Movie Name: Kraven the Hunter
Directed by: J. C. Chandor
Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola, Christopher Abbott, Russell Crowe
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Running Time: 129 Minutes
Release Date: December 13, 2024
Rating:
Languages: English
Production House: Columbia Pictures, Marvel Entertainment, Arad Productions, Matt Tolmach Productions
Budget: $100 – 130 million
Box Office: $59.4 million
Russian immigrant Sergei Kravinoff is on a mission to prove that he is the greatest hunter in the world.
Kraven the Hunter: Overview
Kraven the Hunter is an upcoming American superhero film featuring the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Produced by Columbia Pictures in association with Marvel Entertainment, Arad Productions, and Matt Tolmach Productions, and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing, it is intended to be the sixth film in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU). The film was directed by J. C. Chandor from a screenplay by Richard Wenk and the writing team of Art Marcum and Matt Holloway. It stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the title role alongside Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola, Christopher Abbott, and Russell Crowe.
Kraven was considered for film appearances several times before Sony became interested in a standalone film for the character, as part of their new shared universe, in 2017. Wenk was hired in August 2018, with Marcum and Holloway joining later. Chandor entered negotiations to direct in August 2020, and was confirmed in May 2021 when Taylor-Johnson was cast. Further casting took place in early 2022, before filming began in late March in London, England and concluded by mid-June. Shooting also occurred in Iceland, and was expected to occur in Glasgow.
Kraven the Hunter is scheduled to be released in the United States on December 13, 2024.
Benjamin Wallfisch was hired in June 2023 to compose the score for the film.
Movie Trailer:
#HindiTrailer
Kraven the Hunter Movie Review:
Story: Sergei struggles with a strained relationship with his father but deeply cares for his younger brother. When his brother is kidnapped, Sergei’s life takes a dark turn, leading him to confront a formidable adversary.
Review: JC Chandor, known for his compelling filmography, steps into the superhero genre with ‘Kraven: The Hunter.’ However, this action-thriller falls short of expectations, delivering an average experience that leans more toward a generic action film than a superhero spectacle. The portrayal of Kraven as an animal lover and altruist feels at odds with his comic book roots as a self-serving trophy hunter, creating a disconnect. The script lacks depth and energy, offering little to enhance the narrative. While the action sequences manage to hold attention, the performances feel underwhelming, even with a cast that includes some heavyweight talent. The antagonist, Rhino, comes across as excessively over-the-top and cartoonish, further detracting from the film’s tone. Overall, ‘Kraven: The Hunter’ misses the mark, leaving much to be desired both in storytelling and character development.
The story centers on Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe) and his two sons, Sergei (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Dmitri (Fred Hechinger), who share a tense and complicated relationship with their father. Following their mother’s death, Nikolai attempts to draw his sons into his drug trafficking operation. During a hunting trip, a lion attacks Sergei as he tries to protect Dmitri, a moment that irrevocably alters the family dynamic. The encounter leaves Sergei with animal-like instincts, and he later learns from his father that the lion was killed by him. Disillusioned, Sergei abandons his family and relocates to Russia, his mother’s homeland. There, he adopts the persona of Kraven, a feared hunter who targets criminals involved in illicit activities. However, when Dmitri is kidnapped by mercenaries, Sergei’s journey takes a perilous path.
If there’s one word to sum up this film, it’s – unfocused. The plot is paper-thin, and the clunky dialogue shows little effort at refinement. Subpar CGI only adds to the disappointment, leaving audiences wondering how this slipped past Hollywood’s usually stringent standards. The script leans heavily on clichés, offering little to sustain interest or create intrigue. It’s the death-defying action sequences that inject some life into an otherwise lacklustre experience. A standout moment in the film is Johnson’s rampage while chasing mercenaries who kidnap his brother—a rare instance where the film truly comes alive. Unfortunately, beyond the action, there’s little to recommend.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson shines in the action sequences as Kraven but falters during interactions with his co-stars, delivering a performance that feels oddly flat. Ariana DeBose is woefully underutilized; her discomfort with the underdeveloped role is painfully evident, leaving her character lifeless. Russell Crowe, however, brings a commanding presence, injecting some much-needed momentum into the plot. Yet, it’s Fred Hechinger as Dmitri who truly stands out, making the most of a slightly more nuanced role. ‘Kraven: The Hunter’ is a passable watch if you’re willing to turn off your brain, but it sorely lacks the core elements that define a compelling superhero film. Ultimately, it’s a missed opportunity of significant proportions.