Venom

Sony has a rocky history in their complicated ownership of Spider-Man, which they bought the rights to when they were on sale during Marvel's downside. They've made 2 separate Spider-Man film continuities (Sam Raimi trilogy and Marc Web duology) that faced studio interference issues which complicated their final products. While Sony and the Disney-Marvel currently have a deal that temporarily lends the Tom Holland version to the MCU, the former seeks to create their own universe with a character they have failed with before in a solo feature but without the Spider connection, Venom. One of their past failures, Spider-Man 3, debuted the infamous anti-hero to the big screen in a terrible miscasting and jumbled script. This brings us to this stubborn studios project, Venom, directed by Reuben Fleischer (30 Minutes or Less, Two Night Stand) and with a screenplay that included writers like Kelly Marcel (50 Shade of Grey) and Jeff Pinkner (The Dark Tower). The marketing campaign was terrible in revealing story points of the film and it was polarizing with the critical reception as critics were negative towards it while audiences were more kind. I went into the auditorium with low expectations but with the intent on giving it a fair chance like I've done with all superhero movies this year and left it not bored but not entertained as it felt generic.

Note: Normally the backstory of the titular lead heavily involves the friendly neighborhood web slinger but in this I'm approaching this not as a Venom fan or purist but treating this as its own universe.

Plot: The story follows a reporter who comes into contact with an alien parasite that bonds with him after downturns in his life. The biggest problem here is the screenplay handling the storytelling aspect as it doesn't necessarily feel likes it has any care put into but rather a checklist that the studio felt necessary to complete (basically similar to Solo: A Star Wars Story but even much more lackluster). There are a lack of surprises here as it's more of a predictable solo adventure that's meant to help launch a universe that may or may not join the MCU. It feels like it's attempting to capture the nonsensical nature of 90s over-the-top cheese, which is incredibly hit-or-miss as trying to be corny doesn't blend well with horror elements, which explains the divide between critics and audiences. The plot is incredibly rushed (noted by Tom Hardy's comments regarding 30-40 minutes of his favorite scenes being cut) statements by characters come out of nowhere stating something that just felt like an obligation to say instead of being earned.

Eddie Brock/Venom: While I normally talk about the titular lead alongside everyone else in the same section, there’s such a distance in quality between them that separation here is necessary. Eddie Brock is a journalist who’s down on his luck after suffering from his bad actions and bonds with an alien parasite that brings out a wild violent side. The only reason this messy movie is not completely incompetent (and not going to be a contender for my worst of 2018 list) is Tom Hardy’s hammy performance and his relationship with Venom. He’s literally the only person who’s having fun with his role as his charisma shows the potential that could have been achieved. The odd direction he's given with his accent pushes that weirdness even further (for better or worse). His bond with the creature (also voiced by Hardy) is cartoony and interesting to watch as it conveys the sparks of life that most of the movie lacks. It's outlandish and bizarre that it can reach into "so bad it's good" territory (notably the restaurant scene being the absolute goofiest part).

The Other Characters: The other people involved with the story include Anne Weying (Michelle Williams) and Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed). Anne is the standard bland love interest who finds herself mixed in with Eddie's shenanigans after his actions mess their relationship. Michelle is incredibly wasted in this role where she literally doesn't have much to do and for someone who's been excellent in other projects like Manhattan by the Sea, this is beneath her. Carlton is the standard bland antagonist businessman with nefarious plans for the alien parasites. The odd direction these actors are given is most evident in Riz's performance as it's rather monotone in the delivery. An honorable mention goes to Dora Skirth (Jenny Slate) for actually putting an effort for her minor part.

Action: While the violent and imposing nature of this protagonist sounds like it would deliver in the action department, it's actually a mixed bag here. Whenever there's a fight going on indoors and in close quarters, it can be kind of cool to watch (notably the living room one being arguably the best one). However, the worst offender arrives in the climax where a protagonist battles a malevolent version of their own abilities (something that's expected in this genre). What makes it incompetent is that it takes place at night with the dark sky and both combatants are black blobs trying to kill each other, resulting in something that's difficult to actually see what's going on. One complaint that's easy to understand is how it's rated PG-13 instead of R to pull in the family demographic and thus anything gratuitous gore that could have been occurred is done off-screen. In all honesty, that wouldn't help out the quality of this that much as having competent action doesn't make up for a terrible script.

Similar Recommendation: Earlier this year, I watched something that covers the basic notes of this film but with a lower budget that ended up becoming an good example of what this adventure could have been in terms of quality.

• Upgrade: I've reviewed this sci-fi action film while it was briefly in theaters and it has been getting more recognition/praise it deserves (if you want to know more about my thoughts on it, check out my review). I'm bringing it up because all of the key pieces this big budget superhero flick has, Upgrade contains as well. The low budget thriller includes an actor who looks like Tom Hardy, a premise where someone is involved in an incident that hurts their loved one, a protagonist comes into contact with something that helps them in combat and communicates with them into a unique relationships, a goal of revenge against someone involved with/part of nefarious plans, has elements of dark comedy, and has some supporting characters that lack depth. The only difference between them is the budget, the effectiveness of the fight choreography, and Upgrade actually has an R rating. ⭑⭑⭑⭑

Overall Consensus: Venom entertains through Tom Hardy's hammy performance and an interesting relationship but suffers through a terrible script, waste actors, and incompetent action. ⭑⭑1/2💻 Runtime: 2 hours 13 minutes PG-13

Reasons to watch it: You are a fan of Tom Hardy. You are interested in judging this for yourself. You like films that can become either a guilty pleasure or "so bad it's hilarious". You don't mind talented actors being wasted on a horrible script. You are sensitive to gore and enjoy having it neutered to bring in the family demographic.

Reasons to avoid it: You aren't a fan of Tom Hardy. You dislike superhero movies. You dislike films that can become either a guilty pleasure or "so bad it's hilarious". You hate seeing talented actors being wasted on a horrible script. You aren't sensitive to gore and hate having it neutered to bring in the family demographic. You despise Avi Arad and Amy Pascal.