Venom is an
unusual Marvel film because unlike most Marvel films the main character can be
seen as much as a villain as a hero.
In some ways I would say that the idea of
Venom isn’t all that original because the idea of a person transforming into a
monster is similar to the Hulk. Also, the idea of parasites coming from outer
space is a lot like Alien and there is one scene that is copied from Alien.
However, I also think Venom is quite original in other ways because when the
main character, Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) is taken over by Venom the two
characters are sharing one body and are consistently communicating with each
other. The dialogue between Eddie and Venom is very comedic and this comedy
undercuts the otherwise dark themes of the film.
The special
effects, sound and camera work are all used effectively to create lots of
exciting scenes. In one scene Eddie transforms into Venom while surrounded by
police. Venom sweeps the police aside and one is hurled through glass and then literally
right into the camera! There is also a funny scene where Venom takes over a dog
and the audience see Venom’s point of view from low down as though it is
through the dog’s eyes.
Although the
story, which ends up with basically two Venoms fighting each other, isn’t all
that original, I thought some of the characters were well developed. The main
villain, Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed) is manipulative and callous and really
deserves his comeuppance.
The film’s
San Francisco setting was a good backdrop for the action scenes. However, the
big fight on the Golden Gate Bridge would have been better if Spiderman had
been involved in some way instead of it being just Eddie’s Venom against Carlton’s
Venom. After all, Venom is Spiderman’s enemy in the comic. Maybe they are
saving that for the sequel!
Although
Venom’s appearance is very scary and a couple of the scenes were quite violent
overall I don’t think the film needed to have a 15 certificate. A lot of
teenagers who would like to see this film won’t be able to which is a shame as
Venom could easily be a 12 A. I’m glad that I am 15 so I could see it and I’m
already looking forward to the next Venom movie.
A great succinct review that captures the tone of the movie well. I think the reader gets a good sense of what the film is like without too much of it being given away.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting review, seen this movie and can agree with the points made.
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