WE ARE VENOM

“Venom” is the first installment of what is supposed to be Sony’s MCU-esque universe, called the “Spiderverse,” that’s focused solely on the villain’s from the Spider-man comics. Planned future installments include films focused around Kraven the Hunter, Morbius (Jared Leto has been cast as the titular villain), Black Cat, and Silver Sable. “Venom” focuses around broadcast journalist Eddie Brock who happens to be down on his luck as he lost his job and fiance (played by Michelle Williams from “Wendy & Lucy”) after taking a peek at her emails and dusing what he saw to try and take down a billionaire tech CEO played by Riz Ahmed (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”). Riz Ahmed’s character has secretly been using humans to test extraterrestrial substances known as symbiotes. One of the symbiotes, known as Venom, escapes and latches himself onto Eddie. The two work together to form one anti-hero, Venom (hence the title of the film), and take down an evil symbiote known as Riot.

Tom Hardy, who plays Eddie Brock in the movie, is incredible. He knows exactly what kind of film he is in and uses it to his advantage. This is easily one of his most comedic roles to date. I would consider his performance to that of Johnny Depp’s in “Pirates of The Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl.” Michelle Williams has gone on record saying she only took the role because of the paycheck and to work with Tom Hardy . . . and you can certainly tell. Her performance is rather lackluster (this is mostly due to the script and not her fault). It’s not atrocious, but it’s not her best work.

“Venom” is completely bonkers. Tom Hardy and the symbiote share a kiss, there’s some almost stoner-comedy like humor, Tom Hardy meditates, and Venom completely wrecks a room full of SWAT team soldiers.

“Venom” isn’t a perfect film – far from it – but it’s so bonkers and Tom Hardy’s performance is so good that I can’t help but recommend it. “Venom” receives 3 ½ out of 5 stars.