Venom was the movie that made critics cringe and the average cinema-goer scream in delight. Thanks to being beloved by the Marvel audience, it was commissioned for a second film, Venom: Let There Be Carnage.
Was the sequel featuring our favourite Symbiote worth the wait, or is Venom a one-hit-wonder?
Venom and Eddie
Throughout the movie, we see how Eddie and Venom’s relationship has progressed. And much like the first film, there is a lot of homoerotic symbolism. Some examples include:
- Venom goes into Eddie’s Ex-girlfriends body and wants an apology
- They have an argument and split up with Venom, wishing Eddie could see him being free
- They say they love each other on a beach and are forced to keep Venom hidden even though he wants to be free, symbolising being forced into the closet.
And unlike every other reviewer that refuses to bite the bullet and say, ‘Oh, they’re just really close friends.’ No, sorry, there is enough subtext/ symbolism in the film that stares you in the face to show Symbrock is canon. (Yes, Tumblr, I can hear you cheer and shout.)
The pair are funny together and provide a lot of laughs from the ‘responsibility is mediocre.’ And the moment when Venom goes to a rave. Another funny moment is when the chickens are named Sonny and Cher, and Venom refuses to eat them.
I also appreciate seeing Eddie’s conflict in keeping Venom hidden and having to work with Venom. It suits his character as he is a character that is closed off, likes to go it alone and is solitary, and it makes sense for the character to learn how to navigate the teamwork side of things.
Anne
I enjoyed Anne’s character in the first movie, and I enjoyedVenomVenomVenomng the comedic Venomts with venom. However, I feel like the character is a tiny bit underutilised. However, I’m okay with that as she’s no longer getting married to Eddie, and their relationship is no longer a focus, and she’s now a sidekick type of character. So not mad at all, but I’m bringing it up anyway.
Villains
The villains in this movie are one of the most interesting elements of the film. The first thing that I enjoyed seeing was the love story between Cletus and Francis. They are the only people who understand each other and how Cletus seems like an absolute psychopath yet could find love. I just enjoyed seeing what made them tick.
Also, I can’t deny the symbolism of Cletus and Francis being together and Carnage hating it because of Francis’s powers highlighting how the marriage wouldn’t last long because of the Symbiote.
My only criticism concerning the villains is that although we’re meant to look at Carnage, he and the villains of the piece feel a bit left behind compared to Venom and Eddie. And that we don’t see enough of what drives Carnage and more of Francs and how she’s powerful. I feel like there was more there to explore, which the movie missed.
Carnage
This wouldn’t be a good review if I didn’t mention Carnage (I mean, it is in the name of the review.) Let’s go through the good first the fiVenomts up the threat of Carnage well. You see his powers from creating a massive tornado in prison to just eating peoples heads off. It shows how much more unhinged they are compared to Venom. With the destruction caused, you feel Cassius and Carnage’s threat and can understand why they match each other.
However, although you do see that Venom is scared of Carnage, the movie doesn’t develop the motive for Carnage enough. Carnage hate Venom for creating him? Why? What is driving that hate, and what makes him stronger than Venom?
Maybe I missed something? Perhaps it’s explained in the comics? Which I haven’t read. And yeah, maybe I should’ve but if you are creating a movie based on a comic book and an audience member has to read the comic to understand the bare minimum of an antagonist motive, then what’s the point? Why make the movie just let there be the comic and let me read that? Whilst I enjoy seeing Carnage, not enough is done with him. But I realise that across the board with this movie, the bad guys are not given enough screentime, and it works to the detriment of the film.
The end fight
The final fight in the film is bombastic, explosive high action fun you expect from a Marvel film. I like how it has to be Francis and her superpower that has to end the fight. However, after some reflection, I feel the end fight was rushed and that we should’ve seen more of a power struggle between Venom and Carnage. But I also really enjoyed it, and when you are watching the movie, you don’t entirely care. So ultimately, this is just me moaning about something enjoyable.
Final ranking
I’m giving Venom: Let There Be Carnage three out of five stars. It’s an enjoyable and comedic movie that capitalises perfectly on Eddie and Venoms relationship. The villains are fun to watch, and I’m interested in their stories. However, the film doesn’t give them as good a focus as they should, and it comes at a detriment to the movie as it would make the threat even more incredible.
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