Venom

10

MartyMcFleaOct 16, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Venom, a character study.

Wow, this movie snuck-up on me. Hearing the overwhelmingly negative response from critics, and the reasonably positive response from movie-goers, it had left me jaded walking into the movie, however, I was very happy with the final result. Oddities:
In Australia, this movie was M15+, the profanity in it was pretty prolific (now, I'm not one to worry about that at all, as my favourite comedians are/were horribly profane - Jim Jefferies, Bill Burr, George Carlin, Bill Hicks), and the movie was thematically and visually dark - I wouldn't take my children to see this movie but we watched Ant-Man & the Wasp together and it was the same rating. My point here is that - surely, this wasn't far off an R rating and I don't think it would have undermined the box office performance - which I am very excited by because it opens up this entire world and universe - and brings the potential for one of the most immoral villains to come to the big screen in the sequel.
Anyway, I digress...
I really instantly connected with the character. I suffer ADHD, which essentially means that before I was diagnosed and receiving treatment, I tended to (often) make poor choices in interpersonal situations - saying inappropriate things without thinking of the consequences, I also lived very slovenly and was, generally - 'clever, but a hot mess'... So, Tom Hardy played to that aspect really well in the initial beats of the film. Now, I don't know if that's what he was going for, or if he was trying Schizophrenia/Dissociative Identity Disorder on (which seemed to be the modus operandi once infected with the symbiote), but nevertheless, it was clear that he too suffered from ADHD and wasn't receiving treatment for it, so the connection for me was instantaneous and highly personally gratifying, whereas for others, I know that they'd likely not feel the same way as I did...

I know that people were worried about the anti-hero aspect of the film in that "he's a hero as he saves the world" for the most part - yes - I will agree with this that he is more righteous than we may have thought he should be, however, he's not self-righteous, and he does bad, terrible, horrible things, like eating heads - or entire people (as he does in the end when he devours the convenience store robber) - and I'm sorry folks - HEROES DON'T DO THAT. Heroes do what they can to protect the innocent, and provide the bad guys to authorities so they can face consequences, they don't eat them... I am partial to a good anti-hero - I love the Punisher on Netflix - Jon Berenthal embodies him spectacularly, and I honestly didn't think that anyone could do it after Tom Jane's excellent turn in the movie in the early naughties, but again, I digress... I think Tom Hardy has done a marvellous job in this. I could see that there were numerous issues with the technical aspects of the film (CGI seemed cut-down and lower-budget) and a lot of it was left on the cutting-room floor, however, I had no trouble following the fights (which others have complained about) and I think that Michelle Williams and he were absolutely spot-on in their relationship - speaking from personal experience, "we" tend to... put people off, even our most loved ones, so for them to not have a great deal of chemistry, well that to me, was natural - I have messed up so many relationships as a result of my impulsivity and lack of self-awareness or of consequences, so it was reasonable that when he destroyed his and her career, that she would have had enough - clearly he'd messed-up before and hadn't gotten out of his own way.

I actually liked the villain in the piece, and I saw how both he and his bonded symbiote were driven to the same outcome in the end - infect humanity to save humanity, so to me that too was spot-on.

So, can I say to you, that if you watch it with very low expectations, as I had - you WILL be pleasantly surprised. I can't wait for the next instalment, Spider-man or no - but I do think that if some sort of deal can be spun, this would be perfect for a team-up for Maximum Carnage. Tom Hardy rocks and his performance in this movie is no exception - see it - just don't take your kids because it'll scar/scare them.… Expand

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10

Lambo442Nov 4, 2018

I don't get the negative press for this one. It's a perfect film in every way. It has a good buildup, good acting and dialogue, loads of cool actions scenes. Don't let the low scores put you off as you may enjoy it as much as I did.

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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10

kiwijinxterOct 12, 2018

Nobody channels Eddie Brock / Venom like Tom Hardy. As someone who had hundreds of Spider-Man comics when I was younger (I even owned a copy of Amazing Spider-Man #300 featuring the first full appearance of Venom), this is the PERFECT VenomNobody channels Eddie Brock / Venom like Tom Hardy. As someone who had hundreds of Spider-Man comics when I was younger (I even owned a copy of Amazing Spider-Man #300 featuring the first full appearance of Venom), this is the PERFECT Venom origin story. And when I see Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, Venom's alter ego, it makes me feel happy, contented and as fuzzy as the symbiote. In the comics, Eddie Brock is a character that is a bit of an outcast, is unsure of himself and gets even more confused (initially) when Venom entered his life, and Tom Hardy channels Eddie Brock to perfection!!! Venom in the comics had some dark-ish humour, and the humour that Venom spouts in the movie is spot on - in fact Venom gets the best one liners. And the biggest laughs from the audience. The movie portrays a beautiful symbiotic relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom, and shows progression in their relationship throughout the movie. The CGI for Venom is also spot on, making him a highly flexible and versatile character with the symbiotic extensions doing some cool stunts. It makes Venom look cool and dangerous at the same time. The pacing is just right, and Tom Hardy's versatility as an actor really stole the show, so much so that this would work even if this was a one man show. And the post-credit sneak preview is "one to die for" - I DEFINITELY want to see the next Venom - it'll be CGI carnage...

Peeps, forget the previous incarnation of Venom, this is the REAL deal. Possibly the best movie I've seen in 2018 to date. Stuff the stuffy professional critics. They haven't had any clue for the past 25 years and are no longer credible sources for good movies - much like the fake news. Go watch Venom. It's da bomb!… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

ozymandias79Nov 5, 2018

Went in expecting Venom to be so bad, its good. Turned out to be straight good. The audience seems to agree, because Venom is bringing it in at the box office. Some parts are cheesy, but the producers knew what they were making and didn'tWent in expecting Venom to be so bad, its good. Turned out to be straight good. The audience seems to agree, because Venom is bringing it in at the box office. Some parts are cheesy, but the producers knew what they were making and didn't overextend themselves. Completely recommend.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

BitmouseDec 1, 2018

I really liked it. I don't know exactly what the critics had against this film. I am a highly educated person, like films, storytelling. Am a student of Jung and Campbell. I thought it was a good, complex enough myth. The characters seemedI really liked it. I don't know exactly what the critics had against this film. I am a highly educated person, like films, storytelling. Am a student of Jung and Campbell. I thought it was a good, complex enough myth. The characters seemed human enough. I am not sure the CGI was spot on. However, that sort of thing is forgivable. CGI is to support the movie, not be the movie.

Storytelling, all was good.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

Jim222001Jan 30, 2019

Pointless to have Venom without Peter Parker. Venom is surprisingly entertaining nevertheless. Due to only Tom Hardy.
Riz Ahmed Is pretty bad as the villain. He gives an overly low key and one note performance throughout. Michelle Williams isPointless to have Venom without Peter Parker. Venom is surprisingly entertaining nevertheless. Due to only Tom Hardy.
Riz Ahmed Is pretty bad as the villain. He gives an overly low key and one note performance throughout. Michelle Williams is Katie Holmes Batman Begins like miscast as well. While this might be the Venom character done right. Again, it’s just hard to utilize him without Spider-Man.
Yet Sony Picturrs has more movies like it planned. Kraven the Hunter and Black Cat, without Spider-Man.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

cadoverOct 18, 2018

Critics are way too harsh on this movie. Venom is so much better than Black Panther IMO in terms of pure fun and entertainment. The story and writing are weak like pretty much all the most recent superhero movies but I had a great timeCritics are way too harsh on this movie. Venom is so much better than Black Panther IMO in terms of pure fun and entertainment. The story and writing are weak like pretty much all the most recent superhero movies but I had a great time watching this and wouldn't mind watching it in the theatre again, it's really enjoyable watching Eddie Brock becoming Venom. Marvel has the critics in the palm of their rich hands (they're too afraid to bash a Marvel movie for fear of their careers).… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

PeterAlexanderOct 16, 2018

Venom feels like a movie that simply couldn't decide what it wanted to be. The film has its issues, particularly with respect to its pacing and characters; however the chemistry between Tom Hardy and Venom carries the movie to stable standpoint.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

NavinorOct 21, 2018

Left wing "critics" writing about a good moive.

The result: A bad score. Everybody who want to see the real results just ignore the "critics" ONLY watch the user score!

Venom is a good movie! The "critic reviews" are FAKE NEWS!

0 of 5 users found this helpful05

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9

TubaFettOct 31, 2018

This is a fun and entertaining movie! The script, acting, and effects are well done and the story has lots of humor interspersed with symbiote violence. Tom Hardy turns in his usual stellar performance as a down-on-his-luck reporter whoThis is a fun and entertaining movie! The script, acting, and effects are well done and the story has lots of humor interspersed with symbiote violence. Tom Hardy turns in his usual stellar performance as a down-on-his-luck reporter who stumbles upon an interstellar plot and becomes host for Venom. Mayhem ensues and I feel it pays homage to the comics while introducing a wider audience to this excellent anti-hero.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

hugoferreiraNov 2, 2018

I did enjoy this movie. Yes, it's a little bit messy but refreshingly dark fun. It goes out of the standards and typical cliches that superhero movie now have. Just enjoy.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

arrivistOct 20, 2018

Forget the critics (who are mostly on the Disney payroll). This film is great fun. Entertaining all the way through. Hardy is excellent as always.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

KenxOct 16, 2018

I have to say that I read the reviews before I watched the movie, so I went to the cinema with any hope but I had to watch the movie Because it was VENOM one of my favorite characters from my childhood and it was really enjoable. MaybeI have to say that I read the reviews before I watched the movie, so I went to the cinema with any hope but I had to watch the movie Because it was VENOM one of my favorite characters from my childhood and it was really enjoable. Maybe people thought that it was going to be a "Terror" movie and thats why they did not like it. In my case I trust that they did a great job mixing the different types of genders.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

JPKJun 17, 2022

Stupid, But Fun

Though it has issues like A kinda messy script, Some stupid and ridiculous scenes, And a pretty bland villain, Venom is still quite fun with Great performances, The banter between Eddie and Venom is absolutely hilarious andStupid, But Fun

Though it has issues like A kinda messy script, Some stupid and ridiculous scenes, And a pretty bland villain, Venom is still quite fun with Great performances, The banter between Eddie and Venom is absolutely hilarious and will never get old, The CGI while not amazing is still decent and freaky, And the action is fun. Overall, If you’re looking for a movie to turn your brain off and just have fun, Then Venom is a decent recommendation.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

F3RYXNov 29, 2018

a very good movie , i had a lot of fun watching it and it's pretty funny too, the transition of venom into a semi good guy wasn't as smooth and logical as i wanted(it was kinda sudden!) but still a very good movie!

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

manningn15Oct 21, 2018

Venom is not as good as the other marvel movies but it was still extremely entertaining. The action scenes were spectacular. Tom Hardy's performance was stupendous and funny. Michelle Williams and Riz Ahmed's performances were amazing asVenom is not as good as the other marvel movies but it was still extremely entertaining. The action scenes were spectacular. Tom Hardy's performance was stupendous and funny. Michelle Williams and Riz Ahmed's performances were amazing as well. I loved the soundtrack it was fantastic. Even though the writing and tone of the movie was not great everything else was great.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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10

ReaperxSpiderOct 14, 2018

This movie was awesome.. Im a huge venom fan and overall this movie was fun and entertaining. It has Its flaws but I was hooked from the moment it started until the mid credit screen great movie by sony hopefully the second one gets betterThis movie was awesome.. Im a huge venom fan and overall this movie was fun and entertaining. It has Its flaws but I was hooked from the moment it started until the mid credit screen great movie by sony hopefully the second one gets better and better.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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9

holydragonguyOct 22, 2018

critics who don't know anything about movies can give the worst movies a good score, this movie wasn't bad if you're into hero movies then this is for you.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

Slavyanin1Oct 13, 2018

Хороший фильм, но на один раз, сходите не пожалеете. У фильма есть свои минусы, но не такие уж и большие.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

Gamer4etoBGDec 2, 2018

Awesome movie, really enjoyed it! Eminem in the credits was the perfect finish for me! ^^

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

abdullaljumahOct 13, 2018

dont look to critic review. the movie is enjoyable, though the story could've been better written overall I think It delivered a good movie

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

TrangVuOct 14, 2018

The film is not bad. It's funny. It has a great actor, great soundtrack. I love Eminem btw

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

bisoneOct 17, 2018

Достойная супергероика . Все более-мение сбалансировано... Нравиться

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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7

musicartguyOct 18, 2018

I don't understand all the negative reviews at all. I am the first to admit if a movie is crap, and Venom was entertaining. It's not a classic, but it is certainly not the Fantastic Four. There is nothing here that garners all the vitriolI don't understand all the negative reviews at all. I am the first to admit if a movie is crap, and Venom was entertaining. It's not a classic, but it is certainly not the Fantastic Four. There is nothing here that garners all the vitriol from critics.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

NonyaBusinessOct 20, 2018

This was a very good movie, and I especially liked how everything just looked so realistic.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

plGentlemanOct 21, 2018

I did not even notice when it was two hours. The film brought a lot of freshness. As a typical representative of the entertainment science-fiction genre, it performs its role perfectly. Some of us take it too seriously.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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9

DarkNdLovelyNov 4, 2018

This was worth the time. No movie that i have seen created such intriguing blend of comedy horror and great acting. Personally as a person who has seen decades of marvel movies this introduces a fresh step in the franchises recipe. Words canThis was worth the time. No movie that i have seen created such intriguing blend of comedy horror and great acting. Personally as a person who has seen decades of marvel movies this introduces a fresh step in the franchises recipe. Words can only justify so much this is a must watch for all in my opinion… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

MarsNeedsMoms53Nov 5, 2018

THIS MOVIE IS THE BEST GOOD MOVIE IS GOOD eVER !!!!!!!!!1!!!!!!11!!!!1!!!!!

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

NormalPublikumNov 7, 2018

35? really? i ilke this film, it maybe not that perfekt, but 35? naaa, igive it a ten.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

RaygarNov 17, 2018

Never believe a Metascore, thats paid reviews. This is a good movie, will certainly buy a DvD of it to have in my collection of Superhero movies. I like how they show you the interaction between Eddie and Venom. The control of who is the bossNever believe a Metascore, thats paid reviews. This is a good movie, will certainly buy a DvD of it to have in my collection of Superhero movies. I like how they show you the interaction between Eddie and Venom. The control of who is the boss is a fun twist as well. It has some comedy mixed in with a ton of action. Venom is not your typical superhero, yet certainly not a villian. Movie is well worth the watch.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

qqiwkqaqwNov 23, 2018

It's not crap, it's just awesome, epic, all of all! Venom is a good charater for a movie, and this doesn't dissapointing me :)

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

iHusaNov 28, 2018

Don't listen to the metacritics this movie is awesome 10/10 R.I.P. Stan Lee

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

erg35hrewshgwrgNov 30, 2018

veryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

LadleReviewsDec 5, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Venom is a good movie, no doubt about it, but there are certain points that are just bad. In the beginning, there are so many minutes wasted to build something that has no purpose or doesn't pay off. No to mention the beginning is slow, and I mean really slow. Like, 1/3 of the people in the theater I was in had left before the exciting things to happen. I believe it takes 30 minutes for the real exposition to start. And then, boom. Someone's dying from a symbiote. Oh, look: Eddie has Venom. Oh look, someone else died. And there's Riot. Oop, Venom doesn't have Eddie anymore. Oh, now he does. Oh, now Riot's dead. Oh, credits. IMO it feels like this all happens in 10 minutes when it could have been beautifully separated and used a lot of that opening time to make it a better movie. With that said, it is so fun. Th effects are incredible and they do a really good job of creating an origin story without Spider-Man. There is also a lot of great comedy that doesn't slow down the story (for example, the absolute funniest moment in the whole movie only takes away 5 seconds from everything else, and then we're right back into one of the best scenes). My main critique is the screen-time Venom and Riot get, which is not a lot. But with all that being said, its just really good. I hope any sequel it gets is able to improve on this, and give a future to a lot of seemingly impossible comic book movies.… Expand

0 of 5 users found this helpful05

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7

HananasDec 10, 2018

I was pretty sceptic about this movie due to all the negative feedback. I still ended up watching it and was pleasantly surprised by the movie. I understand the comments about how a Spiderman villian can exist in a world without Spiderman. II was pretty sceptic about this movie due to all the negative feedback. I still ended up watching it and was pleasantly surprised by the movie. I understand the comments about how a Spiderman villian can exist in a world without Spiderman. I see it like this, how can he not. In a universe where there are infinite possibilities on every different universe, why can't this be one of them. I see this movie as a different universe than we are watching in the other movies. On it's own it is a pretty descent movie. Not a 10/10 but not horrible to watch either. The story could be a bit more fleshed out, but i'm kind of excited to see more symbiotes like in the comics.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

Steven1981Mar 19, 2020

Wow how do I rate a film like Venom? It's gonna be tough because I remember pretty much all of it but forgot how the main character comes into contact with the black substance. Anyways I saw Venom in cinema's and it stars Tom Hardy as theWow how do I rate a film like Venom? It's gonna be tough because I remember pretty much all of it but forgot how the main character comes into contact with the black substance. Anyways I saw Venom in cinema's and it stars Tom Hardy as the main character, Eddie Brick and it's a sci fi/thriller rip off of the Spider-Man villain type of movie released in 2008 and also has bits of comedy. It's well done and great but not my cup of tea so I'd say it's just okay. Nothing too spectacular.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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9

JadedWingsDec 19, 2020

This movie is very good for people who want some backstory on Venom, I learned things I didn't know before!
I hate it when people think of Venom when they hear Spiderman, coz i'm basically pretty odne with spiderman, can't hear or see itThis movie is very good for people who want some backstory on Venom, I learned things I didn't know before!
I hate it when people think of Venom when they hear Spiderman, coz i'm basically pretty odne with spiderman, can't hear or see it anymore..
Venom is a cool character, and a new way to explore hero's of Marvel.
The cast is brilliant too!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

noob328Dec 8, 2020

This movie is mediocre. It’s not well-written, it’s not technically well-made, and it is stupid. However, I actually enjoyed it a little.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

VolodMay 25, 2021

This movie is not a masterpiece, but it's very good. I think, it's a really good start for Sony's Universe of Marvel Characters. There are some plot holes in the film, but it is still really enjoyable movie. By the way, acting of Tom Hardy isThis movie is not a masterpiece, but it's very good. I think, it's a really good start for Sony's Universe of Marvel Characters. There are some plot holes in the film, but it is still really enjoyable movie. By the way, acting of Tom Hardy is perfect, can't wait to see him in the sequel.… Expand

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8

GuruJoeyyDec 22, 2018

The plot was the only weak point of this movie, tons of holes and way too short and focusing on the backgrounds of wrong things, foreshadowing time that took up significant chunks of the movie for singular joke scenes instead of foreshadowingThe plot was the only weak point of this movie, tons of holes and way too short and focusing on the backgrounds of wrong things, foreshadowing time that took up significant chunks of the movie for singular joke scenes instead of foreshadowing proper plot points. Honestly I think Tom Hardy did a fine job in the beginning of creating this broken shell of a man, but he didn't translate it very well into a character who regained his confidence and strength later on, Venom having a complete 180 in attitude after almost being killed (on purpose) by his host doesn't make sense either.

The comedy probably isn't for some people but it is a really good 2 man banter with Tom Hardy acting as the straight man (the guy that sees things logically) and Venom being the one with the punchlines and setting things up, pretty decent duo to be honest, but it isn't artistic comedy it is more like the comedy you would have with your friends, which is why I enjoyed it so much, a homicidal monster making a poop joke is just something I can really appreciate.

CGI gets a lot of complaints and I genuinely don't know why, people are so insanely picky, the CGI represented Venom very well in my opinion, it could at most use a bit of touching up but especially the fight between Venom/Eddie and Riot/Drake was excellent to watch and look at.… Expand