Why the Spider-Man Sony/Marvel Universe Was Doomed Before It Began

This review contains spoilers for Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Kraven the Hunter. Proceed with caution!

The symbiote saga continues, albeit in a somewhat underwhelming fashion. While Venom: Let There Be Carnage delivered a chaotic, albeit entertaining, ride, Kraven the Hunter feels like a missed opportunity. The film's attempt to ground the story in a more realistic, albeit still fantastical, setting clashes with the inherent absurdity of the Venomverse. The tonal shift is jarring and leaves the overall experience feeling disjointed. The action sequences, while visually impressive, lack the visceral impact of previous entries. The plot, while attempting to explore themes of legacy and family, ultimately feels underdeveloped and predictable. While the performances are generally solid, they can't quite save the film from its narrative shortcomings. The post-credit scene, however, hints at a potentially more exciting future for the franchise, leaving a glimmer of hope for future installments. Ultimately, Kraven the Hunter is a decent, if forgettable, addition to the Sony Spider-Man Universe. It's a film that will likely be quickly forgotten amidst the larger tapestry of superhero cinema.