Venom is goofy but I love it.

Venom ***1/2 stars

US | Anti Hero | Action |

Cast: Tom Hardy; Michelle Williams; Riz Ahmed; Scott Haze; Reid Scott;

Duration: 112 minutes

Released: October 2018

Plot: (Google)

Journalist Eddie Brock is trying to take down Carlton Drake, the notorious and brilliant founder of the Life Foundation. While investigating one of Drake's experiments, Eddie's body merges with the alien Venom -- leaving him with superhuman strength and power. Twisted, dark and fueled by rage, Venom tries to control the new and dangerous abilities that Eddie finds so intoxicating.

Review:

Ok, Given. I agree the film has some problems but I love it. Call me biased but I like bad characters that are actually good. And I just fell in love with Tom Hardy's portrayal of Eddie and Venom.

When I first saw the Venom trailer I was excited for the endless possibilities with a character like Venom. He is ruthless, always hungry, does not care about low life creatures like humans and has noone to stop him in this film. That is an anti hero but the film is literally about a hero who mostly cares about himself but still the hero. Venom which is supposed to the origin story of the villain who's first host was Peter Parker himself is now literally a film about an alien Symbiote who wants to save the planet. And for better or for worse, he wants to save us because he gets attached to the human he is beem surviving on. The film starts with Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock happy and content, about to marry the women of his dreams and living the best life as a journalist in San Francisco, until he is send to interview Carlton Drake played by Riz Ahmed. The evil Life Foundation corporation who is known to do all kinds of shady stuff but it also controls the world. Pissed off with Eddie, Drake says 'You are finished' and that does mark the end of infamous Eddie Brock.

Riz Ahmed as Carlton Drake convincingly plays the billionaire who is super manipulative and looks to the future, for his gain while disguising it as the betterment of the human race. The first half the film is slow and incorporates the huge backstory but oncs set, Tom Hardy and Venom take to the center stage. Watching Tom and Venom struggling with each other is not just the film's comic relief but also brings more depth to the rather dull and basic characters and story. It also gives Hardy the chance to shine on the screen as someone who is suffering but also enjoying himself. The banter between the two reminded me of many toxic relationships between a human and supernatural beings and I am a sucker for them. I laughed every time venom become his kill instinct, friend, therapist, and also the saviour.

You get to really see them bond with each other, bring out the best in each other and fall for Anne Weying (sort off). There are scenes where you get to see Venom really take after her like a pet would like your ex girlfriend. We did get a special appearance of She-Venom which looked amazing to be honest but that's for some other time. There isn't much going on for the film, but even if they'd make another movie just about Eddie and Venom walking down the road talking to each other about random people, I'd still watch it, Venom's messed up priorities and Eddie trying to clam him down is fun enough. He is the pet that I wish I had. And do not call him a Parasite. Thats a big no no.

Verdict: For reference in Anime world, Venom would be Kurama and Eddie is Naruto.

***1/2