150 Word Review: ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’ (2021)

Summary

"Venom: Let There Be Carnage" is a CGI-heavy, exhausting yet enjoyable sequel that explores the dynamic between Eddie and Venom, likened to Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, while introducing the menacing Carnage, an evil red version of Venom attached to Woody Harrelson's serial killer character.

Abstract

The film "Venom: Let There Be Carnage" is a continuation of the unexpected success of its predecessor, delivering a frenetic and chaotic cinematic experience. Despite the film's overall negative reception, Tom Hardy's performance is praised, and the unique relationship between Eddie and the alien symbiote Venom is humorously compared to the literary duo Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. The sequel introduces Carnage, a malevolent, blood-red counterpart to Venom, who bonds with the notorious serial killer portrayed by Woody Harrelson. While the movie is described as bad due to its juvenile violence and relentless action, it is also acknowledged for being entertaining in a mindless, action-packed way.

Opinions

The film is criticized for being "bad" due to its over-the-top violence and non-stop action.
Tom Hardy's performance is considered a highlight, bringing depth to the character of Eddie.
The relationship between Eddie and Venom is seen as the core appeal, playing out like a rom-com between two contrasting personalities.
The comparison of Eddie and Venom to Don Quixote and Sancho Panza is viewed as self-indulgent but fitting.
Carnage is introduced as a darker, more sinister version of Venom, with Woody Harrelson's portrayal of the host being enthusiastically received.
Despite its flaws, the movie is described as having moments of fun, particularly for those who appreciate its unique brand of humor and action.

The popular Marvel anti-hero is back

There is a scene near the end of Venom: Let There Be Carnage where Eddie explains to space leech/bestie Venom that they’re sort of like Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. After nearly two hours of CGI-fueled mayhem, I forgave director Andy Serkis this self-indulgent breather.

The comparison works, but only if Sancho is a sentient puddle of parasitic alien slime that can transform a human host into a super-powered killing machine. The movie is bad but Tom Hardy is good. It sort of works if you look at it as a rom-com between a hunky loser and the smartass murder blob that lives inside him.

This violent, adolescent sequel to the unlikely mega-hit Venom is exhausting but kinda fun. And who is Carnage? An evil blood red version of Venom that gloms on to serial killer Woody Harelson, who is just happy to be a part of the madness.

150 Word Review: ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’ (2021)

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