Let’s face it, cinematic storytellers in film are struggling to create meaningful films that keep the audience’s attention. This is no different for Kraven The Hunter starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson who plays Kraven. Kraven is a man whose complex relationship with his ruthless gangster father, Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe), starts him down a path of vengeance with brutal consequences, motivating him to become not only the greatest hunter in the world but also one of its most feared.
The movie starts off in the cold frozen tundra of some remote location in Russia. The first ten minutes deliver on the promise of a good movie, but after that we get lost in the back story of how Kraven becomes superhuman and we never really find out why he doesn’t like his father, which is a major part of the plot.
From that, the movie jumps around between plots and attempts to connect the dots over the next hour explaining the various characters. It struggles to successfully explain several things over the course of the movie.
The action sequences are decent, but the CGI could use some work. As soon as you see the lion on screen attempting to attack the young Kraven, you understand that the movie might not be able to fill your hunger for an amazing movie.
That hunger continues throughout Kraven The Hunter due to more unexplained plot twists and turns. Later in the film the main villain, Rhino, played by Alessandro Nivola, explains his superhuman abilities but misses the mark in detail.
What you end up coming away with halfway through the film is that you are watching a Marvel film. And like all Marvel films, this one is made up of characters who have acquired powers beyond the norm.
Once you understand that you begin to enjoy the movie. Parkour (the sport of traversing environmental obstacles by running, climbing, or leaping rapidly and efficiently) is used by Kraven throughout the film and dazzles in some cool climbs and jumps. The action is decent and delivers on the promise of its R-rated rating, which means blood and guts.
By the end of the movie, you can feel the writers setting you up for a second film. Unfinished plots, and unexplained conversations between the two brothers who might not like each other anymore.
Overall, the film was worth the watch and if a second film is made audiences will be lined up to see the second installment. For a movie, C+ is grade from CODE M because if you have nothing else to do on a Friday night, this might be a good place to start. But do not go into the lofty expectations, just take for what its worth.
2024-12-11
