Venom (2018) Movie Review

Synopsis:

San Francisco journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) discovers a plot by the Life Foundation to experiment on humans. Eddie investigates the company’s founder, Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed). At a Life Foundation facility, Brock encounters the symbiote, Venom. With Venom attached to him, Eddie must learn to control this power and use it for good.

Review:

As a whole, Spider-Man 3 (2007) received mixed reception about Venom’s inclusion in Spider-Man 3 (2007).

With that in mind, fans sought a different version of the anti-hero.

Set in a brand-new universe, Tom Hardy proves a solid choice for this take on Marvel’s lethal protector.

What often works is Hardy’s ability to change personality. This depends on which situation his character is in.

As a reporter, he’s inquisitive yet becomes more out of control once Venom’s factored in.

While Hardy’s performance as this symbiote is a voice role, it fits the tone of the movie.

What does not work as well, though, is the balancing of tone, which can detract from the film's stakes.

To be clear, scenes involving Eddie’s interactions with the Venom symbiote are fun to watch.

Aside from this, the tone can be somewhat inconsistent. This links to missing plot threads and the main antagonist’s motivations.

As a whole, Riz Ahmed’s performance is competent. Despite this, Carlton Drake as an antagonist is generic with thin motives.

Some of these points relate to Michelle Williams as Brock’s girlfriend Anne Weying.

Again, while Michelle is not poor in this film, she isn’t given a significant role.

Towards the final act, her character has more to do. This gives her appearance more meaning somewhat.

Regardless, Venom’s secondary characters remain their weakest element.

On a positive note, Venom’s character design is well-animated. While missing the iconic spider symbol on his chest, his presence remains a highlight.

Certain action scenes using the symbiotes’ power are also creative and dynamic.

If the film had a more focused editing style, this would've improved these sequences.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Venom is a movie capable of entertainment. These involve Eddie and Venom’s interactions with each other.

Venom also has some creative action sequences and its use of visuals.

This film's negatives are its tonal consistency and undeveloped side characters. It also has a weak central antagonist in Carlton Drake.

Despite these issues, Venom is worth a watch for Marvel fans.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 6/10

Story - 6/10

Action - 6.5/10

CGI and visuals - 7/10

Soundtrack - 6.5/10

Overall score: 6.4 out of 10