RevampedCamp-Style Motion Picture: Madame Web
In the world of cinema, trends come and go, and the history of movie genres is a fascinating one. From the golden age of musicals in the 1940s to the reign of Westerns in the 1950s and the brief boom of fantasy movies in the 1980s, each era has left its mark.
Fast forward to 2024, and one might find themselves, much like Will Donahue '24, with a resolution to see one movie in theaters every week. However, due to various reasons, this resolution has proven challenging for Donahue, as he has only managed to visit theaters once, to watch Paul King's "Wonka". Unfortunately, Donahue did not find the movie to his liking.
The untold origin story of Roald Dahl's iconic chocolatier, while an intriguing concept, felt like a serious, wholehearted attempt from corporations to cash in on the trend of superhero cinematic universes. The same sentiment can be applied to the recently released "Madame Web", a movie that, despite various issues, Donahue found to be an unforgettable theater experience.
The theater where "Madame Web" was watched was freezing cold, a fact that seemed to be a recurring theme, as the same could be said for the theater where Donahue watched "Wonka". This chilly atmosphere, however, did little to dampen the spirit of the movie-going experience.
In 2023, the movie industry has faced its fair share of box office failures, with films like The Flash and Indiana Jones falling short of expectations. "Madame Web" joins this list, but Donahue believes that the director, S.J. Clarkson, is not to blame. The director's vision was likely marred by studio executives who forced creative decisions at every step, resulting in less control for creatives in Hollywood.
Despite the movie's flaws, there were moments of enjoyment. For instance, some kids in front of Donahue were vaping during the movie, providing a unique form of entertainment. Additionally, Donahue's diet coke tasted like water, a peculiar experience that added a touch of surrealism to the evening.
However, it is important to note that Donahue does not believe the director, writers, or cast members are responsible for how "Madame Web" turned out. The movie was made with extensive reshoots and ADR, a fact that may have contributed to its final form.
In conclusion, "Madame Web" is a movie that, while flawed, offers an unforgettable theater experience. As for Donahue's resolution to see one movie in theaters every week, it remains to be seen if he will manage to stick to it. But one thing is certain, Gothic Horror needs a comeback in Hollywood, and Donahue is eager to see it happen.
