We Are Venom! But Critics Aren’t…
Another Marvel Comics character’s standalone film means peak anticipation and even greater expectation among both fans and critics. Tomorrow marks the release of the latest Marvel antihero film “Venom“, and so far the reviews have been scarier than the symbiote himself. With only a 31% on Rotten Tomatoes and no Spider-Man connection to fall back on, it seems that there’s only one thing that can save this film: Tom Hardy. Hardy’s work as Eddie Brock/Venom has been receiving all of the available praise so far, so let’s look at some of his best work in preparation for what’s bound to be a killer performance tomorrow.
#5: Ricki Tarr – âTinker Tailor Soldier Spyâ (2011)
It may have been Gary Oldman that took home the lionâs share of the praise from critics, but this espionage flick also served as yet more proof that Tom Hardy is a force to reckon with in the acting world. As a field agent who set the movieâs plot in action by informing his superiors of a possible mole inside British Intelligence, he doesnât need much screen time to be remembered fondly, as he does the job so effectively in the time heâs given.
#4: Tommy Riordan Conlon – âWarriorâ (2011)
Casting a truly fearsome shadow, Tommy is an MMA fighter who walks in and out of a bout and just so happens to utterly destroy his opponent in between. Not taking any solace or delight in coming out on top of his fights, he seems most of all to be fighting himself and his family at every turn. Tommy may be a fictional character, but you never for a second think youâre watching an actor, which may be the greatest compliment of them all.
#3: Ivan Locke – âLockeâ (2013)
Told in real time and almost entirely shot directly in the face of Mr. Hardy, this drama offers little reprieve from his acting skills â but luckily, we donât want one. A man whose career and personal life are simultaneously being decimated by a massive mistake, Ivan Lockeâs priorities are clear, as is his desire to do whatâs right after doing something he never envisioned heâd do. There are few actors who have ever attempted to perform under such microscopic examination and that have not wilted under the pressure, and this speaks to Hardyâs ample skills. This film is among the handful of Hardy performances kept under the radar, but definitely worth seeing. For more, check out this video on the Top 5 Tom Hardy Films You’ve NEVER Seen:
#2: Charles Bronson / Michael Gordon Peterson – âBronsonâ (2008)
Casting an actor who is known for being tough, as a character who was so tough and feared that he spent almost his entire adult life in prison under solitary confinement seemed like a no brainer. While other tough guy actors would have turned the already over the top script into a cartoonish and goofy role, in this case, we got treated to a relatable maniac we hope we never meet in a dark alley. Even the real-life Bronson appreciated Hardyâs portrayal of him!
#1: Bane – âThe Dark Knight Risesâ (2012)
The man who broke the batâs back, Bane is a brutal man who envisions himself as the hero of the story, but also relishes the opportunity to wreak havoc on the people of Gotham. While he seems to be a cookie cutter villain, he is actually anything but. Entirely committed to the role, Tom packed on pound after pound of muscle and any comparison to other roles on this list are foolhardy. After seeing him take on this military revolutionary from the comic book world, there is virtually no role we wouldnât have confidence in him trying his hand at.
Do you think Hardy has what it takes to make “Venom” a must-see? Make sure to vote HERE on your favourite Tom Hardy performance!
For even more amazing Tom Hardy moments, including his work on more recent films like “Mad Max: Fury Road”, check out the video below on the Top 10 Best Tom Hardy Movie Moments