VENOM (PG-13)
Released by Sony Pictures/Marvel Studios
Review by Adam Mast
Simply put, this latest effort from Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios made me yearn for the days of a poorly realized Venom in Sam Raimi‘s SPIDER-MAN 3. Furthermore, this latest comic book adaptation is an instant reminder of how much better this summer’s similarly themed cyber-thriller, UPGRADE is.
VENOM follows Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy), a journalistic hero for the people who loses his job and his girl (Michelle Williams) after committing professional suicide by way of his abrasive interview with the diabolical but well-respected scientist, Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed.) As Brock sets out to put his crumbling life back together, he’s ultimately infected by Venom, a symbiotic life form from another world that takes control of his bodily functions from the inside. Clearly, this newly formed relationship is strained in the early goings but as the film progresses, a bizarre bromance begins to blossom and before long, these two self-proclaimed losers begin working together. Along the way, there’s plenty of action and–if you’ll pardon the pun–carnage as Drake’s mercenaries set out to capture Brock so they can study both him and the alien life that resides within.
VENOM is a huge mess but it isn’t without its spirited moments. Most of those moments are provided by Hardy, a more than capable actor who’s so aware of the dumb things going on around him, that he simply decides to let loose. He’s a manic bundle of energy in VENOM. And in fact, a friend of mine made the hilarious observation that Hardy seems to be channeling the spirit of Jerry Lewis in this picture. Between his physical prowess, sometimes odd line delivery, and goofy, expressive facial ticks, that observation feels wholly appropriate.
Unfortunately, there isn’t anything particularly interesting about the rest of this cast. Williams is a fabulous actress (see MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BLUE VALENTINE, and BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN) but to call her role in VENOM thankless, would be a gross understatement. She’s so above what she’s being asked to do in this picture that it was downright uncomfortable watching her trudge her way through this movie. Worse still, there is little to no chemistry between her and Hardy. Even the underdeveloped bond between Brock and Venom provides more sparks. Likewise, a usually dependable Ahmed (so great in NIGHTCRAWLER) is a virtual blank as the uninspired baddie, Carlton Drake. These are terrific actors let down by very poor writing. And before anyone plays the “It’s just a comic book movie” card, consider this: Any film based on previously existing source material can be executed with reverence, smarts, and a sense of fun. Look no further than 80% of Marvel’s adaptations of the past decade for proof of that.
Very little in VENOM makes any logical sense, even in the context of the comic book world Ruben Fleischer (the storyteller behind the entertaining ZOMBIELAND and the underappreciated GANGSTER SQUAD) and his team of too many screenwriters have created here. Everything feels completely jettisoned and half-baked. From the fashion in which Brock seemingly loses it all, to the birth of a second alien/human fusion called Riot, to the positively stupid way in which Brock is reunited with his ex, to Venom’s completely nonsensical and unearned sudden change of heart in the second half of the picture. Most of this stuff is baffling, head-scratchingly dumb (yes, I’m aware that head-scratchingly isn’t even a real word), uninteresting, and in the end, pretty hard to sit through. This is to say nothing of the uninspired action sequences (most notably, a motorcycle chase through the streets of San Francisco), less than stellar visual effects, and inane dialogue–watch as Venom tells one potential victim that he’ll end up “A turd in the wind.” Prophetic words, as a similar fate is likely to befall this movie.
It also doesn’t bode well for VENOM that 2 of the more memorable moments in this picture occur during the end credits: The first is a stinger that includes a cameo by a terrific actor who we’ll most likely see as a beloved villain in the inevitable VENOM sequel while the second is an extended peek at the upcoming animated feature, SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE.
Yep. VENOM is a big mess of a movie. Easily a bottom-tier Marvel picture. Down there with the likes of ELEKTRA and FANTASTIC FOUR. Making it all the more frustrating is the idea of what could have been. The potential for a fun time at the movies was definitely there, but that potential is completely squandered by way of a script that feels as if were written in 10 minutes. This despite a shit-ton of A-list talent working hard to make something out of nothing.
Through it all, those who choose to see this movie will witness a determined Hardy, inconsistent accent and all, bringing the energy, physicality, and camp factor in spades, doing all he can to make this movie work. In fact, Hardy’s nutty, full tilt, go-for-broke performance is almost entertaining enough to make you forget how lousy the rest of VENOM truly is. Almost.
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