Rating: ★★½☆☆ (2.5/5 Stars)
Released 10-05-2018
Watched 08-03-2024
Reviewed 08-16-2024
Watched on Disney+
"You come in here again... In fact, you go anywhere in this city, preying on innocent people, and we will find you and we will eat both of your arms and then both of your legs. And then we will eat your face right off your head. Do you understand?"
Since its release in 2018, “Venom,” directed by Ruben Fleischer and starring Tom Hardy, has divided audiences and critics. Adapted from the Marvel Comics character, the movie follows journalist Eddie Brock (Hardy) as he becomes the host for an alien symbiote named Venom, which grants him superhuman abilities and a dangerous alter ego. Despite its mixed reception, “Venom” offers an entertaining, albeit flawed, entry into the superhero genre.
Tom Hardy’s performance is the standout element of “Venom.” His portrayal of Eddie Brock, a down-and-out journalist whose life takes a bizarre turn, is both compelling and charismatic. Hardy brings a unique blend of intensity and humor to the role, especially in his interactions with the symbiote. The dynamic between Eddie and Venom provides much of the film’s entertainment value, with their odd-couple relationship leading to both humorous and thrilling moments.
The film’s plot, however, is where “Venom” stumbles. The narrative sometimes feels disjointed, struggling to balance character development with action sequences. The pacing is uneven, with the movie's first half dragging as it sets up Eddie’s backstory and the arrival of the symbiote. Once Venom makes his full appearance, the film picks up, but it often resorts to formulaic superhero tropes and predictable plot twists.
Visually, “Venom” delivers some impressive CGI, particularly in depicting the symbiote. The transformation scenes are well-executed, showcasing the creature’s fluid and menacing nature. However, some of the action sequences, especially the climactic battle, suffer from overly dark and chaotic cinematography, making it difficult to follow the action.
The supporting cast, including Michelle Williams as Eddie’s ex-fiancée Anne Weying and Riz Ahmed as the antagonist Carlton Drake, provide solid performances but are often underutilized. Williams, in particular, is given little to work with, and her character feels more like a plot device than a fully realized individual.
One of the film’s strengths is its willingness to embrace the darker aspects of its source material. “Venom” does not shy away from the antihero’s brutal nature; there are moments of genuine intensity and horror. This darker tone sets it apart from the more family-friendly entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In conclusion, “Venom” is a mixed bag. While it suffers from narrative inconsistencies and underdeveloped characters, Tom Hardy’s performance and the unique Eddie-Venom dynamic make it entertaining. It’s not a perfect film, but for fans of the character and those looking for a different kind of superhero movie, “Venom” offers enough thrills and laughs to be worth the ride.
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