So first off I have to confess. I was never really looking forward to this movie. Honestly, I have doubts about Sony’s Spiderverse. Everyone is trying to copy what Marvel is doing and it won’t work. Venom is the second release in this new Sony Spiderverse. This film while having Marvel producer credits and the customary Stan Lee cameo is not a Marvel film. Just like all the other Sony Marvel collabs, except Spiderman 2 and Spiderman Homecoming, it’s just a movie
Starring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, Venom is the Origin story of what was a villain in the Spiderman world and I guess now a protagonist? For those who don’t read comics like me please refer to Spiderman 3 and Spiderman cartoon series. Venom was always a bad guy. Eddie Brock was an enemy to Peter Parker. As the movie was approaching I had a hard time rationalizing how Venom can play the protagonist in a movie and who would be the antagonist. In this version, Eddie is living in San Francisco after having been run out of NYC. Through a series of events, Eddie goes from being on top of the world to rock bottom. As he attempts to redeem himself he comes into contact with an alien entity known as Venom. Venom is a symbiote and needs Eddie’s body to survive on earth. Eddie and Venom pair up to save the day.
Critical Commentary: It is not Marvel and it is just a movie. Had this film come out before Iron Man and Avengers I might have thought it was better. Kevin Feige and Marvel have raised my standards. This was just a movie to watch when you’re just passing time. This is not must see the film. The special effects were not great. The beginning of the story was bad and I still can’t handle the hero title given to Venom. I honestly question why Sony even makes movies. This film made money and Sony tried to spin the ticket sales to compare to Marvel films from 10 years ago. Unfortunately, I have a degree in Investment Finance and I know inflation changes things. If they adjust for inflation those movies made more money. While it will not be seen as a failure, it failed. This is Jurrasic World 2 all over again. You still need to have a compelling story. Special effects can only get you so far.
The Xennial Cinephile 