Venom and Carnage are great, but “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” isn’t
Released on Oct. 1, “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” is still showing in local movie theaters.
While the two actors that play the stars of the film may be great, the movie itself suffers from too much CGI and plot holes
“Venom: Let There Be Carnage” is the ever awaited sequel to the popular (although not well received by critics) Venom that was released in 2018. It has traditional action sequences, natural dialogue, and is actually surprisingly funny. The film stars Tom Hardy as Venom and Woody Harrelson as Carnage, and is directed by Andy Serkis.
Serkis has starred in other movies like Star Wars: Episode VIII: the Last Jedi, and Black Panther, but he’s only directed four movies prior to this one, none of which have been higher than 70% on Rotten Tomatoes; this film makes the fifth one with less than a 70% rating.
One critic, Jim Schrembri even called it “another assault of mediocrity.” While this does not break the mold, it’s not as bad as anyone might expect.
Hardy and Harrelson’s acting is probably the best part of the film, as even though Venom isn’t there and can’t really speak to Hardy, I never once thought that it looked that way. His reactions are fantastic for his character, and his awkwardness works with Venom on the inside of his head disagreeing with almost everything that he does, but also having to portray to the world that he’s just normal.
It’s actually funny too. I had a few good chuckles when watching Venom and Hardy’s other character Brock banter. Their relationship is like siblings because they get annoyed with each other, but at the end of the day want each other to succeed.
The character development between these two throughout the movie isn’t forced nor does it serve the story. However, that story and plot of the movie is its biggest flaw. Expedition is done well through natural dialogue that explains to the audience and helps you understand the attitude or tone of a certain character. Although, there are multiple plot holes like people knowing things they shouldn’t, and others not knowing things they should.
The Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) also really isn’t the best, as there are a few times where it falls into the uncanny valley, meaning that it looks fake and like it shouldn’t exist. Overall though, it’s better than the first film. But there’s still too much of it, just like its predecessor, having so much CGI that’s mind numbing to watch, which may be what was intended considering the amount of plot holes mentioned above.
In the grand scheme of things, “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” is a somewhat forgettable superhero film that doesn’t have much to do with Marvel’s Cinematic Universe even though it is in it. Unless you want to turn your brain off and not think too hard about the plot or CGI, this is probably a skippable movie.
John • Apr 3, 2023 at 12:29 pm
I loved this article Tyler! Knew you were going to be special since you were a baby, keep writing (now please send me the money as promised)