When we think about superhero movies, we often imagine epic battles, profound character arcs, and flawless CGI. Yet, the Venom movies defy these expectations in many ways, carving out a unique space in the genre. Despite their numerous flaws and inherent weirdness, these films have captivated audiences, becoming an unexpected staple in an era where superhero fatigue is setting in.
When the first Venom movie hit theaters, I wasn’t exactly impressed. It felt like a throwback to the pre-MCU era of superhero films, where the formula was more about spectacle and less about the intricate, interconnected storytelling we’ve come to expect.
The plot was a bit all over the place, the CGI was hit-or-miss, and the tone seemed to wobble between dark and gritty to almost slapstick comedy. Yet, despite its many flaws, Venom had a certain charm. It was dumb, goofy fun—an enjoyable mess that didn’t take itself too seriously.
In the last few years, the superhero genre has seen its share of struggles. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has had its misfires, with some films not living up to the high bar set by earlier phases. Meanwhile, the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has effectively come to an end, leaving a mixed legacy of both hits and misses. Superhero movies, which once dominated the box office with ease, have started to lose their sheen. The oversaturation of the market, combined with higher audience expectations, has led to a noticeable decline in their once-unquestioned dominance.
Yet, amidst this backdrop of declining superhero hype, Venom stands out as an underrated overachiever. Despite not being a critical darling, it somehow became a popular staple. How did these movies, which could easily have been dismissed as mediocre, manage to thrive?
Let’s delve into the peculiar charm that has made the Venom movies stand out.
Tom Hardy’s Captivating Performance
Central to the success of the Venom movies is Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie Brock. Known for his versatility in roles like those in Mad Max: Fury Road and Inception, Hardy brings a unique energy to the character. In both Venom and its sequel Let There Be Carnage, Hardy’s commitment to the role shines through, influenced by his son’s love for Venom. His ability to portray Eddie as a relatable, flawed character while also voicing the symbiote Venom creates a compelling dynamic that resonates with audiences. Hardy’s lack of vanity in his performance, making Eddie’s struggles and comedic interactions with Venom more authentic and entertaining, is a significant factor in the films’ appeal.
A Unique Blend of Humor and Action
The Venom movies stand out for their unique blend of humor and action. The dynamic between Eddie and Venom is reminiscent of a classic comedy duo, filled with slapstick gags and humorous banter.
This comedic element, while sometimes bordering on cheesy, provides a refreshing take on the superhero genre. The films balance these elements, creating a fun and engaging experience. Key scenes like the SWAT team takedown and the bike chase are noted for their visual effects and choreography, making them enjoyable highlights despite the overall absurdity.
Nostalgia and Comic Book Easter Eggs
For comic book fans, the Venom movies are a delightful homage to the source material, filled with Easter eggs and references. The inclusion of characters like John Jameson and nods to Venom’s comic book origins, despite the absence of Spider-Man, create a sense of nostalgia. This fan service, while sometimes criticized for overshadowing the narrative quality, adds to the films’ charm. Fans enjoy spotting these references, which enhance their viewing experience and create a deeper connection to the material.
The Intrigue of Venom’s Character
Venom as a character is inherently intriguing. Originating from Spider-Man’s universe, the symbiote’s blend of villainy and anti-heroism offers complex narrative potential. The movies explore Venom’s “lethal protector” aspect, though this is less impactful without Spider-Man. Despite this, the character’s aggressive and animalistic tendencies, coupled with Eddie’s flawed humanity, create a compelling narrative. The movies’ depiction of Venom, with its iconic muscular look and distinctive design, appeals both visually and narratively.
Supporting Characters and Humor
The supporting cast in the Venom movies also contributes to their success. The roles of Anne and Dan, played by Michelle Williams and Reid Scott, respectively, are endearing and well-utilized for comic relief. Williams’ departure from her usual dramatic roles to engage in the material adds another layer of enjoyment. Dan’s role as a comedic foil further enriches the humorous interactions within the film.
Dumb and Uncomplicated Fun
The first Venom movie embraced its own ridiculousness, leaning into the campy aspects of its story and character, delivering a performance from Tom Hardy that was both bizarre and captivating.
Hardy’s Eddie Brock and his dynamic with the symbiote brought a unique, almost buddy-comedy vibe that felt fresh and different from the typical superhero fare. This self-awareness and willingness to have fun with the concept helped endear Venom to audiences who were perhaps growing weary of the more formulaic superhero stories.
Secondly, these movies offered something different in a landscape that was becoming increasingly homogenized. While the MCU was focusing on its interconnected universe and the DCEU was trying to find its footing, the Venom movies were standalone stories that didn’t require viewers to have seen ten other movies to understand what was going on. These were straightforward, accessible films that provided a break from the sometimes overwhelming complexity of other superhero franchises.
These films tapped into a different kind of superhero narrative. Instead of the traditional hero’s journey, we got an anti-hero with a darker, more chaotic edge. This appealed to fans looking for something grittier and less polished.
The character’s moral ambiguity and the film’s darker tone resonated with an audience that was ready for a change from the typical bright and shiny superhero mold.
Critiques and Missed Opportunities
The Venom movies are not flawless. The portrayal of villains like Carlton Drake/Riot and Cletus Kasady/Carnage has been criticized. Woody Harrelson’s performance as Carnage, in particular, has been noted for lacking the necessary impact, with the film struggling with tonal consistency when focusing on Carnage and Shriek. The potential for these villains to be more impactful is hindered by underdevelopment and inconsistent execution. The attempt to balance humor and dark themes sometimes results in a disjointed experience, with forced and underdeveloped character interactions detracting from the overall impact.
Visual Spectacle and CGI
The visual effects in the Venom movies, especially the depiction of the symbiotes, are a strong point. The chaotic final battles, though sometimes difficult to follow, are visually striking. The CGI work on Venom and Carnage, while occasionally overwhelming, adds to the films’ appeal. These action-packed scenes, combined with Hardy’s performance, make the movies entertaining spectacles. The visual effects bring Venom’s movements to life, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Future Prospects and Crossovers
Looking ahead, the future of the Venom franchise holds intriguing possibilities, especially with potential crossovers with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The mid-credits scene in Let There Be Carnage, involving the MCU, is a significant hint towards future interactions. Despite uncertainties about the timing within the Spider-Man storyline, this crossover potential excites fans and opens up new narrative avenues. However, the lack of Spider-Man in the upcoming Venom: The Last Dance is seen as a significant missed opportunity for impactful storytelling.
Embracing the Weirdness
The Venom movies have managed to find success by embracing their weirdness and flaws. Tom Hardy’s captivating performance, the unique blend of humor and action, nostalgic references, and visually engaging sequences all contribute to their popularity. While not perfect, these films offer a fun and entertaining escape, proving that even the most unconventional and flawed superhero movies can resonate with audiences and become staples in the genre. As the franchise continues to evolve, fans can look forward to more of Venom’s chaotic charm and potential crossovers with the MCU.