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A lack of venom in its bite...

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2021 Review Number 1

Venom: Let There Be Carnage: (Action/Science fiction): 64 out of 100: A sequel to 'Venom' from 2018, this lower level Marvel film will not convert anyone to the extensive library of Marvel films. It certainly does help to have seen the original otherwise you might feel a bit lost trying to navigate the plot. Coming in at 15 minutes shorter than 'Venom', this is definitely one of the shortest Marvel films made which at least helps it pack a lot in its short running time of 97 minutes.

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Tom Hardy returns as Eddie Brock who has been co-existing with his symbiote, Venom. Venom is an alien species who dictates Brock's life, preventing him from living a normal lifestyle. His fiancee from the previous film, Anne (Michelle Williams), is no longer betrothed to him, so Brock lives a singles lifestyle. As a newsman, he meets up with convicted serial killer, Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson), to try to get the scoop on his murders. We learn from a flashback that Kasady was in love with a mutant named Frances Barrison (Naomie Harris). All hell breaks loose when Kasady bites Brock in prison, thus creating a symbiote in Kasady, who seeks to destroy its 'father' in Venom, while Kasady himself searches for his beloved mutant lover.

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The plot might sound complicated but it is quite threadbare, only serving as a minor tool to the battle sequences between Brock and Kasady. Be prepared to have your ears ambushed with deafening sound effects while your eyes are bombarded with CGI effects that make you feel like you are playing a video game. It is occasionally difficult to interpret what the symbiotes are saying so you might miss a bit of the dialogue, especially when they speak during the action scenes.

 

Hardy is credible as the troubled 'hero' while Harrelson makes a convincing villain, with his quirky acting style in full evidence here. They have been in better movies in the past where their acting skills are extended by character development which isn't too noticeable in this movie. It's more of a popcorn film to please the less critical of moviegoers. 

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The obligatory extra credits scene sets up another sequel, which makes one wonder if these Marvel movies will ever cease but as long as they churn out the big dollars at the box office, why should Sony Pictures stop making them? 

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Starring Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Williams and Naomie Harris

(97 mins)

Parental Advice: Profanity and violence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FmWuCgJmxo (Movie trailer)

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(Reviewed on Tuesday 23rd November, 2021)

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