Film Review: Venom Is A Rom-Com Between A “Loser” And A “Symbiote”
Yes, I said it! While most of you will go to Venom expecting an action thriller based on the acclaimed comic villain, you will find this movie is not to be underestimated. Though it has its action sequences, and its inquisitive lines between villainy/ anti-hero, the truth is that Venom feels like a shocking, funny, and fresh romance between a “loser,” Venom’s words, and a “parasite,” Eddie’s words for Venom.
Tom Hardy IS VENOM! Thouhg perfectly directed by Ruben Fleischer as commentary on how dire the world is because of climate change /global corruption, Venom is a character-drives fable, of which this film would not be half as good if not for Hardy’s performance. He elaborates something the comic books hint at, but do not always display; Eddie Brock is not a bad guy, he is just an occasional prig. Like in the comics, Brock is a reporter, specifically for The Eddie Brock Report, which is notorious for revealing the most corrupt crimes/ corporations of our day. On this alone, you know Eddie has known and will know trouble. Yet, Hardy gives a heart to Eddie that, though rebellious and stubborn, does have a moral compass, which may leave people eager to see a “villain” film a little down.
While I adored Venom, and will always pull for a redemption story, if you are expecting to see a film about the comic-book villain or about the fractured mind of a sinister evil, which Venom’s character can be, you are not going to find it in this movie. I felt I should say that for those that call Venom their favorite villain. Instead, Riz Ahmed’s Carlton Drake/ Riot is the “bad guy,” and he is the worst kind because he is the villain that thinks he is the hero. Under the guise of the Life Foundation, he has become an unstoppable merchant of death; using power, politics, fear and money to manipulate all those around him. You even have genius scientists, Jenny Slate’s meek Dr. Dora Girth, cowering to him. It is tragic and annoying to watch, which is excellent because you will find yourself saying, “I can’t wait for Venom to kick your ass!”
Honestly, I cannot claim Venom is even an “anti-hero.” In this movie, Venom saves the day and Eddie’s life by building a bromance with him that is charmingly hilarious. They have turned this super-villain into a caring badass. Venom grows to love Eddie, and push him to do things that are not just physically impossible, but emotionally implausible for a character that can call out seedy leaders but hesitates to call his ex, Michelle Williams’ Anne Weying. When we find Eddie he is at the lowest point of his life. Anne left him, he lost his job, and is going completely broke. All he has is this inner code on what is right and wrong and Venom: whom is strong enough to impose it. Do not get it twisted! Venom KICKS ASS, and, literally, eats people alive…… yeah.
Every time, Venom guides, talks to, and defends Eddie, you will find yourself laughing and cheering. In many ways, Venom feels like a character piece. While other Marvel films have a multitude of characters you will love and even prefer over the protagonist, Venom makes sure he is the star. This symbiote/ alien life form is brilliant, blunt, and turns Eddie into a man that can speak up for himself, while, before, he could only do that for others. Hence, my strange “rom-com” assessment. You fall in love with Venom, as a film, by watching Eddie and Venom grow to love each other. By the end of the 2 hour 20 minute movie, you might wish you had your intergalactic parasite guiding you to defend yourself. Venom Comes Out In Theaters On October 5.
Mid-Credits Scene Review: I am SHOOK at seeing Woody Harrelson as Carnage. Let’s just say, after witnessing Tom Hardy as Venom, you will be calling Sony’s casting department with gratitude.