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    Movie Review

    Venom: Let There Be Carnage is one blunder after another

    Alex Bentley
    Sep 30, 2021 | 2:34 pm
    Venom: Let There Be Carnage is one blunder after another
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    Of all the various comic book characters to get their own showcase during the superhero era, Venom has to be one of most unlikely.

    The character first popped up as a villain in 2007’s Spider-Man 3 with Topher Grace as Eddie Brock/Venom, but made little impact because of the quality of the film and Grace’s performance. Tom Hardy took over the role in 2018’s Venom, a poorly reviewed but hugely successful film that took in $856 million worldwide.

    That box office — and an end credits teaser featuring Woody Harrelson — ensured there would be a sequel, which now arrives with the somewhat clunky title, Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

    After unsuccessfully trying to purge the symbiote Venom from his system in the first film, Eddie Brock spends his days mostly trying to satisfy the never-ending hunger of Venom. He halfheartedly accepts an assignment to interview Cletus Cassidy (Harrelson), a murderer who’s set to be executed.

    That visit proves disastrous, however, as an altercation allows Cletus to get a bit of Eddie’s blood, transforming him into Carnage. Cletus/Carnage proceeds to escape and go on a destruction spree, all while searching for his long-lost love, Frances/Shriek (Naomie Harris), who spent time with him in an institution. Naturally, only Eddie/Venom will be able to protect the city and those he loves, including former fiancée Anne (Michelle Williams), from the vicious pair.

    Directed by Andy Serkis and written by Kelly Marcel, the film is an incoherent mess from beginning to end. It’s clear that Venom is supposed to be a funny character, with his insatiable appetite and inappropriate comments, but the way he’s presented is far from entertaining.

    Much of this has to do with the god-awful CGI; perhaps having a being that’s constantly coming out of and surrounding the lead character was always going to be tough to present, but it’s still shocking just how bad it is.

    Even worse than the imagery is the complete lack of an interesting story. Hardy has a story credit and serves as one of the producers for this film, so he was clearly invested in trying to make it good. But he, Marcel, and Serkis failed miserably, serving up a bland, confusing storyline and allowing Harrelson and Harris to overact shamelessly. Save for a couple of mildly humorous one-liners, the script does nothing to liven things up, either.

    It’s strange that Hardy was chosen to play this role, as he doesn’t seem to have the energy that Eddie is supposed to have. Hardy has mostly been known for his intensity in films like Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, and Mad Max: Fury Road. Watching him try to be reserved, twitchy, and a little goofy is painful, as his natural demeanor is not a good fit for those traits.

    As previously mentioned, Harrelson and Harris go way over the top in their respective roles, and even though they’re the villains of the film, their lack of restraint is galling. Williams — who, it should be noted, is a four-time Oscar nominee — is once again wildly out of place, and even she can’t save her nothing of a role.

    Venom: Let There Be Carnage is even worse than the dog of a film that was the original. I’d love to say that this is the last we’ll see of the character, but an end credits teaser strongly hints at a return very soon. Maybe that appearance will make him enjoyable, but I doubt it.

    ---

    Venom: Let There Be Carnage opens in theaters on October 1.

    Tom Hardy in Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

    Tom Hardy in Venom: Let There Be Carnage
      
    Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures
    Tom Hardy in Venom: Let There Be Carnage.
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    Star-Spangled Celebrations

    Official list of 4th of July events and fireworks around Dallas in 2025

    Alex Bentley
    Jun 17, 2025 | 10:05 am
    Fair Park Fourth
    Photo courtesy of Fair Park
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    The Dallas area sure knows how to celebrate the 4th of July, with some kind of celebration taking place nearby no matter which city you call home. Some are big, some are relatively small, but all feature a great way to gather for Independence Day.

    With 4th of July falling on a Friday night, the celebrations start early in 2025, with events beginning the last weekend of June.

    We've gathered as close to a comprehensive list as there is can be of the big 4th of July-themed events happening in the Dallas area in 2025; for a list of Fort Worth-area events, click here.

    Saturday, June 28

    Ennis Freedom Fest
    Freedom Fest, presented by the City of Ennis, is a full-day event that features the Downtown Ennis Bluebonnet Market, the Red, White and Bike Parade, and an evening festival. The evening event features kids activities, music, food, and a fireworks show. Taking place at Veterans Memorial Park, the show begins at dark, but visitors must be in the park to see it.

    Town of Sunnyvale presents Red, White and Boom! Sunnyfest Celebration
    The Town of Sunnyvale will present their annual “Red, White and Boom!” Sunnyfest Celebration, featuring live music from country music artists Danielle Bradbery, who won season 4 of The Voice, and the Grammy-nominated David Nail. The event, taking place at Town Center Park, will also include fireworks, drone show, food, and family fun like bounce houses, a train ride, and games.

    Market Street Allen USA
    Market Street Allen USA is a summer party featuring music from Waterloo and Emerald City Band, food trucks, a skydiving show, and one of the best fireworks shows in Dallas-Fort Worth. While admission is free, all guests must have a ticket to enter Celebration Park, including infants and young children.

    Klyde Warren Park presents Independence Day Celebration
    4th of July events in Dallas proper get started with Klyde Warren Park's Independence Day Celebration, which will feature summer treats from a variety of food trucks, live music by Emerald City Band and DJ Richy Smart, family-fun games, and a pyrotechnic display for the grand finale.

    4th of July Celebration in Denton
    The 4th of July Celebration in Denton is a two-day event which starts with the annual Yankee Doodle Parade on June 28, featuring a variety of floats, organizations, and more. The parade takes place in and around Downtown Denton Square. On July 3, the Denton Noon Kiwanis Club will bring back the city’s fireworks show for Independence Day. Prior to the fireworks will be live music performances. That event takes place at the North Texas Fairgrounds.

    Tuesday, July 1

    Red White & Lewisville
    Red White & Lewisville, part of the Sounds of Lewisville series, will feature performances by The 8Tracks, a tribute to the icons of rock, and rising country star Kate Watson. The event will culminate with both a drone show and fireworks show. It takes place at Wayne Ferguson Plaza in Old Town Lewisville.

    Thursday, July 3

    City of Arlington presents Light Up Arlington
    Light Up Arlington is an Independence Day celebration that includes some of the top musical acts in Dallas-Fort Worth, vendors, food trucks, and kid-friendly fun. The evening ends with a big fireworks show. The event takes place in and around downtown Arlington.

    Lone Star Park presents Lone Stars & Stripes Celebration
    Lone Star Park's annual Lone Stars & Stripes Celebration on July 3 and 4 features live horse racing; live music on the Courtyard of Champions Stage from 3-9 pm, featuring The Mullet Boyz; family activities like a petting zoo, pony rides, face painters, airbrush tattoo artists, inflatable slides, obstacle course, and games. After the last race, there will be 20-minutes fireworks show, choreographed to music.

    Addison Kaboom Town!
    Addison Kaboom Town! is a townwide celebration, with watch parties hosted by many of the Town’s 200 restaurants. The official watch party at Addison Circle Park features food and drink vendors, musical entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The nationally-renowned fireworks show will be preceded by the Addison Airport Air Show, an aerial spectacle that can be seen from miles away. The air show will begin at 7:30 pm, two hours prior to the fireworks show.

    The Sound at Cypress Waters presents Sensory Sensitive 4th of July Celebration
    The Sound at Cypress Waters' annual Sensory Sensitive Fourth of July Celebration provides a fun and safe alternative to people and pets who deal with noise sensitivity. Traditional fireworks are replaced with LED bracelets that synchronize to create a dynamic and immersive light display. The event will also include a concert by Reputation, a Taylor Swift tribute band, a Dallas Symphony Orchestra Petting Zoo, arts and crafts, face painting, balloon art, a pet parade, and more.

    City of Garland presents Red, White & You
    The City of Garland's Red, White & You is an Independence Day celebration featuring live music, games for all ages, and fireworks. Performers will include Q the Band and American Bombshells. There will also be a variety of carnival rides, a bunch of food trucks, a pie eating contest, an outdoor skating rink, a fun house maze, and more. The event takes place in Garland City Square.

    Frisco Freedom Fest
    Frisco Freedom Fest will be a two-day event, starting on July 3 at Kaleidoscope Park with a night of fun, including the Party in the U.S.A. 5K race, a pet festival, cornhole tournament, and a drone show. It continues on July 4 at Simpson Plaza with with live music, a car show, kids activities & amusements, and a 20-minute fireworks show following the FC Dallas game against Minnesota United FC.

    City of Irving presents Sparks & Stripes
    The City of Irving's annual Independence Day celebration is a two-day event, featuring an evening event with live music, fireworks, drones, and more at Levy Event Plaza on July 3. It will be followed by a morning parade throughout the Irving's Heritage District on July 4, featuring marching bands, floats, and all things red-white-and-blue.

    City of Carrollton presents Independence Day Fireworks Show
    The City of Carrollton's annual Independence Day Fireworks Show takes place over Josey Ranch Lake. Residents are encouraged to view the fireworks from surrounding neighborhoods or from one of the available parking areas. There will be no on-site event; however, viewing from the grassy area around the site is allowed.

    Friday, July 4

    Arlington Independence Day Parade
    The Arlington Independence Day Parade is the oldest event in Arlington and one of the largest 4th of July parades in Texas. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the 2025 theme is “Shining Bright Since ’65, Arlington Independence Day Parade, Diamond Jubilee.” The parade, which features 120 entries, steps off at the intersection of West St. and Mitchell St., traveling around downtown Arlington.

    The Colony Parks & Recreation Department presents Liberty by the Lake
    The annual Liberty by the Lake is a daylong event that starts in the morning with the Liberty 5K, 10K & Mile Fun Run and Independence Day Parade. The main evening event at The Colony Five Star Complex features games, a watermelon eating contest, rides, food, live music, and more. The night will end with a fireworks show set to patriotic music.

    Dallas Winds presents "Star-Spangled Spectacular"
    Dallas Winds' annual "Star-Spangled Spectacular" is a red, white, and blue musical salute to mom, apple pie, and the American way, Dallas Winds style. There will be hot dogs, ice cream, and indoor fireworks. The event takes place at Meyerson Symphony Center.

    City of Rowlett presents Fireworks on Main
    The City of Rowlett's Fireworks on Main will feature a dazzling fireworks display, a performances by Emerald City Band, kids activities and games, food trucks, and more. The event takes place at Pecan Grove Park.

    Little Elm presents July Jubilee
    A year after essentially being flooded out, Little Elm's July Jubilee returns with a full event at Little Elm Park. The event will feature a performance by Empire6, on-site food trucks and bars, and a fireworks show over Lewisville Lake.

    Fair Park Fourth
    The biggest event in Dallas proper, Fair Park Fourth features hands-on activities for kids, local market vendors, live music, entertainment, food trucks, and other concession offerings. The event ends with a spectacular firework show, which guests can experience from across Fair Park. Indoor cooling areas will be available.

    Monument Realty PGA District presents Fireworks on the Fairway
    The annual Fireworks on the Fairway will feature live music by party band Downtown Fever, carnival games, food trucks, face painting, and more. The celebration will include a modern drones show followed by a traditional fireworks show. The event takes place at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort.

    The City of Plano presents All American 4th
    At Plano’s All American 4th, visitors can enjoy free games, a parade by The Rotary Clubs of Plano, and food from a wide variety of vendors and food trucks. The event culminates with a fireworks show over Oak Point Park, with music simulcast on 97.5 KLAK.

    Grapevine presents July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza
    The City of Grapevine may not put on a festival-style event like other cities, but their annual July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza is still a great spectacle, featuring fireworks shot of over Lake Grapevine, set to patriotic music. There will be a variety of viewing locations at or near the lake; locations will be announced in the weeks leading up to July 4.

    Saturday, July 5

    The Village Dallas presents Boots, Bites & Lights
    The fun doesn't stop on July 4: The Village Dallas will present Boots, Bites & Lights, featuring live country music, local artisan vendors, classic lawn games, and family-friendly activities, all leading up to a drone light show. Guests can enjoy smoked meats and signature bites from B4 Barbeque & Boba from Mabank, TX.

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