Man-adjacent film that stakes out its own corner of the Spider-Verse. Dakota Johnson plays a New York paramedic who sees glimpses of the future. She bonds with three young women who are being hunted by a mysterious and remorseless supervillian. It has gotten pilloried by critics and has been ruthlessly mocked by a series of memes. But is it as bad as all that?
