Venom Review
I had a lot of fun watching this one. The action shots are a bit of a throwback, and the film is a mix of superhero, science fiction, horror, monster, thriller, and action. Add some humor and a dash of romance and you have quite the blender movie.
Now I’ve never read the Venom comics, so I don’t know how close it stuck to the source material. I will say the villain was a bit two-dimensional and could’ve used a bit more empathy and fleshing out.
Hardy, however, was great in the role. He pulled off the physical humor well and it will remind you a little of Bruce Campbell in Evil Dead II. It’s Hardy’s performance that sells the story and he was brilliant.
The relationship between Hardy’s character and Venom was great and rather funny. Again, credit to Hardy for pulling it off. The story played the human element right, giving the relationships just enough screen time.
And all head chomping by Venom is done off-screen.
It’s not a great film but it’s definitely a fun way to pass the time. Recommended.
Extended Aquaman Trailer
Over five minutes of awesomeness!
IWSG
Thanks to everyone who participated last week, including the awesome co-hosts and admins.
Speaking of co-hosts we need some!!! We need two more for November 7. Plus if you can co-host on January 2 (the day we announce the winners of the IWSG Anthology Contest), that would be great.
Co-hosts just have to visit twenty blogs in their given range.
Leave a comment here or email me if you want to volunteer. It’s more fun on the host side…
Visit the IWSG site for details.
You don’t want to miss it.
This month’s challenge - Déjà vu or Voodoo.
Add your name to the list, write your story, post on your blog or Facebook, and visit others.
And there are prizes!
Full details at the WEP site regarding genre, length, etc.
Déjà vu or Voodoo – do you?
Here are the propts for the IWSG Instagram the next two months:
IWSG member Christopher Votey has created a cool course and program and IWSG members get a discount!
The second part of the course teaches you how to use wiki software, great for your installation and for being able to edit any online wiki (ie, Wikipedia, Wikia).
My course is $49.99, but I want to do something special for all of those who’ve show support for this site. When you check out, enter the following codes:
IWSG80 – Get Course for $9.99 (10 Available)
IWSG50 – Get Course for $24.99 (20 Available)
IWSG25 – Get Course for $36.99 (50 Available)
Get the full details at Christopher’s site and take advantage of his generosity!
Finally, this is the last month to submit to the IWSG Anthology Contest.
Young adult romance is the genre and masquerade the theme.
Entry is free, just need to be a member of the IWSG on some level.
See the site for details.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be in a royalty-paying anthology!
New Releases
A supernatural compilation of the anthologies Twisted Earths , Mayhem in the Air , Ghosts of Fire , and Spirits in the Water . These forty thrilling tales feature authors Angela Brown, Jeff Chapman, Cathrina Constantine, Julie Flanders, River Fairchild, Gwen Gardner, Misha/M. Gerrick, Meradeth Houston, Graeme Ing, Simon Kewin, M. Pax, Christine Rains, Cherie Reich, and Catherine Stine.
Find it on Amazon, iTunes, and Barnes and Noble
Gwen is exhilarated to be part of Earth’s first space colony until a handsome alien with his own agenda makes contact.
Now available on Amazon
Sometimes in order to let go of the past, we have to fight for our future…
Get it from these retailors
Movie Trivia
Anyone else see Venom? Excited for Aquaman? Can you co-host? Participating in WEP or the anthology contest? Picking up some new books? And do you know the trivia?
Looking forward to Venom, Tom Hardy is a good actor, reviews are mixed but I'll still watch it!
ReplyDeleteAm super happy to see you on the list! Looking forward to the horrorfest - it's going be megafun.
ReplyDeleteVenom sounds like one for my guys! They do like Tom Hardy's movies.
ReplyDeleteThis Aquaman isn't orange and green! Nor is his hair short and blond! I don't know if I could make the leap from his version in Superfriends. :D
I apologise for missing this months IWSG had no internet. There appears to be much going on between Facebook and Twitter (Which I don't belong to) perhaps I should. A wonderful post full of news and reviews Alex.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Venom and Aquaman both look like interesting movies. Adding those to my list to be watched. Congrats to those with new releases.
ReplyDeleteHi, ALex!
ReplyDelete"a mix of superhero, science fiction, horror, monster, thriller, and action. Add some humor and a dash of romance and you have quite the blender movie."
Sounds like Venom is my kind of film, good buddy. All that's missing is sharks falling from the sky. :)
I wonder if audiences will ever grow tired of the blockbuster superhero and fantasy genres. At the end of the day I'd rather watch a small dramatic indie film with real human characters, just saying...
Enjoy your week, good buddy Alex!
Fran, you'll enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteNila, I'm going more for comedic fun.
Elizabeth, trust me, I'm a fan and I'm glad he doesn't look like that!
Shady, no! No sharks in the sky. As long as they keep making good films, I'll keep going to see superhero flicks.
the film is a mix of superhero,
ReplyDeletescience fiction, horror, monster,
thriller, and action. Add some
humor and a dash of romance
and you have quite the blender movie.
The Venom seems to have all the works. Should meet everyone's aspiration. Hope Hank should get to see it!
Hank
I'll probably wait for netflix to watch Venom. Sure a lot going on indeed. Actually joining the WEP too, look at you!
ReplyDeleteJack Palance
Christopher Lloyd
Congrats to everyone with new releases!
ReplyDeleteI saw a preview of Venom in the theaters awhile back. I don't usually watch a lot of comic book/super hero kind of movies, but that looked fun. :)
ReplyDeleteThe trivia answers are so close, but they are apparently lost in some sort of brain fog. Maybe some more coffee might help.....
Aquaman actually looks pretty good. Not my usual type of film, but it doesn't hurt that it has Jason Momoa in it :-)
ReplyDeleteCongrats to everyone on their new releases. I've already picked up a copy of Untethered Realms.
Does it feel like it's right for the Venom movie to be about a murderous character and to not show any of the gore? Most movies that try to do this feel faint-hearted and insincere to the narratives they're selling.
ReplyDeleteI'm psyched for what James Wan could do with Aquaman. That chase scene in the extended trailer was great!
Hank, it does offer something for just about everyone. As long as they can handle the other elements.
ReplyDeletePat, yes I am!
Ellen, that's what my wife says about Aquaman.
John, I had my doubts as well. They could have gone for the R rating. But it works. And yes, everything about the extended trailer is awesome.
My plan is to go see Venom this week.
ReplyDeleteWe'll see if that works out.
I have been hearing such mixed reviews about Venom ... I will still watch it, with low expectations. Who knows, I might end up really liking it ;)
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks for posting about Raven's Sight!
No I didn't see Venom and I probably won't.
ReplyDeleteThe Alien and the Teacher could be the title of a book about my wife and I. She's a teacher and some people think I'm kind of like an alien.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
To be honest, none of the upcoming movie releases are enticing me right now. I think we're just hanging on for the GoT finale :)
ReplyDeleteJack Palance is one cool but weird dude. I think Christopher Lloyd is the 2nd answer. I have heard nothing but horrible reviews for Venm so I may pass on this flick unless it is on TV. Congrats to the People you highlighted today.
ReplyDeleteHi, Alex,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review and trailer.... AND CONGRATS TO authors of Elements, Susan, and Juliana for their new releases!
Fun trivia questions... I thought it was Billy Crystal at first,,,,but yes, Jack Pallance and Christopher Lloyd,
Glad the 'head chomping' is done off screen. LOL
ReplyDeleteJuliana, you're welcome!
ReplyDeleteLee, that's funny.
Birgit, you are correct.
Michael, you got it.
Hi Alex - good luck with all the co-hosting ... I'm sure people will be putting their hand up. I'll be doing the WEP story ... suspect not a story as such, but an entry. I can't get my head round those films - one day perhaps! Have a good week ... from a very wet Vancouver Island and Thanksgiving Day = grotty! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteMovie trivia: Jack Palance (had to think for a minute then remembered the one-handed push ups on the Oscars!) and Christopher Lloyd.
ReplyDeleteDon't know if I'll watch Aquaman (not a fan of the actor), but I saw a trailer for Nutcracker Suite and the 4 Realms (or named something like that) by Disney and I'm looking forward to watching that one.
I accidentally drove behind Doc Brown's car (the one used in the movie, I assume) when I was in Hollywood this past year. Alas, I don't know his name.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, Alex.
Wow! So much going on, Alex. Thanks for keeping all the IWSG people informed. I'm not on instagram--yet. I can barely keep up with the other social media sites. I'm all for using outdoor environments for story. They are my usual go-to places to set my YA short adventure stories in. Man! I should know Doc Brown's actor. My kids loved the Back to the Future series. All best to you, sir.
ReplyDeleteOoh, ooh. Can't wait for Aquaman!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see Aquaman. Congrats to the authors of the new releases.
ReplyDeleteIf life eases up, I may see Venom in the theater. I definitely want to see Aquaman in a theater! I don't have a smart phone so I cannot do Instagram nor am I tempted. Walk down a street and most people are glued to their phones, ignoring the world all around them. If we are headed into a Dark Age in Technology, most will be ill-equipped to survive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uihwQRmBOvg Happy new week@+!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to Jason Momoma, errrr, I mean Aquaman ;)
ReplyDeleteVenom and Aquaman both look amazing. As to co-hosting, I can help in December if you still need someone.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure about Venom, though Tom Hardy is always an interesting actor. I'm more psyched for A Star is Born....
ReplyDeleteAquaman could be very cheesy, but I like the actor.
Happy Columbus Day! Enjoy October
Robyn, that's wild!
ReplyDeleteRoland, and it was what, only ten years ago that few people had smart phones?
Tonja, thanks!
I guess the critics hated Venom, but that's not what I'm hearing from regular folk. Let's see, for the trivia... Jack Palance and Christopher Lloyd.
ReplyDeleteFalling behind to have my anthology submission edited in time, plus my WEP post. At least, I'm writing something and staying sane. Movies can wait - sorry.
ReplyDeleteI can co-host in January.
ReplyDeleteI'm not raising my expectations for the Venom movie, but I am looking forward to see it.
Roland, keep at it.
ReplyDeletePatricia, thanks!
Awesome there's going to be another twitter contest. Sorry I can't be a IWSG co-host yet but hoping to have time after the 1st of the year.
ReplyDeleteHi, Alex! I think I would find Venom too intense, even if the head chomping is done off screen. I've never recovered from seeing the alien burst out of John Hurt's chest in the first "Alien." Sorry, but I'm unable to volunteer to co-host right now. I hate to think that there is another hurricane headed for the southeast. I hope you don't face more flooding. Take care!
ReplyDeleteI saw Venom this weekend and had about the same take-away as you did, which was unfortunate. Tom Hardy did do an excellent job, but they slow-started the Venom angle and sped through the character merging arc. Imagine if they'd have allowed him to navigate daily life with Venom as his inner side kick...some shenanigans could have been had! Instead, they rushed the Venom change. It could have been an epic movie, and instead they get a decent rating.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting my course. I hope fellow IWSG take advantage of this offer, as I firmly believe it will one day change the face of writing. I dream big, but I really believe in what I've done.
ReplyDeleteNatalie, that would be great.
ReplyDeleteFundy, I hope we don't either.
Elizabeth, hopefully they'll have more time to explore it in the next one, which the teaser at the end set up nicely.
Chris, you're welcome!
OMG I HAVE GOT TO SEE THAT AQUAMAN! WHEN WHERE WHAT TIME... GOTTA GO! I LOVED IT! It looks so awesome... dang, I want the video too... WOW! LET ME KNOW PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE!!!! Thanks for posting that one. I haven't seen a movie out I wanted to really see in a long time. I wonder if they're gonna have any cool Christmas movies out this year... :( It's time we really need a good one!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I saw the trailer for venom I declared, "I'm out"! Not my thing at all. I also noticed the creature resembles another creature from a movie ( or tv show) I just can't put my finger on it. I know he has pennywise teeth but isn't there another creature in a movie that looks like this?
ReplyDeleteAquaman os definitely on our list though. Big HUgs my friend!
I wondered how Venom would be. Glad you enjoyed it. Not sure if I'll get to see it, but maybe someday I'll catch it on Netflix.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for Aquaman. Thanks for mentioning Elements of Untethered Realms!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I want to see Venom, but I can't wait for Aquaman!! Congrats everyone on your new releases! Take Care Alex!
ReplyDeleteMarie, it comes out this December! I won't let you miss it.
ReplyDeleteHey Katherine! Venom looks a bit like an Alien. Maybe that's it?
Cherie, you're welcome!
I'm already co-hosting for December, I believe, and looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Venom yet, but I'm a huge Spiderman fan--I've just yet to accept the reboot. What was wrong with Tobey Maguire?
I'll let the people in my writing groups know about the WEP contest. I hope to start my contest entry for the anthology very soon.
ReplyDeleteI can co-host in December – or January or February next year.
ReplyDeleteHi Alex. Venom sounds so exciting! I'm a huge hardy fan and want to see it so bad. It's on my list.
ReplyDeleteThat Aquaman trailer looks amazing.
If you still need co-hosts for December, I can help. :)
ReplyDeleteJH, yes you are!
ReplyDeleteCarrie-Anne, you have less than four weeks. Get to it.
Patsy, December would be great!
Chrys, thanks!
Tom Hardy in Venom, Now theres a sci-fi movie for me. He's got that invincibility factor about him thats convincing.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to Venom and Aquaman.
ReplyDeleteWoot woot to Elements of Untethered Realms! :)
ReplyDeleteTom Hardy is unquestionably one of the great actors.
ReplyDeleteI found Venom a bit disjointed, but still fun nonetheless. I'm sad to say Michelle Williams was horrible in it.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for Aquaman. Looks right up my alley.
Terrific post as usual. You always have a chuck full of information. Will need to check out Venom!
ReplyDeleteYou always have your finger on so many things that are going on. I'm not sure how you keep up!
ReplyDeleteAnd for once, I think I actually know the trivia answers. Go, me.
George, Aquaman is shaping up to be as great as Wonder Woman.
ReplyDeleteLynda, go you!
I'm looking forward to seeing both Venom and Aquaman. I love the humor that we get to glimpse in the Aquaman trailer.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely going to update my next post to include all the amazing things going on with IWSG.
Jack Palance and Christopher Lloyd?
ReplyDeleteAquaman--I love that Jason Momoa's performance shows that Aquaman is just a guy who has down home language. Nothing noble at all, nothing to hide. Just says it, like when he leaps from a plane "Red heads".
How was it in your area today? We lost power for about five hours, but it's back on and the sun is shining. Whew.
ReplyDeleteThat Aquaman trailer looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteMy sis-in-law saw Venom the other night and she commented how some hardcore Venom fans would probably be upset because they changed his backstory. It was him and the symbiot's mutual hatred of Spiderman that bonded them, but Spiderman wasn't even mentioned in the movie. I pointed out they could blame the screenplay writers for streamlining the story into a self-encapsulated story (which I feel is a good thing).
You cracked me up regarding head chomping off camera. Oh and the first question answer is Billy Crystal.
ReplyDeleteSorry, but the trailers for Venom kinda gross me out. But maybe Aquaman will be interesting for me.
ReplyDeleteHope you're doing okay in the current storm, Alex. Take care!
Susan, correct!
ReplyDeleteSusan, not too bad. Rain and wind but never lost power.
Loni, plus they might be being careful how they add Venom to th Marvel universe.
Eva, close!
Helena, walk in the park compared to Florence!
I'm not sure if "Venom" is my kinda movie or not. At least the (shudder) "head-chomping" happens off-screen, but the picture of that monster is enough to give me nightmares. (The Wraiths on that TV show we used to watch on Sci-Fi... Stargate, maybe?... still give me the creeps...)
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of familiar names in the new Untethered anthology, so natch, I just bought it. Thanks for the heads up!
I love Tom Hardy, but I'm more excited about seeing Jason as Aquaman!.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend Alex.
I don't think I have even heard of Venom before reading this post. I do look forward to seeing Aquaman.
ReplyDeleteI remember City Slickers- but not sure who got the award. Billy Crystal?
~Jess
Alex, looking forward to your comedic fun for the WEP challenge!
ReplyDeleteSusan, might want to skip Venom then.
ReplyDeleteCathrina, so is my wife.
Jess, close!
Denise, it will amuse.
I'm excited for Aqua Man. Probably one I'll go to on opening night w/my boy, if we're not too tired after work/school. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved City Slickers but cannot remember who won the oscar. But I do know Christopher Lloyd was Doc Brown. He was so great in that role. Also, I have a movie suggestion for you and your wife: A Simple Favor.
ReplyDeleteI wish Aquaman didn't look so "dark." In the comics he's much more "light" in his features and attitude.
ReplyDeleteI would love to co-host so let me know if you still need help there...
Venom isn't my kind of film, but oh well. I like your review!
So much going on, and the only thing I know was your trivia answers. Trivia has been dominating our life lately, as we just spent the last three weeks cruising from Los Angeles home to New Zealand, and played trivia 2-3 times per day. Too bad neither of your questions were on the games we played but importantly all the superhero questions we got correct, I learned from your blog!
ReplyDeleteHoly cowbells, you've got a lot happening on your site, Alex! That was a great movie trailer!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to see Venom then. I like fun movies.
ReplyDeleteI would pretty much see Tom Hardy in anything. He is an amazing actor.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout out, Alex. I haven't seen Venom but it sounds like something for a rainy Saturday night.
ReplyDeleteSo much going on with IWSG. You guys are amazing. Would like to volunteer to co-host but I have my granddaughter and she doesn't let me sit at my computer much. I take a turn next summer when her teacher parents are off work.
I think it's time to clean up my email list again. I totally missed this post. Loved your review of Venom. It's spot on. There's so much going on with the IWSG, it hard to keep up with it all, but it's so exciting. Great post.
ReplyDelete