Venom (2018) – "Let’s Eat His Brain"
Eddie is infected by an alien parasite, and he quickly learns how to live with it.
While critics argue that the absence of Spider-Man hurts the film, I disagree. The story of the host and his symbiote holds up perfectly throughout the runtime. Unlike Spider-Man 3, Venom is much more entertaining and unpredictable, with plenty of gags. Plus, he eats heads! The comedic aspect completely won me over. It could have been even better with an R-rating, like Deadpool or Logan.
The movie is perpetually funny—for example, the neighbor with the blaring radio or when the luminous being wants to eat a small dog. There’s even an enlightening theological monologue. However, one can’t help but wonder how the film could have been if it were bolder. In short, an excellent movie built on the interactions of two very different protagonists.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage – "No, We Can’t Eat Mrs. Chen"
Kletus Kassidy, a serial killer sentenced to death, becomes infected by Venom.
It may not live up to the dark nature of one of Spider-Man’s most iconic antagonists, but it’s still pretty funny with its absurd ventriloquism acts. There’s a paradox between the scathing critiques from disheartened reviewers and the film’s enormous commercial success. Tom Hardy, playing a sad clown in the middle of what some consider a tragic career move, actually does a decent job, in my opinion.
The film relies heavily on humor, to the point where it feels like watching a struggling stand-up routine. It remains as watered down as the first, avoiding any real edge. While it’s enjoyable at times, it fails to elevate Venom to his full potential.
Venom: The Last Dance – "I’m Done with This Multiverse"
Knull, a god and the origin of the symbiotes, sends others to retrieve a Codex from the Xenophages.
As someone who championed the first two films, I found this installment disappointing. The humorous situations, quirky family dynamics, and witty dialogue can’t save the movie from its fundamentally flawed plot, slow pacing, and lack of stakes. It feels like a rehash of ideas seen countless times before. It doesn’t even manage to be an unapologetic popcorn flick.
The plot is schematic but unnecessarily convoluted, the action scenes are insignificant, and the antagonist is extremely generic. There are few redeeming qualities in this viewing experience. I wasn’t expecting a masterpiece, but I hoped for at least a few entertaining moments. That said, the ending is emotional and provides a respectable conclusion to this trilogy, which has always positioned itself as pure entertainment.
SPOILER ALERT:
Unfortunately, Spider-Man’s archenemy never gets to meet him.
Comments (0)