Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

This Sequel is a silly, fun time from start to finish. Alien symbiote Venom (voiced by Tom Hardy) continues living within the host body of Investigative Reporter Eddie Brock (Hardy). Their life together is stuck on a loop of finding chocolate and chickens for Venom to eat. Until Eddie gets a call informing him that imprisoned serial killer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson) has listed him as his only visitor. During a meeting, Cletus bites Eddie and quickly finds out that he’s now become a host body for symbiote Carnage (voiced by Harrelson).

Venom: Let There Be Carnage is at its best in the moments shared between Venom and Eddie. Unlike its predecessor, we are immediately brought into their funny bickering banter. Screenwriter Kelly Marcel gives the two characters their own roles to play. Venom is written like a teenager who wants to experience all that life has to offer. Meanwhile, Eddie is its guardian trying to keep it on the ‘right’ path. Once again, Hardy turns in a believable performance essentially playing off nothing but himself. Additionally, many of the scenes are laced with hilarious situations and Hardy’s talented comedic side shines in all of them.

Harrelson’s take on Cletus, and Carnage, is a healthy dose of zany. Refreshingly, Cletus isn’t a villain without reason. His need to reunite with his one true love, Frances/Sheirk (Naomie Harris) gives motive to this serial killer’s antics. Harris gives a compelling performance of supervillain Shriek as a headstrong woman free after years in captivity. We are also reunited with returning supporting characters Mrs Chen (Peggy Lu), Anne (Michelle Williams) and Dan (Ried Scott). All of which excel in a memorable scene where Venom chooses to use Mrs. Chen as his host body.

In 2018’s predecessor Venom, it felt like the symbiote was held back from saying and acting in a more foul-mothered manner. This time around, Marcel pushes the bar in that territory. However, there are rare moments when the voice-altering technology makes it difficult to understand everything Venom says. This fun Comic Book adaptation wouldn’t be complete without action sequences. Director Andy Serkis, who’s no stranger to CGI, manages to make each action scene clear to see and understand. A challenge that many would fail at, specifically in the CGI symbiote fights.

With a fast steady pace and short runtime, Venom: Let There Be Carnage packs in equal amounts of Action and Comedy. There’s also a mid-credit scene that will thrill Marvel fans and leave them highly anticipating Venom’s next big-screen adventure.

Sony Pictures Canada releases VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE on Friday, October 1, 2021.