‘Venom’ defanged by critics

Sony’s first push into a connected super-hero universe, Venom, hits theaters Friday.

The popular Spider-Man villain gets his own full-length solo turn, with Tom Hardy in the titular role. But is it any good? If you listen to critics, you may want to stick with the comic book source material.

As of 10/4/18, Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomotometer has the flick sitting at a brutal 30% rating. Here’s what some of the site’s Top Critics had to say:

“Mostly derivative and generically plotted” (Owen Glieberman, Variety)

“The latest movie off the Marvel assembly line is a disaster on every level, from the hatchet-job writing to the horrid performances.” (Johnny Oleskinsi, New York Post)

“It’s noncommittally mediocre and, as a result, forgettable. It just sort of sits there, beating you numb” (Chris Nashawaty, EW)

“The action? It’s repetitive enough to bore you breathless. And the special effects are strictly bottom shelf.” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone)

“Leaping from plot point to plot point without the hindrance of logic or characters” (Alonso Duralde, The Wrap)

“Directed with flat, joyless competence” (Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times)

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