That it is! After the mostly negative backlash by good ol’ critics, I couldn’t help but go in with preconceived notions (funny how its critics score remains much higher than the rotten movies it’s being liken to). But to my complete unsurprise, I had a total blast!
For all that criticism of its inconsistent tone, I must say that I failed to see this an issue whatsoever. As far as I can see, the movie manages to get away with this as it is, in fact, self-aware and changes its mood and tone depending on the situation. Jumps between horror, comedy, action, and a bit of drama? This only made for a much more thrilling and unpredictable movie that made sense. Familiar superhero origin story but insane execution? Worked for me. And that’s all I have to say about that.
Yes, this could’ve/should’ve been more straightforward and much darker. Yes, it could’ve been more developed. And yes connecting it to a certain web-slinging hero would’ve been ideal. With that said, for me it was a good, thoroughly entertaining, fittingly idiosyncratic and (contrary to popular belief) aesthetically pleasing movie. Felt like it came from 2004? Difference here in my view, is Venom doesn’t stray TOO far from its source, it knows where it’s coming from and doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. Lastly, the chameleon that is Tom Hardy delivers one of the most suitably off-the-wall and intricate performances in a CBM/blockbuster.
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JakeSWITCH (504)
6 years ago
It was fine, which is a term a lot of critics avoid because it doesn't get as many clicks as "terrible" or "the best".
It also wasn't as dull as dishwater, which is how I find most of the current Marvel films (and leading men), like "Ant-Men", "Doctor Strange" and even the last "Spider-Man".
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You can read all of my latest film reviews here: https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/about/Jake
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DracTarashV2 (4475)
6 years ago
Complete and total opposite for me. I have almost nothing but positive things to say about all those films (goes without saying that they’re all right up my alley). As a fan of the entire Marvel franchise, I personally could not be more satisfied with the current state of these films. To say they’ve done the source material justice (namely the MCU) would be a start! And the leading men? Rudd, Cumberbatch, Holland, Boseman... man, I know I’m far from alone when I say these guys have already proven how ideal they are in their respective Marvel roles.
That said... Venom, in some ways, did offer something a little different. I look forward to seeing the Symbiote at some point coming face to face with Holland’s Spidey. :)
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JakeSWITCH (504)
6 years ago
After 20 or so installments, I'm just tired of the MCU formula, basically. I won't bore you with a rant ;)
"Venom" reminded me of the first two "Blade" films: imperfect but hugely entertaining. I even laughed a few times, which surprised me... I'm used to the "polite chuckle" style of humour from superhero films.
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You can read all of my latest film reviews here: https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/about/Jake
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