The Venom franchise is certainly unique within Sony’s Marvel Cinematic Universe, and while it got off to a rocky start with the first film, Venom: Let There Be Carnage manages to course correct and deliver a much more enjoyable experience.
From the get-go, the film establishes a consistent tone and sticks with it, seamlessly blending crude humour and body horror elements. At only 90 minutes, it’s a lean, fast-paced ride that never drags. Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie Brock and Venom is once again a standout, carrying the film through some of its weaker story moments.
Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie Brock and his alter-ego Venom is one of the highlights of the film. Hardy brings an infectious energy and a sense of fun to his performance, making it clear that he’s having a blast playing this character. His comedic timing and physical comedy are on point, especially during the scenes where Eddie and Venom bicker with each other. Hardy’s commitment to the role, both in terms of the physical demands and the voice work, is impressive and adds to the enjoyment of the film. Hardy’s performance is a major factor in the success of Venom: Let there be Carnage, and his enthusiasm for the role is contagious. Woody Harrelson is a welcome addition to the franchise as the villainous Cletus Kasady/Carnage, and he fully embraces the film’s ridiculousness with an over-the-top performance. His chemistry with Hardy accentuates the fun of the film, making up for some of the weaker secondary characters.
Speaking of which, the film’s shorter runtime, unfortunately, means that characters like Anne Weying and Francis Barrison don’t get as much development as they could have. However, their potential roles are intriguing and leave room for exploration in future instalments.
The third-act battle between Venom and Carnage is satisfying and visually impressive, with noticeable improvements in the CGI department from the first film. Director Andy Serkis’ experience in motion-capture performances certainly shows.
In addition to the film’s strong performances, another highlight is the delightful cameo by Reece Shearsmith. The actor, known for his work in British comedies such as “The League of Gentlemen” and “Inside No. 9,” delivers a scene-stealing performance as a hapless Priest, who becomes embroiled in the chaos caused by the symbiotes. His brief appearance provides a much-needed injection of levity into the film, and his delivery of the film’s funniest line is sure to leave audiences in stitches.
However, it’s the post-credit scene that really elevates the film, teasing a potential crossover with another beloved Marvel character and opening up exciting possibilities for future sequels.
Overall, Venom: Let There Be Carnage is a fun, entertaining ride that surpasses its predecessor and leaves fans excited for what’s to come. It’s definitely worth checking out on VOD services.
⭐⭐⭐
