Hi Guys!
Just got back from seeing it. Here is my review:
I definitely found it enjoyable. It is not nearly as dark as I was expecting, maybe even hoping, but it still had its moment. Frankly if Marvel/Disney had the cojones (or were contractually able) to do a standalone Venom movie it probably would have walked a line very similar to this. As others have noted, Tom Hardy definitely throws himself into the role (literally!), playing both Brock and Venom, and you can tell he had a good time doing so. The film itself is a bit slow in the beginning but once Our titular anti-hero begins to manifest, it's full speed ahead for the rest of the film. The movie is certainly not your typical superhero film, it is definitely different, is trying to be different, and it succeeds in mostly all the right ways. It knows that it is a silly comic book movie, and it has fun with it, along with its lead actor. It kind of reminds me of the TV show Gotham, in that it relishes in its own dark absurdity. Plenty of Easter Eggs for nerds, and a great first after credits scene (although there are two after credits scenes the second only comes at the very end of some very long credits, has nothing to do with the movie, and is not at all worth waiting around for if you have something else to do) that will have you looking forward to the presumed sequel.
All and all, a very solid effort in bringing a popular, though difficult character to bring to the big screen. 7.5 out of 10 for me!
-J.