Venom hit theaters in 2018 and raked in a stunning $856 million worldwide. Yet, despite its box office success, it’s a film that left many viewers scratching their heads. Let’s dive into why this film might be worth skipping a second viewing.
A Jumbled Genre Cocktail
One of the glaring issues with Venom is its indecisiveness in terms of genre. Mixing elements of action, horror, comedy, and drama, it ends up becoming a chaotic blend rather than a cohesive narrative. This tonal identity crisis makes it hard for audiences to connect or understand what the film is truly attempting to offer.
Tom Hardy: Lost in the Role
Tom Hardy, renowned for his dynamic acting skills, seems adrift in his portrayal of Eddie Brock. The performance felt like a shadow of Hardy’s usual work, lacking the depth and intriguing eccentricities that make his roles memorable. Fans were left to wonder if the misdirection stemmed from the script or a lack of motivation.
Hilarity? Not Quite
Humor is subjective, but Venom’s comedic attempts come across as awkward and misfired. The infamous aquarium scene leaves audiences cringing more than chuckling. The humor, reminiscent of slapstick and sitcom gags, disconnects from the dark tonal roots of the comic character.
- Scene: Eddie diving into a lobster tank.
- Public Reaction: Nervous laughter or confusion rather than genuine amusement.
PG-13: The Soft Spot
Being tethered by a PG-13 rating stripped Venom of its potential edge. The comic book origins of Venom promote a darker, violent entity, which was downplayed significantly. This resulted in a disconnect for those familiar with the source material, expecting a more raw portrayal.
A Villain to Forget
Carlton Drake, played by Riz Ahmed, failed to leave any lasting presence as an antagonist. The character lacked depth, coming off as a standard, disposable villain with unoriginal aspirations. This forgettable portrayal did little to elevate the film’s stakes.
| Villain | Actor | Memorable Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Carlton Drake | Riz Ahmed | Generic evil billionaire with no significant impact |
Visual Effects: A Mixed Bag
While Venom himself was animated with a degree of finesse, the rest of the visual effects were far less consistent. The film’s dark tones frequently obscured the less-than-perfect CGI, resulting in action scenes that felt sluggish and uninspired.
- Strength: Venom’s detailed design.
- Weakness: Generic CGI battle sequences, poorly lit scenes.
The World’s Worst Journalist
From a journalistic standpoint, Eddie Brock’s character consistently makes unrealistic and baffling choices. His portrayal as a journalist was not only inaccurate but also unconvincing, undermining his role as a protagonist viewers should root for.
Confused Symbiote
As the film progresses, Venom’s character arc presents as inconsistent and poorly defined. The rapid change in Venom’s motives, from a destructive invader to a protector of the planet, felt disjointed and far-fetched, reducing the character’s credibility and depth.
Post-Credit Chaos
Finally, securing a post-credit scene featuring Woody Harrelson might have sparked excitement. However, his portrayal seemed to parody itself, blending elements of over-the-top villainy with clownish antics, leaving audiences bewildered rather than eager for more.
In the end, Venom’s identity crisis, uneven performances, incompatible humor, and narrative hiccups make it a film that fails to live up to its underlying potential. If you value a streamlined and focused superhero narrative, this one might be best left as a one-time viewing experience.
