Madame Web
By Tara McNamara,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Action violence in female-centered Spidey superhero tale.
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Madame Web
Community Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Don't be fooled by critics
What's the Story?
In MADAME WEB, Cassie Webb (Dakota Johnson) is a paramedic who never knew her mother, an arachnologist who died during childbirth. After a near-death experience, Cassie starts having déjà vu experiences. When she has a vision of a mysterious enemy who's set on killing three teen girls (Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O'Connor), Cassie vows to keep them safe while she investigates what's really going on.
Is It Any Good?
Director S.J. Clarkson smoothly weaves four diverse female characters into the Spider-verse, but Madame Web ultimately lacks bite—and credibility. On the plus side, Sony's parallel/independent Marvel Universe is doing well when it comes to superhero inclusivity. For parents of daughters, there can never be too many inspirational fierce female characters, and the ones here are all from different walks of life in terms of race, socioeconomic class, and family status.
But will this web of positivity catch kids' attention, or will they fly right through it? Cassie's abilities become more and more far-fetched, effects that might read well on the page but are difficult to depict on screen without making audiences scoff. (Even in a fantasy feature, there are limits to suspending disbelief.) And at times, the dialogue calls attention to its lack of imagination as well, sometimes provoking unintended laughs. On the other hand, the writers have fun with the 2003 setting, an era that was particularly challenging for women. When the girls dance to Britney Spears, it's a wink to those who appreciate the symbolism of four women banding together to stop a "Toxic" man who puts his own needs over their own.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about women's roles in comic book/superhero films. What makes Cassandra Webb a role model in Madame Web? Do you think having a female director and writer working on this film affected the way she was portrayed?
What elements did the filmmakers use to set the story in 2003? Do you think it would be easier or harder to create a "period setting" that's in the relatively recent past?
What do you think about the way superhero movies depict violence? Is there a difference in the way you react to realistic vs. stylized violence? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How do the characters in Madame Web demonstrate courage and teamwork? How does Cassie act with integrity and empathy? Why are those all important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: February 14, 2024
- On DVD or streaming: March 15, 2024
- Cast: Dakota Johnson , Sydney Sweeney , Celeste O'Connor
- Director: S. J. Clarkson
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Non-Binary actors, Female writers
- Studio: Sony Pictures Releasing
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Superheroes , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage , Teamwork
- Run time: 116 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: violence/action and language
- Last updated: July 13, 2024
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