I'm thinking of the best way to summarize this movie. Imagine watching a Deadpool movie, without Deadpool, it's PG13 and about 20 minutes have clearly been edited out. Also, take all the background music and editing techniques from a 90s, live-action Batman movie, include all the action and CGI in the trailers (because you've already seen it all) and you get this movie. It mostly feels like a mash of Hollywood tropes older audiences have seen countless times.

With that said, what carries this movie are the characters. It's so entertaining watching the relationship between Eddie and Venom grow throughout these movies. The banter and dialogue is surprisingly well done and most of the jokes in these scenes are funny. So yes, oddly enough, the best part of this movie is the comedy between Eddie and Venom.

All the actors do a serviceable job, but we really only care about Venom, Carnage and their human counter-parts. Although, Ms. Chen is a very lovable character. I actually want to see her return. I will say, Woody really leans into the cheesiness of his character. That Batman reference wasn't random, he feels like a villain from a 90s, live-action Batman movie. The only thing missing from his protroyal were cringey one-liners.

This is basically a great movie being held back by too many things. When Carnage came onscreen a lot of the action felt sanitized and heavily edited, then I remembered that this is PG13. You're going to "Let there be Carnage!" without an R-rating? It makes no sense. I also think Andy Serkis wanted to make this movie feel like a Saturday morning cartoon from the 90s. Well...he accomplished that. So if that's what you're expecting, you'll probably give this a higher score.

I was also hoping for more action scenes I haven't already seen. This movie would be much more enjoyable if you haven't seen all the trailers. There is a "surprise" mid-credits scene but honestly, just have a friend tell you what it is. You should just wait to watch this on streaming.