Venom (2018 film) = Finished

HOLY CRAP VENOM

I walked in expecting very little. The trailer primed me to expect a so-so action thriller with a dull villain and some occasional fish out of water body horror comedy.

Venom smashed every one of those expectations.

Let's clear up a matter of genre first - Venom is a thriller only in terms of pacing. In tone and purpose, it is a buddy action comedy of the highest order. Disorientation is the order of the day, frenetic camerawork and surprisingly incredible, winding performances adding to the sense that both Venom and the movie itself are just on the edge of gleefully spiraling entirely out of control.

Riz Ahmed plays the part of double-faced Silicon Valley icon Carlton Drake to perfection. Tom Hardy nails his dual role as cocky reporter (with depth) Eddie Brock, and a chaotic but caring Venom. The movie hinges on their dynamic, and lord does it deliver. Venom is hilarious, even at his most horrifying. Michelle Williams makes the most of a small role as lawyer Anne Weying, and her healthy dynamic with Eddie Brock pre and post-breakup is a highlight. Even Anne's later boyfriend, some doctor named Dan, was a really great, helpful guy.

It's an imminently likable experience all around, and I can't think of a single character performance, visual effect, or bombastic, gooey setpiece that I didn't enjoy.

In terms of execution, there's no way to get around it.
Venom is also just really, really well-made movie.

It's one of the best examples I've seen of efficient storytelling. The two-hour runtime flies by. BAM you learn about the symbiotes. BAM you meet Eddie Brock. BAM you see Carlton Drake's public persona. BAM Eddie Brock loses his job due to innate character flaws. BAM Eddie Brock is set on an inevitable road to meet Venom himself. Narrative threads are set up and knocked down effortlessly, like clay pigeons shot out of the sky by an expert hunter.

I laughed - hard, loudly - more than I have in years.

Watch this movie.
Just, uh...skip the trailer.