Back in 2018, audiences were treated to a questionable spin-off of the Spider-Man franchise with Venom. Whereas that film was a mixed bag, it was Tom Hardy's performance that saved it from being a complete misfire while attempting to give its main character a more likeable backstory. Three years later, audiences get a continuation of that story with Let There Be Carnage. The sequel not only introduces Carnage to the mix, but carries a sillier tone in comparison to its predecessor with the experience ultimately being better for it. Despite still carrying the same key issues from the previous Venom, Carnage marks a sizable improvement over the previous effort that's greatly attributed to its talented main leads.
Let There Be Carnage's plot picks up from where the first left off with Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) struggling to adjust to life as the host of the alien symbiote Venom, while serial killer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson) escapes from prison after becoming the host of Carnage, a chaotic Spawn of Venom. Carnage's plot is one that's pretty straight-forward and doesn't require a great deal of thought to it. What it does right is allowing the sequel to fully embrace its goofy side while building off the phenomenal dynamic between Eddie and Venom, which won fans over previously regardless of that films faults. The sequel is funnier, fast-paced, and more action-packed than its predecessor with Carnage's inclusion into the mix bringing satisfaction for comic book fans with both the human and host side of the character being handled right. Although its storytelling isn't as strong as other comic book films, Let There Be Carnage works as being popcorn-filled entertainment that often feels like a fun throwback to 90's style superhero movies.
The films main saving grace are the charismatic performances from its main cast. Hardy once again demonstrates himself as being a performer, who rises above the material to deliver a performance fueled with fan-focused devotion in playing Eddie Brock. He is one who understands the material, and gives his all in playing the character regardless of the rest of the films quality. Woody Harrelson does a terrific job of playing psychopathic serial killer Cletus, with him proving to be a worthy foe for Brock. Both Hardy and Harrelson work great together and make the film exciting to watch with their duo. Naomie Harris also shines as Cletus disturbed love interest Frances, who can manipulate sound energy. Though her role is smaller this time around, Michelle Williams does well as Eddie's ex-fiance Anne. The rest of the cast churn out noteworthy performances including Stephen Graham as detective Patrick Mulligan, who hopes to use Brock in finding the remains of Kasady's murder victims. Reid Scott gives both a surprisingly fun and likable performance as Weying's new fiance Dan along with Peggy Lu as Brock's friend and convenience store owner Mrs. Chen. Carnage's cast plays a significant role in the movie being genuinely fun to watch with everyone bringing a strong level of enthusiasm to the film.
Taking over the reins of Ruben Fleischer from the first Venom, director Andy Serkis impresses with his skill in crafting a fast-paced thrill ride that's powered by stunning visual effects which bring both symbiotes to the big screen in the most stunning fashion. Seeing Carnage brought to life in live-action form is a dream come true for fans with Serkis not disappointing in his execution. He demonstrates an impressive handling of VFX with the films eye-catching action sequences thrilling audiences. As someone who knows how to give great performances via both motion picture and CG, Serkis feels like the perfect choice to direct with him making the symbiotes look realistic. The films sound effects are also top-notch with Carnage's roar being loud and intensely frightening. On an atmospheric front, the film boasts a darker tone than the previous Venom with the violence pushing the boundaries of PG-13 with its worst moment shown in animated form.
The writing is where Carnage embodies many of the previous films issues with the story feeling bland. The script excels when focusing on Brock's struggle to balance his life with his symbiote now apart of him. The audience has a blast watching Eddie wrestle with controlling his symbiote with the back and forth bantering between them being hilarious. The screenplay has moments where the laughs are cleverly induced such as the bathroom scene involving both Eddie and Venom speaking to each other with a terrified bystander listening in the next stall, or downright goofy moments such as Venom professing to a crowd of people at a rap club about his disappointment with Eddie. Both are moments which add charm to the film. The main characters are fairly well-established with the audience being given enough opportunity to connect with them despite the stories rapid pacing. Despite boasting a bleaker tone than the previous Venom, Carnage's plot feels like a predictable 90's comic book story that feels cheap. If audiences weren't treated to both Venom and Carnage as the main characters, the film would be totally forgettable given how shallow the story feels.
Like the previous Venom, Carnage struggles with creating its own separate franchise from the Spider-Man universe. It becomes apparent to those watching both movies that much of their good fortune is mostly attributed to the talent of its main cast with Hardy giving the material more dedication than it deserves. As for Carnage, the film doesn't take itself too seriously and relentlessly aims in entertaining it's audience while making for a reasonable improvement over the first. Serkis makes the story tightly-paced while wrapping it around the effective duo of both Hardy and Harrelson as the leads. It's an experience that never takes itself seriously, which is the best way to view it given the films target audience are those who enjoyed the originals odd couple chemistry. If it's quick fun-thrilled entertainment that fans are looking for here, then Carnage satisfies along with carrying an end credits scene that'll generate excitement among fans
Final Verdict: Worth Watching But Stream Only
Images Courtesy Of Sony Pictures
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