Venom: Let There Be Carnage Early Buzz: Dumb, Violent, And Just As Fun As The First One
At this point, you're either on the exact same goofy wavelength as "Venom" or you're not. The first film came out of nowhere in 2018 and ended up grossing nearly $900 million worldwide on the strength of its meme-worthy antics, the weirdly endearing buddy comedy/romance dynamic between Eddie Brock and the symbiote, and Tom Hardy's near-obsessive commitment to the bit that involved, yes, jumping into lobster tanks. Sony clearly paid attention to what worked the first time around and doubled down on it all, leading to the hilariously-subtitled sequel "Let There Be Carnage."
Now with director Andy Serkis in charge and the increased calls for the largely standalone "Venom" series to possibly cross over into the MCU, critics got a chance to watch the sequel last night and decide whether it lived up to the hype. Read on to see their social media reactions for yourself.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage Early Buzz
To the surprise of no one, it would seem that your response to "Let There Be Carnage" will mostly depend on what you thought of the first film. Expect more of the same ... except bigger, louder, and even faster. So says io9's Germain Lussier:
When it comes to Venom: Let There Be Carnage, it’s simple.
Did you like the first one? You’ll like this one.
Not like the first one? That’s how you’ll feel here.
It’s the bigger faster version of the first movie which I enjoyed and instantly forgot about.
Fun. Frivolous. pic.twitter.com/KseRn6s4E2
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) September 28, 2021
It would seem the "Venom" sequel isn't entirely without its drawbacks, however, as it appears the jokes aren't always consistent amid the fast-paced action.
VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE embraces the absurd buddy romance from the first film even more. Andy Serkis keeps the action & humor moving quickly even if it doesn’t always land. Tom Hardy’s gonzo performance is still a highlight while Woody Harrelson relishes every sadistic moment pic.twitter.com/lQN9W3vaBx
— Matt Neglia @NYFF (@NextBestPicture) September 28, 2021
That said, there should still be plenty to love about the film for those who found the Eddie/Venom relationship charming and oddly touching. Personally, I think the whole movie should be about Eddie and the symbiote watching sunsets together on various beaches.
VENOM LET THERE BE CARNAGE: My gosh these movies are SO stupid and I can’t help how much I enjoy them. I could watch 10 more movies of Eddie and Venom calling each other losers. There’s a scene where Eddie and Venom are laying out on the beach together and they watch the sun set.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) September 28, 2021
Tom Hardy is fantastic in #Venom2 – a film that gladly & madly leans into its darkly hilarious tone & then some. Definite NATURAL BORN KILLERS vibes from our villains, but it’s ultimately Hardy who steals every scene w/ a one-of-a-kind performance that’s SO much fun to watch pic.twitter.com/97vO6rHing
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) September 28, 2021
The #Venom franchise has a special place in my heart. Let There Be #Carnage was such blast. It’s silly. It’s fun. And if you loved Eddie and Venom before, it’s just more to love. Kid-Me wouldn’t believe the nerdy glory we’re getting these days.
I want a symbiote. @VenomMovie
— Law⚡️ (@LawJSharma) September 28, 2021
And of course, no superhero/villain movie these days would be complete without the promise of a post-credits scene. You won't want to miss this one, apparently.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage is a wild-ass movie of the highest order. Ultraviolent rom com that is delightfully self aware and weird. Tom Hardy gives 200%. Whatever you do, don’t miss the post-credits. #VenomLetThereBeCarnage pic.twitter.com/yoSBH67wMs
— Dan Casey (@DanCasey) September 28, 2021
To wrap things up, I would be derelict in my duty if I didn't call attention to how the official Twitter account for the film decided to channel its inner symbiote and offer to "roast" random users online. In the ultimate "Be careful what you wish for" twist, some folks weren't entirely prepared for the punishment that the "Venom: Let There Be Carnage" social media manager dished out. Luckily, /Film is made of braver stock and we will update accordingly if it becomes our turn to take some heat.
Eddie says no eating people today but roasting is allowed. If you can handle a bite from me, comment “#Venom Roast Me†below. #Venom Day pic.twitter.com/QJrJZclKFm
— #Venom: Let There Be Carnage (@VenomMovie) September 27, 2021
turns out that he could not in fact handle a bite from Venom pic.twitter.com/DBr8oSAwWJ
— Luke (@qLxke_) September 27, 2021
We’re game. Roast me, ̵d̵a̵d̵d̵y̵ ̵ #Venom.
— /Film (@slashfilm) September 27, 2021
"Venom: Let There Be Carnage" comes to theaters on October 1, 2021.
Tom Hardy returns to the big screen as the lethal protector Venom, one of MARVEL's greatest and most complex characters. Directed by Andy Serkis, written by Kelly Marcel with the story by Tom Hardy & Marcel, the film also stars Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris and Woody Harrelson, in the role of the villain Cletus Kasady/Carnage.