Let me start assuring you, I am always a Tom Hardy fan. As a performer, he brings an uncommon realism to films that are lucky enough to have him. His voice is one of the most imitated among modern actors. He serves as a vocal chameleon. But I took issue with his latest movie Venom.

The story was entertaining and I feel I got my money's worth. Yet, the plot was so riddled with holes that I could not help but feel a little insulted. In terms of character progression, Eddie Brock and hi symbiote counterpart develop too slowly at first and then assume a sudden change of heart. The film was 80 percent backstory, 10 percent climax, and 10 percent credits. At other times, it felt as though the screenwriter meant to be humorous while the director wanted a darker tale. Tom Hardy's voice also bounced around from soft Bane to squeaky New Yorker.

Of course, it is only fair that I offer some advice to pair with my scrutiny. Venom's producers need to look at Deadpool for inspiration. Deadpool uses humor to such a degree that the audience laughingly overlooks plot holes and deus ex machina devices. Venom needs not take itself too seriously in the next installment.

After all, I had a good time in the theatre. I likely would not pay to see it again, but I don't regret going in the first place.