Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) - Movie Review

Venom: Let There Be Carnage - But Not Too Much Since It's PG-13

Rating - 6/10

“Let there be carnage!”

    Venom: Let There Be Carnage is a movie that feels like it leans into its own ridiculousness, for better and worse. On one hand, it is undeniably entertaining. The action sequences are solid, the effects are serviceable enough, and the bizarre buddy dynamic between Eddie and Venom continues to be the most enjoyable aspect of the franchise. Their back-and-forth banter gives the film an offbeat comedic energy that is unique, even if it can get a little overplayed.

    The real draw here should have been Carnage, and while the character does bring some flashy moments, the PG-13 rating once again holds the story back. Carnage is a character that should be terrifying, brutal, and unhinged, yet the movie never lets him live up to his full potential. Instead of being horrifying, he comes across as another flashy but somewhat neutered villain. It is frustrating because you can see how much more impactful he could have been in a darker, R-rated version of this story.

    Woody Harrelson commits to the role of Cletus Kasady, and while he is entertaining to watch, the film never gives him the material to truly shine. His character feels rushed, and his relationship with Shriek is underdeveloped. The rest of the supporting cast mostly exists in the background, leaving the film to heavily rely on Eddie and Venom’s oddball chemistry.

    Tone-wise, the film veers into being almost too silly. The first Venom had moments of unintentional comedy that worked in its favor, but here it sometimes feels like the filmmakers decided to crank that up to the maximum. While some jokes land, others undercut the darker moments and prevent the story from ever feeling as intense as it should.

    In the end, Venom: Let There Be Carnage is not a bad time at the movies. It is fun enough, and if you enjoyed the first one, you will probably find something to like here. But it still feels like a missed opportunity. With Carnage on the table, fans were hoping for something raw, violent, and truly memorable. Instead, we get a film that plays it safe, entertains in short bursts, and leaves you wishing it had gone all the way.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Civil War (2024) - Movie Review

Image
Civil War - Another Gripping Alex Garland Film Rating - 7/10 “They’re not the good guys. We’re not the bad guys. We’re just trying to tell the story.”      Civil War is a gripping and unsettling film that imagines an America torn apart, not through some far fetched science fiction lens, but through the eyes of those trying to make sense of it, journalists on the frontlines. Directed by Alex Garland, this film does not hold your hand or over explain its world. Instead, it drops you into chaos and asks you to observe, to feel, and to interpret what you see. It is intense, grounded, and deeply uncomfortable in the best way possible.      The cast delivers sharp and believable performances that make the story feel almost too real. Kirsten Dunst gives one of her most grounded portrayals, showing both weariness and courage as a photojournalist who has seen too much. Her quiet strength contrasts beautifully with the reckless energy of her younger colleague, pla...
Read more

Drive-Away Dolls (2024) - Movie Review

Image
 Drive-Away Dolls - An Ethan Coen Miss Rating - 5/10 "Some trips just do not go the way you think they will."      Drive-Away Dolls tries to mix crime, comedy, and a road trip adventure, but it ends up feeling uneven and a little hollow. It has moments of charm, yet the story never fully delivers the excitement or emotional pull that it promises.      The plot follows two best friends, Jamie and Marian, who hit the road for a fresh start. What begins as a simple drive quickly turns chaotic when they cross paths with criminals and get tangled up in a mess they never asked for. The film plays with quirky humor and offbeat characters, but it struggles to keep a consistent tone from scene to scene.      The performances are solid. Margaret Qualley brings a playful energy with an accent you'll either love or hate, and Geraldine Viswanathan adds heart and relatability. There are fun moments of dialogue and flashes of clever writing, but they...
Read more

Tenet (2020) - Movie Review

Image
Tenet - Nolan is Getting a Little Too Confusing Rating - 7/10 “Don’t try to understand it. Feel it.”      Christopher Nolan’s Tenet is an ambitious and cerebral spectacle that pushes the boundaries of what a blockbuster can be. It is bold, stylish, and brimming with confidence, as Nolan once again dives into the complexities of time and perception. From the first gunshot that moves backward through glass to the film’s explosive final act, Tenet demands your full attention and never lets up.      The concept of time inversion is both fascinating and overwhelming. Nolan constructs a puzzle that feels like it is folding in on itself, and while the science might not always add up, the sheer audacity of it is thrilling to watch. Every scene feels meticulously crafted, from the choreography of reversed fight sequences to the massive set pieces that blur the line between forward and backward motion. Visually, the film is stunning, and the practical effects and...
Read more