It looks like Tom Hardys antihero epicVenomis a shot of cinematic poison.
Venom feels like a second-tier Marvel player prematurely called up to the bigs,writes EWs Chris Nashawaty.
Its noncommittally mediocre and, as a result, forgettable.
Make no mistake: The effects can be dazzling.
But to what end?his review reads.
This gateway into the Sony Universe of Marvel Characters (get ready: there are 90!)
Directed with flat, joyless competence by Ruben Fleischer….Venombrings with it a laborious, decades-spanning development history.
Venomopens nationwide Friday, Oct. 5.
Read on for more excerpts from the films critical reviews below.
Chris Nashawaty (EW)Venomisnt quite bad, but its not exactly good either.
Its noncommittally mediocre and, as a result, forgettable.
Visually, which is the only thing really going for it,Venomhas a stylishly gloomy Nolan-does-Gotham vibe.
Make no mistake: The effects can be dazzling.
But to what end?
This gateway into the Sony Universe of Marvel Characters (get ready: there are 90!)
Justin Chang (The Los Angeles Times)Venomnever fully embraces or maximizes the exuberant nastiness of its premise.
For that insight and that insight alone, this film is valuable.
Peter Bradshaw (The Guardian)Can Tom Hardy play comedy intentionally?
The question remains worryingly unanswered in this clumsy, monolithic and fantastically boring superhero movie-slash-entertainment-franchise-iteration.
That was the big finish.
Hardy himself has said that the films best 30-40 minutes have been cut.
Director Ruben Fleischer, who madeZombielandandGangster Squad, is uninspired.Venomis riddled with the poison of dullness.
Katie Walsh (Chicago Tribune)Superhero fatigue got you down?
Tired of the same old bland Marvel Cinematic Universe offerings?
A dose ofVenomcould be just the right antidote.
Its a mess, but wow, is it ever a fun, fascinating mess.
