Entertainment

Sony’s Spider-Man universe officially boasts the most embarrassing Rotten Tomatoes scores this side of ‘Baby Geniuses 2’

By Bhavya Last updated

Sony’s attempts to build out its Spider-Man universe without actually featuring Spider-Man have been met with some serious backlash, as evidenced by the dismal Rotten Tomatoes scores of their recent films. The latest tally showcases the company’s struggle to produce content that resonates with both critics and audiences, with none of their entries hitting the coveted 60% mark for a “fresh” rating.

Rotten Scores Breakdown

Following the release of Venom: The Last Dance, the scores of five Sony Spider-verse films have been compiled, revealing a troubling trend:

  1. Madame Web: Released earlier this year, this film received a mere 11% from critics. Starring Dakota Johnson, it was criticized for its “predictable plot” and “uneven execution,” leading many to dub it a forgettable superhero adventure. Interestingly, some fans have ironically embraced its campiness, viewing it as “so bad it’s good.”
  2. Morbius: Following closely behind with a 15% rating, this film about another Spider-Man villain was panned for being “uninspired” and “nonsensical.” Its poor reception was so pronounced that even some cast members expressed their disdain, which perhaps was not surprising given its association with the same screenwriters as Madame Web.
  3. Venom: The first entry in the Venom franchise earned 30%, with critics describing it as “chaotic” and “noisy.”
  4. Venom: Let There Be Carnage: This sequel fared slightly better with a 39% rating, though critics noted it would mainly appeal to fans who enjoyed the quirky chemistry between the titular characters.
  5. Venom: The Last Dance: While its score of 39% is still in flux, early reactions suggest it could end up being similarly polarizing.

Audience vs. Critics

One notable aspect is the disparity between critic and audience scores. Despite the critics’ harsh assessments, the Venom films have been well-received by audiences, each earning ratings above 80%. This dichotomy highlights the films’ appeal to fans, who seem to appreciate the unique blend of humor and action, even if critics see them as lacking depth.

The Future of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe

As Sony grapples with these poor reviews, the question looms: should they continue this path or pivot back to a more traditional Spider-Man narrative? With scores reminiscent of flops like SuperBabies: Baby Geniuses 2 and Gotti, there’s growing sentiment that it may be time for Sony to rethink its strategy. Perhaps the best course of action would be to allow Tom Holland to lead the franchise again, utilizing the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) instead of pushing for standalone stories that haven’t resonated well.

In short, while Sony aims to expand its Spider-Man universe, the reception of these films suggests it might be time for a significant reevaluation before they dig themselves into an even deeper hole.

Bhavya