Why is Venom 2 Less Serious Than The First Movie?

Like many fans, I was intrigued by the changes in the character of Venom in the second film, with his more goofy personality and a less demotic voice. This article delves into the reasoning behind these changes and whether they enhance or detract from the overall experience of the movie.

Characterization Shifts in Venom 2

While some fans may have reservations, it's important to understand that the goofiness and the lighter tone in Venom 2 is not entirely out of place for the character. Venmar, the character, has always had a bit of a zany and eccentric edge, which has made him an endearing and memorable figure in the comics and subsequent adaptations.

Incorporating Humor into the Script

One of the primary reasons for this shift, according to the producers, was to emulate the style and humor seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). There's a clear rationale behind considering comedy as a valuable addition to the original film. However, the producers based the comedic approach on the modern books where the symbiote takes on more of a humorous role than in the older comics where it primarily mirrored Eddie Brock's character.

Interestingly, while the script attempts to shift the focus to the symbiote and make it a more dominant character, this approach causes a disconnect. It feels as though the symbiote is meant to be the funny one of the duo, but the writing ends up making the symbiote seem like a version of Eddie that doesn't quite gel with the actual Eddie in the film. This misalignment creates a somewhat contradictory character dynamic.

Character Development and Arc

Despite these missteps, the film does attempt a character arc that sees Eddie and the symbiote learning to coexist and appreciate each other. The film traces a semi-competent arc where Eddie must adapt to living with the symbiote and understanding the benefits and downsides of their partnership. One of the most memorable scenes highlighting this is the "mask" scene, which I specifically enjoy. It encapsulates the dynamic between the two characters and adds depth to the story.

The relationship between Eddie and the symbiote is one of the highlights of the film, largely thanks to Tom Hardy's portrayal of both characters. The chemistry and the comedic interplay between the two versions of the character are noteworthy and contribute to the overall enjoyment of the movie.

Film's Flaws and Criticisms

However, the film is not without its flaws. Eddie and the symbiote don't align well as a team, with the symbiote often acting as a second Eddie rather than a partner. The secondary characters also feel unfulfilled, especially Carnage, who is portrayed in a way that detracts from the character's potential. The symbiote's voice being toned down and its dialogues made more comedic and goofy was intended to make it more appealing, but this decision was met with mixed reactions. Some found it annoying, while others appreciated the humor.

One specific scene that stands out is the chickens scene. Despite not understanding why it amused me, the scene provided a rare moment of giggles and comic relief, which can be valuable in a film that has been criticized for its lack of light moments.

In conclusion, while the decision to make the symbiote more goofy and talkative in Venom 2 was a strategic attempt to follow the MCU style and provide more comic relief, it doesn't always work. The film's success lies in how well these comedic elements mesh with the character's development and the overall narrative. My personal take is that the film averages, with some standout moments and areas that need improvement.

Conclusion

Thus, while the changes in Venom 2 improve the film's entertainment value, they also require a fine balance between humor and character development. The producers, alongside Tom Hardy, achieved some success, but the film still faces criticism for the tone and character dynamics.