This Desperation is Crazy

Summary

Sony’s Spider-Man anti-hero films, such as *Morbius* and *Madame Web*, have floundered critically and commercially. With *Craven the Hunter*, Sony releases an 8-minute intro on YouTube in a desperate bid to spark interest. While this marketing strategy is seen as a positive move for transparency, the content reveals a typical hero rather than an anti-hero, a key flaw in Sony’s handling of the franchise. The intro features basic action and some violence, but ultimately, *Craven* seems poised to follow the same forgettable path as its predecessors unless Sony takes a more authentic approach to creating morally complex characters.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sony is in panic mode with *Craven the Hunter*, following the failure of previous films like *Morbius* and *Madame Web*.
• 😀 Sony is attempting to generate interest in *Craven* by releasing the entire 8-minute opening sequence on YouTube for free.
• 😀 This marketing tactic is praised for giving consumers a chance to judge the film before spending money on tickets.
• 😀 The 8-minute intro shows Craven as a strong, capable character, but not as an anti-hero as marketed. He's portrayed more as a traditional hero.
• 😀 Despite the violence and gore, *Craven the Hunter* lacks the moral ambiguity typically associated with anti-heroes, making Craven more of a 'good guy' than an anti-hero.
• 😀 The action scenes in the intro feature quick cuts, which are not ideal for the film’s pacing and raise concerns about how the rest of the film will be shot.
• 😀 The movie’s portrayal of Craven as a hero with an edge is not unique, and it fails to capture the essence of an anti-hero.
• 😀 The film has a lot of potential to be 'fun bad', meaning it could be an entertaining guilty pleasure despite its flaws.
• 😀 Sony’s marketing desperation is evident, with the director publicly pleading for audiences to give the film a chance.
• 😀 While *Craven* isn't shaping up to be a masterpiece, it's at least more competent than previous Sony superhero films like *Morbius* and *Madame Web*.
• 😀 Sony’s attempts to build a successful Spider-Man-adjacent universe seem misguided, as they don’t fully embrace the anti-hero concept with characters like Craven.

Q & A

Why is Sony releasing the entire 8-minute intro of 'Craven the Hunter'?

Sony is releasing the 8-minute intro of 'Craven the Hunter' as part of a desperate marketing strategy. They likely believe that the opening sequence might pique audience interest, especially since there's little buzz or confidence surrounding the film.

What is the significance of the director's plea for viewers to give 'Craven the Hunter' a chance?

The director's public plea to give the film a chance indicates Sony's uncertainty about the film's reception. It's often a sign that the studio and creators lack confidence in the project, as they're asking viewers to overlook potential flaws.

How does the script describe Sony's past Spider-Man-related films?

The script criticizes Sony's recent Spider-Man-related films like 'Morbius' and 'Madame Web,' labeling them as failures and underperformers. The reviewer refers to these films as 'impressive failures' and highlights how Sony's marketing strategies have been ineffective.

What is the main criticism regarding 'Craven the Hunter's' portrayal of the anti-hero?

The main criticism is that Sony's portrayal of Craven does not align with the classic concept of an anti-hero. Instead of showing a morally ambiguous character, Craven is depicted more as a typical hero who is willing to kill bad guys, but still remains a 'good guy.'

What is said about the action sequences in the 8-minute intro?

The action sequences in the 8-minute intro are described as competent but not groundbreaking. While they are better than those in 'Morbius' or 'Madame Web,' the reviewer notes that there are frequent, jarring cuts that make the action feel a bit disjointed.

How does the reviewer feel about the decision to release the first 8 minutes of the film?

The reviewer views the release of the first 8 minutes as a positive move, as it gives viewers a chance to decide whether they want to watch the full film. This transparency is appreciated, especially given the high cost of movie tickets.

What comparison is made between 'Craven the Hunter' and other Sony films like 'Morbius' and 'Madame Web'?

The script compares 'Craven the Hunter' to 'Morbius' and 'Madame Web,' noting that it is a step up in terms of quality, although still far from great. The reviewer describes the improvements as small but significant, calling 'Craven' at least 'watchable' compared to its predecessors.

What does the reviewer think about Sony's ability to create anti-hero films?

The reviewer believes that Sony struggles to accurately portray anti-heroes. Instead of embracing the complexity of anti-heroes like Craven, they simplify these characters into just good guys with violent tendencies, missing the essential morally gray aspect.

How does the script critique the action and pacing of 'Craven the Hunter'?

The script criticizes the action sequences for being overly fast-paced, with too many quick cuts that disrupt the flow. Despite the action being described as competent, the reviewer finds it disappointing that the film doesn't take the time to build more cohesive and smooth action scenes.

What is the general tone of the review, and how does it reflect the reviewer's expectations for 'Craven the Hunter'?

The tone of the review is sarcastic, critical, and slightly humorous. The reviewer expresses low expectations for 'Craven the Hunter,' acknowledging that while the film might be 'fun bad,' it's unlikely to be a standout in the superhero genre. The reviewer remains cautious but somewhat optimistic.