“Venom” is disjointed, supercharged on action, and lacks the narrative cohesion and likability of other Marvel movies. It’s almost as if Michael Bay infiltrated the editing room and left major plot points on the cutting floor.

Narrative gaps are especially problematic when the story is already very straightforward. A space exploration shuttle crashes to Earth after discovering and capturing several extraterrestrial parasites. The corporation responsible for the intergalactic missions, Life Foundation, recovers two of the parasites and begins testing on humans. Obstinate investigative reporter Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) uncovers the unethical tests at Life Foundation and through a freak accident merges with Venom. This begins a haphazard journey through San Francisco, as Venom hopes to leave Earth or get revenge on the Life Foundation or become pals with Eddie — it oscillates scene to scene.