Journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) attempts to maintain a semblance of normalcy while coexisting with the alien symbiote, Venom. During an interview with death-row inmate and mass murderer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson), Eddie is inadvertently bitten, resulting in an exchange of blood. Kasady transforms into the formidable monster Carnage. Teaming up with Shriek (Naomie Harris), his former accomplice, Carnage sets out to target Eddie Brock and his associates. Venom and Eddie must now confront their most dangerous adversary yet, where the stakes are higher than ever.
The character Venom first appeared in live-action form in the widely criticized Spider-man 3 (2007), portrayed by That 70s Show actor Topher Grace. In 2018, a standalone Venom film was released, severing all ties to Spider-man. I found the standalone Venom to be a surprisingly entertaining and significant improvement over initial expectations.
Venom – Let There Be Carnage sees Andy Serkis take over as director. Serkis is renowned for his portrayal of Gollum in Sagan on Ringen and his work on numerous CGI-enhanced characters (Ceasar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, King Kong, etc.). In addition to his acting career, Serkis has also established himself as a director. Unfortunately, the shift in tone between the first and second films is immediately apparent. While director Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland: Double Tap, Uncharted) successfully balanced humor and seriousness, the original film is arguably superior to this sequel.
Venom – Let There Be Carnage feels somewhat disjointed, and not solely due to the humor. The narrative lacks a strong central thread, resulting in a film that occasionally feels like a series of sketches. The script is underdeveloped, though Serkis should be credited for delivering a film that, at 97 minutes, avoids feeling excessively long. The pacing is brisk, and the film offers several humorous moments. While entertainment is provided, a sense of wanting more ultimately lingers.
A recurring trope that also detracted from my enjoyment is the familiar plot device of the hero losing their superpowers and reverting to an “ordinary” state, as seen in Spider-man 2, Superman II, and numerous other sequels. This concept feels overused. Furthermore, the first film establishes that individuals incompatible with the Symbiote Venom suffer a painful death upon being taken over. Consequently, it is difficult to endorse a character who seemingly murders innocents out of anger towards Eddie. While the film does not explicitly address the fate of those taken over, this inconsistency remains a point of concern.
In contrast, the excellent Ultra HD edition of the film is a significant positive, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The image quality is exceptionally clear, stable, and detailed. The numerous sequences set in darkness are rendered beautifully. One particularly impressive scene takes place within a nightclub, showcasing vibrant neon lights and light sticks. The audio, presented in dynamic Dolby Atmos, is equally noteworthy. The sound design is truly of reference quality, delivering impactful effects during the final battle. The included extras are engaging and provide additional context.
In conclusion, Venom – Let There Be Carnage provides an entertaining experience, provided one does not dwell too heavily on the implications of the characters’ actions. While a director with a more refined touch might have elevated the film further, the outstanding UHD edition elevates the overall package, making it a worthwhile recommendation.
SF Studios provided a review copy of this film. The senders of review materials do not exert editorial influence on our evaluations. Our independent impressions are written for you, the consumer.
