The Madame Web Conundrum: Analyzing Audience Perception with Cristel Russell in The New York Times

In the realm of blockbuster cinema, Sony's latest addition to the Spider-Man franchise, "Madame Web," has sparked a fascinating dichotomy. Despite facing widespread criticism and mockery online, the film has managed to captivate the attention of both audiences and marketing experts alike. 

Pepperdine Graziadio faculty member and marketing expert Cristel Russell weighs in on the phenomenon, noting that while the film's memes dominate internet discourse, its box office performance remains lackluster, leaving many to question the efficacy of negative publicity in driving ticket sales. 

The film's rocky reception has ignited debates about the underlying factors contributing to its underwhelming performance, with some attributing the backlash to underlying misogyny and superhero fatigue, while others suggest that the film may find redemption as a future cult classic. 

Amidst the heated discourse, audiences are finding unexpected enjoyment in the movie, highlighting the subjective nature of cinematic experiences. 

Read the full article here.