Venom: Let There Be Carnage

In this sequel, Tom Hardy returns as Eddie Brock, loser and host to Venom.  The first film

was enjoyable, but drags in places, making me nervous for round two since VLTBC has a

surprising run time of only 90 minutes.  Fortunately, director Andy Serkis and writers Tom

Hardy and Kelly Marcel take full advantage of the time constraint and waste no time

getting things popping and keeping the pacing on target.

Picking up where the original film left off (if you haven’t seen it or need a refresher, I

recommend you give that one a look prior to seeing this, no time is spent catching you up

on anything) we’re thrown into the world of insane serial killer Cletus Kasady/Carnage

(Woody Harrelson) and the stage is set for the ultimate symbiote showdown.

Once again, Tom Hardy shines as he acts against himself, the ebb and flow and resulting chaos delights.  Venom brings the funny as well as a surprising amount of vulnerability, insight, and heart.  The budding bromance between the two is fun.  Woody Harrelson is just plain creepy fun.  Bonus, they improved his wig so I didn’t waste time thinking about how jacked up and ridiculous his hair was (I’m still not over Pedro Pascal’s don’t in “Wonder Woman 1984”). The rest of the cast is solid, but largely underutilized.  

In terms of plot, it’s pretty basic.  Just enough to get from point A to point B and the resulting battle.  There’s enough to tie everything together and keep things progressing, but it’s far from deep or expansive. Yet, it works as far as it goes, so…

There are fewer action sequences this go around, but what there is solid and pretty exciting. With a PG-13 rating there’s only so far they could push things, so it’s not terribly graphic or overly violent for what it is.  

When all is said and done, “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” is an entertaining hour and a half that’s worth a look on the big screen.  Fair warning as always, be sure to stay for the mid credit sequence. It's intriguing to say the least.  

I’m giving this one a solid 8.

Free Guy

Not being a gamer, video game films are extremely hit and miss with me. So gamers you may want to take this with the proverbial grain of salt. 

But Free Guy, starring the affable Ryan Reynolds has been touted to be the feel good film of the summer.  A tall order for sure, but one I decided was worth the risk, so I again masked up and headed to my local theater.  Hoping against hope I wasn't left bored and regretting my decision.

Keeping it short and sweet I'll get straight to the point, I didn't.  

Free Guy while not a laugh riot is a solid, entertaining comedy that runs unexpectedly deep.  It's a fresh take on the typical gamer film that allows us non-gamers to go for a thrill ride without gamers feeling disappointed.  There are plenty of references, inside jokes, and Easter eggs for all to enjoy.  

In addition, the film kicks things up a level by being sweet, emotional, thought provoking, and heartwarming.  I loved every minute of it and couldn't help being invested in the characters, their relationships and the story.  I laughed, got weepy, stressed out, and left the theater with a big smile on my face.

The film's direction is terrific, the acting/chemistry spot on, the soundtrack kills, and the special effects are perfect.  Free Guy Some of the best use of cameos that are a pure delight.  

Free Guy is one of those rare films that is authentic, satisfying and leaves you wanting more.  Definitely worth a trip to the theater to see this one on the big screen.  

I'm gonna give it a 10. 

 

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings 

Once again, I've ventured forth to check out the latest Marvel Studios movie offering. "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" a 2 hour 12 minute origin film. Knowing basically nothing about the subject (beyond the brief references in "Ironman" and "Ironman III") I went in with no expectations beyond the hope of seeing an entertaining film.

A low bar to be sure, but one that was not only met but exceeded exponentially.

"Shang-Chi" is an entertaining, visually stunning (eye candy galore), thrilling cinematic ride from start to finish wrapped in an amazing soundtrack. Wonderfully directed, with an amazing cast (sadly, most of whom I'm unfamiliar with) solid plot filled with heart, humor and angst.

Marvel has delivered amazing action sequences in the past and takes it to the next level with "Shang-Chi". Mind blowing, fast paced hand-to-hand combat has you ducking and dodging in your seat and leaves you breathless.

In a few places the pacing is a bit choppy, but never causes tedium or restlessness.

Awkwafina once again delights and is the film's secret weapon. Her relationship/chemistry with Simu Liu's Shaun holds, molds, moves the film together perfectly. Friend goals! A necessity as you have to work a bit with this one to see the "big picture" .

"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" ushers in Phase 4 of the MCU with a bang and creates excitement for what's next for these characters as well as the MCU as a whole. Speaking of which, the film includes 2 must see credit sequences (one mid credit, one post) so stay until the very end.

And yes, I'm saying this is a film that begs to be seen in a movie theater and is well worth the trip. I'm giving this one an 8.5