A Wild Throwback to 80s Action Glory
If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for the unapologetic thrill of 80s action movies, with more of a superhero flare… Kraven delivers a dose of old-school action wrapped in modern flair. The film takes audiences on a bombastic ride through a world of eccentric characters, intense action, and just the right touch of campy fun.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson shines as Sergei Kravinoff, the titular anti-hero, blending raw physicality with a simmering emotional intensity. His transformation into the fierce hunter is as visceral as it is believable, grounding the story amidst the chaos. The supporting cast, meanwhile, is delightfully over-the-top, each character embracing their quirks without hesitation. Standouts include Russell Crowe’s commanding performance as Sergei’s domineering father, who adds gravitas to the film’s family-driven conflict, and the colourful rogues who populate Kraven’s path. Alessandro Nivola, who plays Rhino, oh boy… where to begin. He plays one of the villains in this story which I can only describe as a bond villain, including all eccentric quirks and bizarre memorable scenes.
What makes Kraven enjoyable is its self-awareness. It doesn’t aim to be a dark, brooding superhero movie. Instead, it leans into its pulp origins, channelling the kinetic energy of films like Predator or Commando and dare I say a superhero version of John Wick. The action sequences are unrelenting and inventive, featuring everything from brutal hand-to-hand combat to creatively choreographed hunts. The set pieces feel alive, bursting with energy and a slight wink to the audience. The one-liners and quips from ‘Kraven’ throughout the movie are a cheesy and amusing joy that I miss from old action movies.
The film’s eccentricity extends to its visuals. The cinematography opts for bold, striking palettes, emphasizing its protagonist’s primal and feral nature. The score, an electrifying blend of synth beats and orchestral punches, works in my opinion. It’s a fun action movie to watch.
While Kraven isn’t without its flaws—some pacing issues and a few narrative leaps that require a suspension of disbelief—it’s the kind of film that thrives on its imperfections. It knows exactly what it is: a wild, unabashed action romp with heart. Aaron Taylor-Johnson was great in it, everyone looks like they had fun filming it and did their roles justice. The movie, being a Spider-Man universe spin-off, comes with its associations for better or worse. There are multiple Spider-Man loose references like seeing the Daily Bugle and other things but Spider-Man does not make an appearance. I thought i’d be upset, but I didn’t mind it. As an avid Spider-Man fan growing up I thought I’d be triggered by the blatant absence but honestly, it was a fun movie without him in it. This is where my comparisons to John Wick come back… it’s a man taking down everyone in his way while he tries to get away from his crime family life (err, well dad’s life)… sound familiar? A fun movie is a fun movie and we don’t need Oscar-worthy scripts to have a good time.
I think this movie is getting some bad reviews due to its association with Sony and the recent flak for Morbius, Madam Webb and to some degree the Venom movies. Relax, it’s an action movie. A fun one and it’s worth watching. Heck, I’ll watch it again, it was that amusing.
So who is this for? For fans of action-packed spectacles with a retro action flair, Kraven is a roaring good time. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s precisely what makes it so enjoyable. Grab some popcorn, suspend your disbelief, and let this eccentric hunter take you on a feral ride.
