Tag: tom-hardy

Film Review: A Venomous Farewell

~ Peter Kanelis ~ Leave a comment

Venom: The Last Dance continues a string of mediocrity in the latest comic book films from Marvel. Tom Hardy reprises his role as Eddie Brock/Venom in what is promised to be the final entry into a trilogy. Kelly Marcel wrote the screenplay and serves as director. The cast includes Juno Temple, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rhys Ifan, Stephen Graham, Peggy Lu, and Andy Serkis.

Basically, some imprisoned tyrant from Venom’s home planet has sent some strange, demonic creatures through these space/time portals to find something called a Codex. They find Earth where Venom has to elude these creatures and the government because he is wanted for murder due to some events in the previous film. There are battles across the country and mountains. Venom and Eddie are bonded, but that connection seems to be the catalyst for impending destruction of Earth.

Hardy is talented and interesting enough to make this at least watchable. The story is not that interesting, probably due to the main villain, a guy named Knull, not being able to move. The special effects were well done, and there were some cool fight scenes. I just don’t find Venom as witty or amusing as the writers intend for him to be. Venom has a hunger for brains but will only eat those of the most despicable of people. All kinds of symbiotes are introduced. Of course, this is what Venom is. He is an alien symbiote who bonds with a host and gives them superpowers. In the comics, Venom was bonded to Peter Parker and had abilities similar to those of Spider-Man. The initial introduction has been ignored in these films.

My reaction to the film was mildly amused, but this was not one of the better of the Marvel output. Comic book films require a lot of grace in order to find some enjoyment, but this one almost stretched my willingness to give that beyond endurance.

It’s not the worst film in the franchise, but I can understand why the enthusiasm and the box office returns have been somewhat lackluster.

Film Review: Motorcycles And Mayhem In Chicago

~ Peter Kanelis ~ Leave a comment

The Bikeriders, written and directed by Jeff Nichols, has an interesting premise and a talented, compelling cast, but it does seem to feel longer than it actually is. Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Mike Faist, and Norman Reedus are part of a pretty solid cast in this film based on the book by Danny Lyon.

The Vandals are a fictional motorcycle club in Chicago. They like to drink, fight, and cause some mischief, but as the years roll on, they become something a bit more sinister. Danny Lyon is a writer and photographer who has managed to be allowed to observe and interview the group. Most of the tale is related by Kathy, played by Comer, who is married to Austin Butler’s Benny, one the youngest riders with the Vandals. She tells Lyon of the complicated and trying camaraderie among the group and how they were led into deeper criminal activities, and how her husband was ruled by his sense of loyalty to the club. Tom Hardy portrays the leader known as Johnny and is unsurprisingly rather compelling.

All of the main performances were quite good. Comer does a great job with her character and some of the narration she provides during her interview scenes. Hardy really has an interesting and complicated role here. Austin Butler, who is kind of a rising star, is pretty good, but the more experienced cast members keep the bar pretty high here. Hardy and Comer, in particular, were fairly captivating.

In spite of the violence and other sorts of mayhem, the film still manages to drag a bit at times. There are some very interesting examinations exploring some of the motivations for being a part of this outlaw motorcycle club. I kind of liked the presence of Mike Faist as Danny Lyon and how he was tolerated by the club. The interview set-up was pretty well-done. I found Kathy to be particularly charming as a narrator. It’s hard not to like her and feel some sympathy for her as she navigates this complicated dynamic with her husband being a part of a motorcycle club.

The film has a lot of great components, but somehow it falls short of being a great cinematic experience. The moments that seemed to bog the story down are pretty noticeable. It may be that I need to take some time away and watch the film later to see if a second viewing will improve my outlook. I would still recommend going to see it. I wouldn’t be surprised if this film showed up in some sociology classes in the future.

Anyway, it’s another film with some flaws, but it’s still worthwhile to give it some attention.