Critics were way harsh when ‘Venom’ started showing last week. In fact, they were so harsh, I started getting worried before our block screening at Resorts World Manila in partnership with PMCM Management. Still, I don’t understand why people were expecting so much from it to begin with. The way I saw it, I wasn’t exactly thrilled with Topher Grace’s portrayal as Venom; so anything aside from that was a pretty welcome change. When I heard Tom Hardy would be taking on the role, I knew there was hope yet.
And well, after watching the movie – and you might not agree with me here (in fact, you most probably won’t) – I am actually quite satisfied.
‘Venom’ follows the life of investigative journalist Eddie Brock (played by Tom Hardy), who’s leading a great life with his fiancee Anne Weying (played by Michelle Williams) and a great job… until he decides to go after Life Foundation leader Carlton Drake (played by Riz Ahmed). His life goes downhill from there and he eventually gets involved with some serious business with symbiotes. Welcome, Venom.
When the movie first started, I found myself instantly getting invested in Tom’s portrayal of Eddie. However, the first half hour or so of the movie was pretty dragging. My brain was screaming, “Bring on the action (or at least better character development?)!!!”
What I’ve come to find about this aspect of ‘Venom’, though, is that the women seem to love it. I guess because it has a chick flick kind of vibe in terms of Eddie and Anne’s relationship? So, if your girl isn’t into superhero movies, this might be a good one to ease her into that world.
As for the humor, I have to say it’s not for everyone. In fact, in more than five occasions during the movie, I found myself being the only one laughing out loud to some of the jokes, including that part where Eddie screams like a girl. I’m not sure if that’s just because I’m easy to please or because some people might not have gotten it, but I found its silliness downright entertaining. While I may have found it funny, though, I know that the humor definitely isn’t for everyone; so please don’t judge me if you didn’t enjoy it. :p
(ALSO READ: Apparently, Tom Hardy is the Perfect Venom)
Yes, ‘Venom’ definitely isn’t perfect; but it wasn’t exactly horrible, either. If you go in with an open mind and with mere hopes of getting entertained, and if you don’t compare it with comic books or other superhero movies; you might actually enjoy it just as much as I did, as well. And oh, don’t forget to stay for the after-credits! 😀
