Venom 2: Let There Be Carnage has a running time of 97 minutes but it seems shorter. Journalist Eddie Brock ( Tom Hardy) is infected with a symbiote who calls itself Venom. When Venom manifests itself, it looks like a humanoid out of H. P. Lovecraft: plenty of tentacles and sharp teeth!
The story this time involves a serial killer, Cletus Kasaday ( Woody Harrelson), willing to be interviewed by Eddie Brock before Kasaday is executed for his multiple murders. Brock gets too close to Kasaday who gets infected by Venom and has his own symbiote who calls itself Carnage. Carnage appears to be stronger and more powerful than Venom.
Of course, carnage results as Kasaday/Carnage break out of prison. And this sets up the epic fight of Venom vs. Carnage in–of all places–a church.
Once again, Michelle Williams, on of the great actresses of our time, is wasted as Eddie Brock’s on-again-off-again girlfriend, Anne Weying. Director Andy Serkis gives Williams nothing to do. Kasady’s girlfriend, Frances Barrison (aka, Shriek), played by Naomie Harris, is similarly under utilized. Wall Street Journal movie reviewer, Joe Morgenstern, wrote the about Venom: “He’s the H. L. Mencken of symbiotes.” That’s about the size of it. GRADE: C+
Until this one came out, I was not even aware of the first one! Jackie recorded it and we will check it out soon. That seems to be a rule in Hollywood – if a movie makes a ton of money, there has to be a sequel, no matter how uncalled for it is. Obviously, this is no JOHN WICK 2.
Jeff, you’re right: VENOM 2 is no JOHN WICK 2! Here’s my review of the first VENOM movie: http://georgekelley.org/venom-3d/
Totally forgot that review.
Jeff, I saw the first VENOM movie in 3-D. Around here at least, VENOM 2 is only being shown in 2-D.
I liked the first Venom better than I expected. A lot of that was to do with Tom Hardy. I’ll probably end up seeing this anyway. First I have see Titane and The Many Saints of Newark. Than James Bond next week. Really looking forward to Old Henry but it didn’t open here. Rats.
Steve, Diane is considering going with me to see the BOND movie next week. The VENOM 2 movie was a near sell-out here.
Looks like the whole featured quatet of actors, who have all done at least some good work, are wasted…the commercials look pretty unimpressive, except for the toothiness of the parasites/symbiotes (whichever they really are). I’d say H. R. Giger even more than Lovecraft proper, but Giger was definitely a fan.
I’ve yet to see a VENOM film for more than a few minutes, but did waste some time this morning waking up and eating breakfast while watching the black comedy/horror/sf of HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U, and can recommend both it and its prequel to those who can enjoy goofy-clever.
Todd, I’m going to chalk up the mess that is VENOM 2 to the Covid-19 lockdown and its aftermath. I’m sure VENOM 3 will be a whole lot better!
No, thanks.
Rick, you’re missing nothing much by skipping VENOM 2.
I’m with Rick, again!
Bob, you and Rick are on the Same Page a lot!