Venom 2 Review
By Declan Bunch
With the huge success of the Marvel franchise and the recent popularity of superhero films, movie theatres will almost constantly have a film of this genre available. So it makes sense that the overwhelming popularity of the comic/action genre could cause newer movies to be overlooked or dismissed as falling short of the many iconic films of this niche. However, the second film in the Venom series, produced by Columbia Pictures, appears to break through the monotony and stereotypes.
The first film gained significant attention for its unique and alternative take on humor, and this success awarded the series a second film. “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” was released in theatres on October 1, 2021. The plot follows Eddie Brock and his attached entity Venom as they struggle to master their partnership and combine efforts to stop the destruction of a serial killer partnering with a similar entity. The movie has an official rating of PG-13; however, parents should be wary as there is a fair amount of gore and swearing.
The sequel does a stunning job of building upon the strengths of the first movie and fixing the slower moments. One main critique of the original film was that many scenes were drawn out and boring, yet critics and fans alike found redeeming qualities in both the offbeat humor and dark aesthetic. Venom 2, however, attempted to fix this shortcoming with a faster moving plot, while still maintaining the beloved humor and darker aspect. For example, the creators kept the tension between Brock and Venom for the comedic value that was so popular with the first film, while making the action much quicker and exciting than the first to avoid criticism.
Some may argue the film to be considered as much a comedy as an action movie. The main source of comedic value in the film is the struggle between Brock and Venom to improve their partnership. The bickering and petty moments between characters are a relatable part of everyday life, which effectively draws in the audience and creates a personal investment in the characters.
The realistic and gritty aspect of the series provides an alternative view of the otherwise repetitive genre. The film uses a technique of altering the shades and grain of the scenes to give it a darker aesthetic, similar to that found in DC’s Gotham City. There is rarely a dull moment in the hour and a half run-time.
The creators plan to create a brand new universe for the superhero genre and many fans are excited to see what comes next from the series. The movie ultimately builds on the strengths of the original and fixes the slower aspects. The film accepts the fact that it is, in fact, another superhero film, yet stands out against the stereotypes and lack of variety in the genre. This movie is a must see for fans who enjoy superhero/action or just those looking for a good laugh.