The Sony Marvel Universe may not enjoy the prestige of its Disney counterpart, but it’s unfair to say the franchise isn’t holding its own. While critics and audiences often target these films with sharp remarks, I believe they offer a brand of entertainment that, when approached with the right expectations, is enjoyable. Take Madame Web, for instance. Despite being ridiculed for its clunky dialogues and meme-worthy moments, it delivers a decent cinematic experience if you lower your expectations and simply go along for the ride. I found it to be an enjoyable watch, and the same holds true for Sony’s recent Venom: The Last Dance. While it didn’t escape its share of criticism, the film’s mix of humour, emotional arcs, and entertaining action proved to be a fun ride.

Sure, Sony’s Marvel efforts may never rival the complexity or grandeur of the MCU, but that’s okay. Not every film needs to be a groundbreaking, life-changing masterpiece. Sometimes, a movie’s primary purpose is to entertain—and Sony’s outings (with the exception of Morbius, which was undeniably underwhelming) have largely succeeded in doing just that. That’s why I wasn’t too apprehensive about heading into Kraven the Hunter, the latest addition to Sony’s Marvel Universe, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Russell Crowe. The film dives into the origin story of Kraven, a character known for his primal intensity and relentless pursuit of prey.

While the plot is relatively simple, it’s engaging enough to keep you invested. The film’s best quality—and a hallmark of Sony’s Marvel projects—is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The action sequences in Kraven the Hunter are a standout, delivering relentless energy and brutal gore that align perfectly with the character’s savage nature. Aaron Taylor-Johnson gives a gripping performance, balancing Kraven’s animalistic ferocity with a layer of vulnerability that makes him more than just a one-dimensional anti-hero. Russell Crowe, as always, lends a sense of gravitas to the film, adding depth to the father-son dynamic at the heart of the story.

Sony’s Kraven the Hunter doesn’t redefine the superhero genre, but it doesn’t need to. It offers two hours of thrilling action, strong performances, and a self-aware sense of fun. If you go in with the right expectations, you’ll leave entertained—and that’s exactly what Sony’s Marvel Universe does best.

P.S. My Letterboxd handle is @BhumikGrover.