Venom: So many snacks, so little time...

October 08, 2018

Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock has done an excellent job of portraying a man taken by a parasite – a parasite that has a mind of its own. The movie begins with an introduction to Eddie Brock and the nature of his work as a reporter and you know he is “all in” where his work is concerned. He will go any lengths to get his scoop, even sneak into his loved ones emails.

Of course, he gets his scoop but along with that he also loses his job, apartment and girlfriend. Yet, there he is right outside a store paying $20 for a newspaper that is free.

Parallely symbiotes have made their way to our planet via the Life Foundation Space Craft. The Craft crash lands in Malaysia and an emergency team reaches the spot to ensure that there aren’t too many causalities. The team finds the symbiotes that are captured and an astronaut who is barely alive. But not really… one of the symbiotes escapes and manages to wreak a RIOT. While riot ensues, scream, agony and venom make it to the Life Foundation Lab in San Francisco. As the name suggests symbiotes need a host and LFL begins experiments with animals. The moment there is a spark of success; Drake wants to begin working with human specimens.

Carlton Drake played by Riz Ahmed is the CEO of the Life Foundation. He is a young man who isn’t just possessed by the need to succeed but clearly suffers from a severe case of hypermetropia induced by megalomaniacal tendencies. This though has been evident all along. His scientists continue their pursuit of greater good until the experiments begin on humans and it results in a moral dilemma for one of his scientists.

Reporter Eddie Brock finds himself in the LFL at the behest of the whistle blower, only to find himself hosting Venom.

What happens next is a ton of action, a thrilling chase sequence, hot flushes and cold sweat that makes one sit in an aquarium in the middle of a restaurant and eat a live lobster. (It could have been a cray fish, correct me if I’m wrong.) Now, for those with a weak stomach – be warned, there are more such barf inducing scenes from the very beginning of the movie. My friend and I had no problems as we sat eating popcorn and sipping Coke while heads vanished and faces were being licked. *Slurp*.

The movie progresses beautifully and it is a movie I thoroughly enjoyed. The movie is fast paced, the story is rushed but if you are attentive, you’ll know and understand what’s happening. If you have read the comics good for you and like me if you haven’t read them, go along with someone who has, like I did.

After watching this movie, one thing is clear, Anti-Heroes are here to stay. Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed, Jenny Slate, Scott Haze and Reid Scott have all managed to makes us, love, admire, hate, like, hate and amuse throughout the movie.

The movie does have a “buddy cop” feel to it with several laughs along the way. Some terrible jokes don’t quite make the mark but for the most part the jokes are actually funny. I especially loved Venom-Eddie interaction.

I am now looking forward to the Eddie – Venom – Anne love triangle in the sequel!!! Yes, there is definitely going to be a sequel. For those making plans to watch the movie, stay back for the scene before the credits roll and for the sneak-peak post credits.

P.S: Yes, Stan Lee does make an appearance.

My Recommendation: Don’t go by what the critics have to say, if you really want to sit back and unwind go for this movie.

Rating: 3.9/5