‘Venom: The Last Dance’ Review – A Lukewarm Farewell To A Fan Favorite

Synopsis: In Venom: The Last Dance, Tom Hardy returns as Venom, one of Marvel’s greatest and most complex characters, for the final film in the trilogy. Eddie and Venom are on the run. Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie’s last dance.

There is always someone watching. That time you tripped and thought no one was around, someone saw. That item you stole, someone saw. When you stretched your arms but were really smelling your armpits, yep, we all saw. If no one was physically around to witness your crimes or weirdness, there are cameras everywhere. You may not be caught immediately, but you will be identified. In the age of transparency and digital eyeballs, you better learn to move accordingly or walk the straight and narrow because every misstep is one click away from going somewhat viral and potentially handcuffs. However, if you’re just a weirdo, be weird, we like that over here.

“We are fugitives.”

Decades ago, a live-action Venom movie was a mere fantasy for us geeks, and now here we are on the third and final one. Well, for now. Written and directed by Kelly Marcel, Venom: The Last Dance is a lukewarm farewell to a fan favorite. While this may not be the last time we ever see Venom on screen, besides perhaps a cameo of some sort, I feel pretty certain this will be the final symbiote-clad outing for Tom Hardy. Like Wesley Snipes playing Blade, the next Eddie Brock has a daunting task ahead of them since Hardy played him so perfectly. Sorry, Topher. In this franchise, we’ve come to expect witty banter from the unusual bromance, complete mayhem, and mostly hilarious randomness. While these films operate like fun side missions as they barely, if at all, connect to the MCU, the formula works. But what happens when you attempt to expand the reach of the franchise? What’s the endgame to introducing a character that can end everything? Does the narrative latch on to anything else and grow or are we entering one-off territory? It’s still fun. It’s still entertaining. But comic book fans and moviegoers alike want it all to connect if it’s supposed to, and it should.

Venom: The Last Dance is more mature than the films that came before it in both its emotional complexity and its actions. Venom is still as wild and uncontrollable as a frat bro off 5 Blue Razzberry BeatBoxes, however, there are moments where he is worthy of being called a hero. Moreover, we get to see Eddie being able to be a regular person for once. As the story goes from needing help to helping everyone else, there are a multitude of events taking place at its core that come to mean very little as we encounter some continuity issues and throwaway subplots. From its momentary detour into Area 51, symbiote and host symbiosis, sibling trauma, a deadly infatuation with science, and a Christmas tree broach, a lot is going on. Nevertheless, the most glaring question and possible distraction from what could’ve been an entirely different movie is, was this final installment made just to introduce Knull and his Xenophages? It begins and ends with him, but if there is no mention of him in the future, this is all for nothing.

“Release the Symbiotes!”

While we know the films are playful and goofy, this one has a disjointed tone. It wants to give you what you want but life on Earth is in jeopardy, therefore we get moments that don’t make any logical sense. Not to mention, I don’t know if after the first two films Venom earned or needed a villain who can end all of human and symbiotekind. Ultimately, the film plays out like there were too many clashing big ideas. Too many dates to the dance and not enough time. It has its moments when it returns to form and Venom becomes the Lethal Protector we know they can be, like in its last 30 minutes of chaos.

The film looks great, the soundtrack is a head-bobber, and the symbiotes and Knull look fantastic. Despite some blinding problems, there are entertaining moments and you can still enjoy yourself but Venom: The Last Dance is just okay. Its rewatchability is low. There are mid and end-credits scenes.

Pace & Pop

The movie may have its issues but pacing isn’t one of them. Like its predecessors, there is so much going on that it keeps you on your toes. However, with this being the final film in the trilogy, I don’t think fans would’ve minded a longer and slightly slower experience. What popped was seeing other symbiotes. I won’t say which ones or in what capacity you see them in, but they looked awesome. I only wish they played a more significant role in the overarching story.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Stephen Graham, Peggy Lu, Alanna Ubach

It should come as no surprise, Tom Hardy crushes it once again as Eddie Brock. While the comedic dynamic between Brock and Venom doesn’t have the same organic snap that it once had, their new maturity plays well. As dire situations arise and grave mistakes are made, Brock goes from the usual anxious and somewhat reluctant human host and hero to a compassionate and foreboding protector. Being placed into more emotionally complex and selfless scenarios results in humanity flowing out of both parties. The rest of the cast did great, however, it’s unfortunate that they failed to provide full character arcs for characters that mattered. Juno Temple deserved more time, as did Clark Backo. It may be the trilogy’s conclusion, but they left some things on the table that could be explored more.

Venom: The Last Dance releases in theaters on October 25, 2024. Stay safe and look up.

Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 1h 49m Director: Kelly Marcel Story: Tom Hardy & Kelly Marcel Screenplay: Kelly Marcel Producers: Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, Amy Pascal, Kelly Marcel, Tom Hardy, Hutch Parker Executive Producer: Joe Caracciolo Jr.