Venom: The Last Dance marks the conclusion of Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie Brock and his symbiotic counterpart, Venom. This farewell to the ferocious symbiote unfolds as both spirited and somewhat muddled.
Following two films that hinted at the prospect of an Earth-centric symbiote invasion, Venom: The Last Dance brings this narrative to fruition. Eddie and Venom find themselves in hiding in Mexico as a manhunt for Eddie is underway, with a clandestine government group on the hunt for Venom. They must embark on a cross-country journey to reach New York.
Meanwhile, Knull is lurking in space, waiting to be freed from his cosmic captivity inflicted by his own race. The plot of Venom 3 is quite complex, resulting in a chaotic mix that seems largely unremarkable within the broader context of the franchise.
The title suggests that The Last Dance serves as a concluding chapter for this version of Eddie Brock and his alien alter ego. In this light, the film seeks to balance high-stakes action with emotional depth. While it achieves some success, it ultimately falls short of crafting a coherent and satisfying conclusion for the Venom trilogy.
A Final Performance
The film kicks off with Eddie and Venom at the Mexican bar introduced during the mid-credits of Spider-Man: No Way Home. As anticipated, they are drawn back through a portal and find themselves in a somewhat worn-out version of the same bar.
They quickly realize that returning to San Francisco is not an option due to Eddie being a prime suspect in Detective Mulligan’s murder at the film’s conclusion. Their new objective? Make their way to New York for a fresh start, allowing Venom a chance to see his latest fascination: the Statue of Liberty.
The duo then sets off on a journey that never truly materializes. They quickly become distracted by a military operation intent on capturing Venom for vague scientific purposes, alongside a Xenophage dispatched by Knull to seize the symbiote.
Surprisingly, such pivotal plot points are rushed, especially given the film’s penchant for excessive exposition throughout its runtime. There’s a moment when Eddie clumsily shares with no one in particular, “They think it’s me,” while viewing a news report that makes it abundantly clear the authorities are pinning Mulligan’s murder on him. Thanks for that insight, Eddie.
Overloaded with Introductions
It is rather peculiar to introduce numerous new characters during Eddie and Venom’s supposed farewell journey. A conflicted military leader, a stereotypical scientist with a tragic past, and a quirky, eclectic family pursuing aliens all get woven into the narrative, diverting attention from the symbiotic bond that deserves more focus.
While the action scenes are undeniably entertaining, featuring thrilling chases through rapid waters and an exhilarating final showdown that injects some much-needed energy, the film feels fragmented. Stephen Graham makes a notable return as Mulligan, and his few appearances are among the highlights, infusing intensity into an otherwise chaotic tapestry.
In this last outing, Hardy excels as both Eddie and Venom, their interplay often sparking genuine laughter. Their dynamic provides an element of levity, keeping things from becoming too serious. The tender exchanges between the two land effectively, cutting through much of the otherwise cluttered narrative.
However, the film falters when it attempts to delve into deeper themes. It grapples with issues such as governmental ethics on experimentation, the existence of extraterrestrial life, and the quest for destiny. (While perhaps not necessary for a Venom film, it would have been nice to have at least one coherent theme.)
These explorations are buried beneath shallow characters and lackluster dialogue, resulting in a finale that lacks the emotional weight needed to make a significant impact.
Review Score for Venom: The Last Dance – 2/5
With three films now completed, Tom Hardy’s interpretation of Eddie Brock and Venom’s tumultuous connection has sadly reached its end. Regrettably, The Last Dance does not resonate as a culmination, rather feeling like a lackluster “until next time.”
Dynamic action sequences and some genuinely heartfelt moments between Eddie and Venom may satisfy a segment of the fanbase, but those seeking a more substantial narrative or richer plot will likely be left feeling underwhelmed, especially with vague references about being “a believer” and a focus on a scene where Hardy dons a tuxedo.
This film series has navigated a tumultuous journey, and now that it has concluded, it remains uncertain whether it has been worthwhile.
Theatrical release for Venom: The Last Dance is on October 25.
For additional insights, check out other films debuting this month.
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