Venom Review

Sony’s first attempt to jumpstart their Sony Cinematic Universe begins with the very odd movie called Venom.

Twenty years ago, this movie might have been critically acclaimed, but nowadays with colorful space operas in Avengers: Infinity War and futuristic, and semi-political adventures like Black Panther, those days are long over, and what remains is an odd redemption story with an uneven, inconsistent tone.

The Good

Make no mistake: Tom Hardy carries the movie. Accurately playing a paranoid, disillusioned nutjob with a snarky voice in his head leads way for many moments of comedy. His performance is great, and it’s saddening to think about what could’ve been with a more competent story.

Although one-dimensional, Eddie Brock’s symbiote is funny too, making some jokes that remind me of an evil Baymax.

The CGI, while not notable, isn’t bad unlike the computerized mess that was Justice League, and Michelle Williams does more than expect as an ex-fiance.

The Bad

The villain, Carlton Drake, is one-dimensional and cliche, sporting the “humans are bad” motive and not being very relatable in any way. While Riz Ahmed does well with what he’s given, and he isn’t as bad as Steppenwolf from Justice League, he’s a boring one-off villain that can’t compete with the likes of Michael B. Jordan’s Erik Killmonger, Josh Brolin’s Thanos, Tom Hiddleston’s Loki, or Cate Blanchett’s Hela.

There are many plot holes in the film, and a very inconsistent tone throughout the movie. The reason why Venom chose Eddie Brock was never specified, and the fact that this movie pushed for the PG-13 is blatantly obvious. Venom decapitates multiple people but it is never shown, and this content barrier is perhaps what kept it from being better.

The Verdict

Admittedly, Venom is a guilty pleasure could be a good time at the movies, but its quality cannot match up to what the Marvel Cinematic Universe has set in place.

Final rating: 5/10.