Bizzare and stale “Venom” fails to impress.

One of Spiderman’s most famous villains finally gets a stand-alone but was it worth the wait?

Long story short – no.

While investigating the brilliant yet evil Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed), journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) becomes the host of a strange symbiote called Venom, which gives Eddie superhuman strength, powers, and a rather eye-opening appetite. The two must learn to work together and live with each other to take down Drake.

Compared to the comic book renaissance of emotional storytelling we have experienced over the last couple of years, Venom feels stale – almost like it would have been a better fit for the early 2000’s. The script is lazy, loud, and formulaic with sprinkles of entertainment, which is thanks in part to Tom Hardy and his witty, comedic relationship with Venom.

If you’re looking for a good boredom watch and just dumb, easy entertainment, this is your movie. Otherwise, there isn’t much to see here. Just rough CGI, clunky action, a gross tongued creature, and a bad Michelle Williams wig (seriously, why can’t someone find her a good wig?).

Final Thoughts: Despite some shining comedic moments, the cast, story, and character of Venom deserved better.