VENOM: LET THEIR BE CARNAGE
US, 2021, 97 minutes, Colour.
Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, Reid Scott, Stephen Graham, Peggy Lu.
Directed by Andy Serkis.
While watching Venom, there was a nagging temptation to think that this was all rather silly. More than a bit silly. In fact, much more than a bit silly. However, this is the Marvel Universe and all things are possible.
A quick google to Symbiote and Wikipedia offers this information: a fictional species of extraterrestrial symbiotes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with Spider-Man. The symbiotes form a symbiotic bond with their hosts, through which a single entity is created. They also are able to slightly alter their hosts' personalities, and/or memories by influencing their darkest desires and wants, along with amplifying their physical and emotional traits and personality, granting them super-human abilities. There are more than 40 known symbiotes in the Marvel Universe. It then goes on to say that Venom is the best known!
In the original Venom film, journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) experienced a professional failure and interviews and found himself – an audience suspension of disbelief – being inhabited by the Symbiote, Venom. By this stage, they are used to each other, even having bantering conversations as Venom prepares his favourite foods, bacon, chocolate!
The original film also introduced a love interest for Eddie, Anne (Michelle Williams) but she has opted for a safer life with Dr Dan Harris (Scott Reid). In times of difficulty, Eddie relies on Ane as he does now, she proving herself to be a carrier for Venom but also finds herself a hostage in the final ultra-drama.
The original film also introduced the mad Cletus (Woody Harrelson, his character allegedly about 17 in the opening sequence but, 24 years later, with a hairpiece, he looks certainly 50+). We see him separated from his fellow-institution inmate, Frances (Naomie Harris, rather a long way from her Miss Moneypenny in the bond films) who has a special power of admitting supersonic sounds. In the present, Cletus taunts Eddie for another interview but, getting some of his blood, he develops his own Symbiote, Carnage. So, let there be carnage!
Also in the act is a policeman against whom Frances has vowed vengeance, Detective Mulligan (Stephen Graham) who has no time for Eddie.
There is a hugely elaborate climax in a vast cathedral under repair, the interruption of the wedding between Cletus and Frances, a huge buildup to a gigantic fight between Venom and Carnage.
The credits sequence where Eddie and Venom sit near a statue of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza and Eddie likens himself and Venom to them!
Again, the temptation is to think that this is all a bit silly. But, as must be, most of the fans are enthusiastic.
