Kraven the Hunter (2024)

Release Date: December 13, 2004
Director: J.C. Chandor
Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Russell Crowe, Fred Hechinger, Ariana DeBose

Let me start by saying that I may or may not have had a drink (or three) before walking into Kraven the Hunter. Listen, sometimes the best way to approach a dark and brooding Marvel anti-hero flick is with a little liquid courage. If nothing else, it helps soften the blows of questionable accents and CGI animals that may or may not be trying to eat the protagonist’s face. Spoiler alert: it worked.

Lions and Daddy Issues and Bears, Oh My

The movie roars to life—literally—with young Sergei Kravinoff being dragged on a safari from hell by his psychotic dad, Nikolai (Russell Crowe). If there were ever a "Worst Father of the Year" award, this guy would win it in a landslide. Between monologues about "survival of the fittest" and making his sons kill animals for fun, you almost want to grab the guy a drink and tell him to chill. Things go sideways when young Sergei gets into a tussle with a lion, an encounter that leaves him with powers that are part Tarzan, part Steve Irwin, but make no mistake—he’s no one’s wildlife advocate.

Fast forward to adult Sergei, now Kraven the Hunter (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). He’s ditched his father’s ideals of hunting animals and has instead turned his predator instincts on poachers and criminals. It’s like Marvel decided to rebrand Batman as a conservationist with anger issues. His mission? Take down his old man while coming to terms with his own savage instincts. And yes, it’s as intense as it sounds.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson: Beast or Bust?

Let’s address the lion in the room. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is no Jason Momoa. (Don’t act like you didn’t think it too. Momoa was made for this role.) That said, Taylor-Johnson does a decent job. His action scenes are solid—whether he’s sprinting across London rooftops barefoot or wrestling a bear with his bare hands (pun intended). Physically, the man is on point. But his performance veers into melodrama during emotional scenes, and his British accent? Let’s just say it’s the kind of thing that would get him kicked out of a local pub.

A Safari Through London

I have to give props to the movie for using London as its primary backdrop. There’s something thrilling about seeing Kraven prowl the streets of the city like a true urban predator. The action sequences, especially one involving the Tower Bridge, are breathtaking. As someone who’s lived in London, I couldn’t help but wonder why I never stumbled upon Marvel filming a lion chase through Trafalgar Square. Do they shoot these things at 3 a.m., or am I just that oblivious?

Supporting Cast: Chewing Scenery Like It’s Steak Night

Russell Crowe as Nikolai Kravinoff is pure unfiltered menace. The man doesn’t just chew the scenery; he devours it like it owes him money. His portrayal of Sergei’s father is a masterclass in toxic masculinity and daddy issues turned up to 11. Fred Hechinger as Sergei’s brother Alexei adds a layer of sibling rivalry that hints at bigger conflicts in the inevitable sequel.

And can we talk about the animals? There’s a lion, a wolf, and even a bear that make appearances, each more ridiculous and awesome than the last. Sure, the CGI isn’t perfect, but when you see Kraven suplex a rhino, you’re not thinking about graphics quality—you’re just trying not to spill your drink from laughing too hard.

Action, Themes, and a Sprinkle of Absurdity

The action in Kraven the Hunter is feral. Director J.C. Chandor doesn’t shy away from the brutality—there’s blood, bone-crunching, and one particularly memorable scene involving Kraven biting off a man’s nose. (Yes, you read that right. It’s equal parts horrifying and hilarious.) The fight choreography is raw and grounded, making you feel every punch, stab, and animal-assisted takedown.

Thematically, the movie tries to explore heavy topics like family, revenge, and humanity’s impact on the natural world. Admirable, sure, but some of it feels like window dressing for the next big fight scene. It’s like the movie wants to be deep but keeps getting distracted by its own awesomeness.

The Humor Factor

Look, this is a movie about a guy who gets lion blood powers and uses them to fight crime. If you go in expecting high art, you’re in the wrong theater. But if you embrace the absurdity, there’s a lot to love. One scene involving Kraven dodging a stampede of CGI elephants had me wondering if the filmmakers were in on the joke.

And then there’s Kraven’s habit of delivering brooding monologues about “becoming the ultimate predator.” It’s unintentionally funny, like watching someone take a Halloween costume way too seriously.

The Future of Kraven

Marvel’s clearly setting up Sergei Kravinoff for a bigger role in their cinematic universe, and the post-credits scene all but confirms it. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say it involves a familiar face and a tease that’ll have fans buzzing.

Final Thoughts

Kraven the Hunter is a bloody, chaotic, and occasionally ridiculous addition to the Marvel canon. Aaron Taylor-Johnson gives it his all, Russell Crowe steals every scene he’s in, and the action sequences are a blast. Sure, it’s not perfect—the pacing stumbles, the tone wavers, and the script occasionally feels like it was written by someone who just discovered Wikipedia—but it’s a fun ride nonetheless.

Final rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7 out of 10).

Until next time, keep your popcorn buttery, your cocktails strong, and your expectations realistic. Cheers! 🍷