Courtesy of Sony Pictures
After a year’s delay, Venom: Let There Be Carnage is finally out starring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, also known as Venom. This time Andy Serkis is the director. This movie is also the first big-screen appearance for Carnage, also known as serial killer Cletus Kasady portrayed by Woody Harrelson. This is a sequel to the 2018 film Venom, which was a huge box office success, despite the mixed response.
I will be honest I was not a huge fan of Venom. It was okay for what it was, and Hardy was great, but it felt like it dragged on. Also, when Brock was not on the screen, the film was kind of boring. My expectations were a little low going in, but I also believed with a new director and adding Carnage in we would at least get a better film, which we ultimately did. Venom: Let There Be Carnage fixes some of those mistakes from the first film and is a better, more entertaining movie.
The best part of the movie is Tom Hardy’s performance as Eddie Brock. In my opinion, Hardy is one of the best actors currently in the entertainment industry and he delivered. He is passionate about the role and even got story credit, showing he is doing more behind the scenes. Woody Harrelson as Cletus Kasady and Carnage was also great. Carnage looks great on the big screen. Since 2008, I have wanted to see Carnage on the big screen after watching so many Spider-Man 4 fake trailers that thought Carnage would be the villain in the later canceled film. Shriek, played by Naomie Harris, was not a stand-out. It seems like the character is in the film more to help develop Kasady’s character.
The first and third acts are solid. The first act with Brock and Kasady going back and forth in jail is very interesting. The final battle did not disappoint and took me back to my childhood, growing up on the Venom and Carnage story arcs. The action is entertaining to watch. The second act is the weak part, except for the Carnage action scenes. It feels like the arc Venom and Brock go through in that act should not be there. It feels like what could be some time for Venom’s action is wasted on an arc that should have been concluded earlier. The film, despite being 90 minutes and quick-paced, was able to cover quite a bit. The backstory of Cletus Kasady was handled well.
All in all, Venom: Let There Be Carnage is not a great comic book film but realizes it does not have to be. Instead, it reminded me of previous comic book films like Blade, Blade II, and The Wolverine. Fun, action films with a solid villain and is much better than the overall reviews say it is. The mid-credit scene is incredible, so stay for the mid-credit scene. The film will win over fans of the 2018 film Venom. It will win some people who did not care for the first film over, but not everyone. I recommend you check it out.
Final Grade: B+
What did you think of Venom: Let There Be Carnage? Let us know in the comments down below.
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