Venom Let There Be Carnage
I thoroughly enjoyed the first Venom film. Not an especially good film, but I found it immensely entertaining largely off the back of Tom Hardy's dual performance.
The second film lacks some of that energy as the characters are already established. Nevertheless I'd say this film is tighter in places the first was not. Mainly in the story. Also the journey of Brock and Venom's relationship from toxic to something more loving (of which the gay element is almost overt and all the better for it) is very endearing and the solid backbone of the film.
I'm not without criticism. Woody Harrelson is fine as carnage but I thought back to his performance in Natural Born Killers a number of times and couldn't help be a little disappointed. Not too much though, I don't exactly want him trying to replicate a previous role from a completely different film.
Also, the film is front heavy. It kind of rushes to it's conclusion because it spent so much time setting up the conflict between Brock and Venom. Still, not especially bothered by this because the set up is good even if does mess with the pacing.
Overall I enjoyed this film, but for different reasons to why I enjoyed the first.
The Running Man
Cheesy Schwarzenegger violent sci-fi action from the 80's. I find it a fun romp and have a lot of affection for it. That said, there is something that has never sat right for me. Richard's is violent towards Mendez, tying her up, holding her captive and threatening further violence to coerce her into doing what she wants. It makes the kiss at the end really creepy.
I do like Maria Conchita Alonso's character despite that. I like her agency and charisma and it's a fun performance.