Venom Number One Movie in the World: Review

Would the much anticipated movie Venom meet expectations? The stats say it’s been sitting at number one movie in the world for several weeks now. It took several million in its opening weeks, and followed this up with Sony’s largest movie opening in China raking in $111 million, to forge an overall global take of around $675 million and counting. But what’s it really like?

Thanks to Venom

Venom tells the story of investigative journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) who gets a whiff of things being, not quite right, at the Life Foundation run by brilliant entrepreneur Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed). When Brock is sent to interview Drake about technological advances, he takes the opportunity to go outside the strict line of questioning and dig deeper. For this digression Brock is thrown out of the Life Foundation, loses his job, his partner (Michelle Williams) and home. Not prone to bravery he quietly goes about his life until a Life Foundation employee seeks out his help.

Thanks to Venom

Vindicated Brock is smuggled back into the Life Foundation. But things don’t go as planned and he soon finds himself back in his rundown unit feeling decidedly unwell.

Thanks to Venom

After an epic night of gluttony, Brock starts hearing voices. When the voices were accompanied with an inability to control his body, he soon realises he’s harbouring an alien, Venom. With superhuman strength, and a mountain of rage, Venom’s main quest is … food.

Thanks Venom

Through a series of hilarious events Brock and Venom have to manage their symbiotic relationship. A deal has to be struck.

It has to be said that some elements of the movie didn’t quite work. The main fight scene between Venom and another symbiote (I won’t give it away) is messy to watch. Perhaps it is better in 3D or 4D for that matter. Yes if you’re lucky enough to live in a state with a 4D cinema you can fully immerse yourself in the action (read take a raincoat). That said, other elements are priceless.

The motorbike chase is epic and also hilarious, definitely one of the best you’ll see. Well done to all involved.

But it’s the growing bromance between Eddie and Venom that’s at its heart and will have you going back. Some of the one liners were hard to hear and demanded a second viewing to pick them all up.

The movie also wins the award for the most extras. A cartoon before and after the movie, plus a sneak peak at the very end that hints at what’s to come. Sadly many people left the theatre when the credits started and missed all these extras.

As I left the theatre with Venom popcorn memorabilia I pondered:

1. Hardy pulls out another terrific performance. He promised comic fans (including his ten year old son) that he’d give it his all, and that he did. His performance is a testament to the year long research he undertook (in this case including input from his son), along with the physical and mental embodiment he instills in any character he takes on. He must have been exhausted;
2. The fact that Hardy plays the part of Venom just adds to his brilliance as an actor. He’d go into the studio and play Venom in the morning, then act out Brook in the afternoon, with Venom played back in his ear. If you’ve seen Legend you’ll already know his ability to play against himself;
3. Sadly the problems with the movie may also mean that Hardy is overlooked for the acting gong he deserves for this performance. Here’s hoping he negotiated a percentage of the box office. He definitely deserves something besides the warmth showered on him by fans as he toured the world of premiers, and the knowledge that his son can finally see what he does for work;
4. Riz Ahmed rises to the challenge to be a solid counterpart to Hardy. Their  roadshow tagteam press interviews are an added bonus, an extension of the Brock/Venom bromance in real life;
5. The elements that don’t quite work mean the movie is unlikely to win over reviewers or an award. But does that really matter when it continues to sit at number one movie in the world, and more importantly be embraced by the fans.

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