Venom: Let There Be Carnage can be considered a comedy film. Seriously - there’s seemingly a one-liner every 45 seconds. While it’s not necessarily always a funny comedy, director Andy Serkis’ decision to stick with a solidified tone leads to an improved sequel that often succeeds in not taking itself too seriously.
The film plays out more like a live-action entry in a long-running Venom comic book run than another chapter of an ever-expanding cinematic universe, and it works. There’s no time wasted on drawn-out world-building or need to have a YouTube video explain how every character connects to the story because you missed that one sequel in 2013. The condensed runtime (90 minutes) leaves little room for filler, and Serkis drops viewers right in. Short, kinda stupid superhero movies are something I can get behind.
Much like the first Venom, the clear highlight of the film is Tom Hardy’s performance. The jokes that land more often than not come from Hardy, although his delivery may be heightened by whatever Brooklyn-Australian-Philly mash-up accent he’s doing. His voice acting as Venom also shines, making for snappy back-and-forths between the alien symbiote and Eddie Brock. It’s clear that Hardy enjoys the role - something that saved the first film from being an utter shit-in-pants disaster and elevates Carnage into “the sequel was so much better” territory.
Woody Harrelson’s turn as the titular Carnage and serial killer Cletus Kasady is... fine. Harrelson’s portrayal as Carrot Top if he didn’t secure a Vegas residency is much more silly than bone-chilling, and Harrelson’s limited screentime prevents him from ever going full-psycho.
There is one gripe I must mention about the cast: too much Reid Scott. That isn’t a shot at him as a person or actor - there’s just no reason why Venom’s ex-fiancee's new fiancee should have almost as much screentime as Harrelson. I also hate when the “regular guy” gets a moment to save the day in superhero movies. You’re telling me a doctor is going to be even a little helpful in a fight against a bloodthirsty alien? Greg from HR doesn’t need to “feel seen” - I came to watch the sassy alien bite off people’s heads (off-screen, lame).
Much like its predecessor, Carnage struggles to deliver thrilling fight scenes. I get it - CGI is necessary to create battles between massive alien symbiotes. But it’s boring. Fully-CGI fight scenes feel like I paid $20 (I needed the hot pretzel) to watch an extended video game cut scene. It’s not like there’s anything that can be done about it - CGI is here to stay - it’s just disappointing that visual technology doesn’t seem to be getting used to its full advantage. With Serkis’ stellar resume of working with truly revolutionary motion capture technology, Carnage’s lack of captivating visual setpieces feels like a missed opportunity.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage is a fine superhero film, and not too far behind the year’s other Marvel-related releases. Whether you despised the first film or can’t get schizophrenic Eric Foreman ruining your childhood out of your dreams, Venom: Let There Be Carnage is worth hitting the matinee for, especially if you’re invested in the superhero circle-jerk that has swept the nation.
I need to mention the post-credit scene because it was easily the best part of the movie, so be warned - spoilers ahead.
Thank god Prime Minister Pascal is letting Venom crossover into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Venom franchise has something, but I don’t think myself nor the Sony executives know exactly what it is. Spider-Man needs Venom like I need a one-hitter with my morning cold brew. It’s a co-dependent relationship, and I’m honestly really excited to see how Hardy and Holland play out on-screen.
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