Venom: Let There Be Carnage [2021]

Sony (and Marvel’s) favorite symbiote is back with Venom: Let There Be Carnage. However, I’m not sure it’s the movie the fans wanted.

To be honest, Venom: Let there be carnage was obviously never going to please everyone. Less than twenty minutes in, it was clear that the sequel was aimed squarely at fans of the original’s odd couple chemistry and banter. The movie eagerly embraces the franchise’s sillier side while spicing it up with Woody Harrelson as the serial killer Cletus Kasady (who we saw in the first movie’s credits scene) / Carnage (the offspring of Venom, the result of Cletus biting Eddie (Eddie Brock).

Aside from the odd couple chemistry and trying to figure out how to share one body, there’s isn’t much to this movie to be honest. Yes, we get to welcome Naomie Harris as Shriek, Kasady’s love interest, but her presence was honestly pointless. Her character was never really developed and most of her scenes with Kasady felt more of a filler than actual story plot.

In addition, Harrelson’s Kasady was seriously forgettable. He wasn’t presented as that big of a threat, and easily overshadowed by a weak Carnage character. I would have much preferred to dedicate at least a couple of more minutes to explain the backstory of the character before we get to the fight scenes.

Speaking of those, visually, they were amazing. But that’s pretty much it. The way the fights were choreographed to get to the end didn’t make any sense, even with the rules of engagement set in the first movie.

In general, I didn’t feel that engaged with Eddie or Venom in this movie as the first one. Kasady was rushed. Carnage was forgettable, but I hope they figure out a way to bring him back. I want to see more!

Should you watch it?

If you loved the first movie, this is more of the same thing. It could have easily been an extra 45 min in the first one, minus the filler scenes. Regardless, the only reason this movie should be watched is mainly because of its mid-credits scene. #NoSpoilers.

Where can I watch it?

Venom: Let There Be Carnage is now playing in theaters.