Review: Another Marvel character from the margins approaches campiness in ‘Kraven the Hunter’

After watching the cinematic spectacle that is “Kraven the Hunter“, I must say it has left me with a unique blend of emotions, much like the concoction of chemicals Sergei brews under his father’s watchful eye. The film was, to put it gently, an exhilarating roller coaster ride through the wilderness of mediocrity, with a few unexpected twists and turns that had me clutching my popcorn in suspense.

Each December, a hero emerges to provide relief from the highbrow awards-season films. If you’re seeking a break from deep thought, don’t worry, “Kraven the Hunter” is at your service – a substantial portion of comic book action without any intellectual demands. For those in need of mental respite during mid-December, it could be the perfect prescription.

The Marvel film ‘Kraven the Hunter’, produced by Sony, is one that delves into lesser-known Spider-Man characters such as Venom and Madame Web. It carries an element of humor and self-awareness about its own quirks, but compared to the wittily humorous ‘Venom’ films, ‘Kraven the Hunter’ leans more towards a subtle nod rather than a full-blown wink.

In simpler terms, Kraven, a villainous yet charismatic adversary of Spider-Man in the comics, is known for his fondness of animal patterns. In the upcoming movie, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, with his chiseled physique, dons Kraven’s costume. The film tells an origin story similar to Spider-Man’s, where a young boy has a close encounter with a dangerous beast, and inexplicably gains unique powers associated with that animal after a mystical experience.

Review: Another Marvel character from the margins approaches campiness in 'Kraven the Hunter'

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According to many measurements, the complex comic-book film seems doomed from the start, yet fans who appreciate over-the-top elements might find pleasure in it, given that its lead actor appears to be part of the comedic wit.

Feb. 13, 2024

16-year-old Sergei Kravinoff (Levi Miller), who is privileged but also deeply sad, experiences a life-altering event during a hunting safari with his criminal father, Nikolai (Russell Crowe). A lion attack leaves him near death, only to be saved by an enigmatic concoction. Escaping the confines of home, Sergei ventures into the untamed wilderness of eastern Russia. There, he dwells in a yurt and turns his hunting skills against the wrongdoers, adopting the moniker Kraven, or “The Hunter.

Miller and Taylor-Johnson adopt a serious demeanor as they approach their roles, portraying individuals with a deep affection for animals yet who hunt only perceived threats, such as ruthless mob bosses trapped in remote Siberia. Director J.C. Chandor (“A Most Violent Year”), working off a script by Richard Wenk, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway, is equally sincere about the project. However, several character actors in secondary roles were eager to deliver larger-than-life performances.

In the story, there’s Russell Crowe portraying a harsh, Russian-accented father figure, who is perceived as villainous. However, despite his stern demeanor, we only witness him taking his children on hunting trips and berating them for weakness, not engaging in any criminal activities on screen. This character might be a poor parent, but there’s no evidence of his criminal past shown in the film. Fred Hechinger shares the screen as Sergei’s younger brother Dmitri, who grapples with a sibling who deserted him and a father who constantly criticizes him.

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Afterward, we have Alessandro Nivola, who brings an intriguing blend of eerie and comical flair to his portrayal of Aleksei Sytsevich, or “The Rhino,” a role initially played by Paul Giamatti in “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.” Nivola appears to be the one who most embraces the absurdity, making his performance quite entertaining. With his peculiar accent and unusual behaviors, he elevates the whole production (his transformation is particularly laughable). Additionally, there’s the surprising entrance of indie favorite Christopher Abbott as “The Foreigner,” a character with the ability to manipulate time by counting “1, 2, 3.” Here’s hoping he enjoyed sparring with Taylor-Johnson.

Ariana DeBose’s performance as Calypso in the film resembles Michelle Williams’ portrayal in “Venom,” albeit with a greater sense of struggle and discomfort. Her character is outfitted with a wig that seems to overwhelm her, and costumes reminiscent of 90’s Janet Jackson music videos. Unfortunately for DeBose, she’s given some challenging lines to deliver, often explaining the on-screen action, which isn’t made easier by her somewhat stiff delivery.

Instead of finding Kraven’s hunting scenes more enjoyable, the movie primarily focuses on Dmitri’s kidnapping and Kraven’s frantic efforts to save his sibling. However, the narrative structure and editing are peculiar, giving the impression that crucial details are missing, even though they weren’t essential initially. The CGI used for the animals is questionable, and the green-screen effects are noticeably obvious, which indicates some issues with the production process.

Watching Taylor-Johnson (or his stand-in) battle against a speeding van and navigate through “London” provides a unique delight, and the actor’s charm keeps this production afloat just barely. You’ll find yourself chuckling heartily when he puts on his short, fur-trimmed jacket towards the end of the movie, much like how Ms. Web showcased her iconic glasses at the close of hers. However, aside from the unintentionally amusing moments, the film “Kraven the Hunter” is sorely lacking in quality. This might be exactly what you’re looking for if you’re seeking some mindless entertainment at the cinema.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

2024-12-12 22:31

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