The final installment in the “Venom” trilogy, “Venom: The Last Dance,” has arrived, leaving fans and critics alike with mixed feelings. As part of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, this movie had a lot to live up to, especially after films like “Morbius” and “Madame Web” set a questionable precedent. While approaching with an open mind, particularly as the previous “Venom” films held a degree of entertainment, “The Last Dance” prompts the critical question: was this meant to expand the universe, or provide a worthy send-off for Eddie Brock and Venom? Sadly, it leans towards the former, and not in a satisfying way.
Having revisited “Venom” and “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” to prepare for this sequel, it’s clear the initial films were flawed yet enjoyable superhero entries, largely carried by Tom Hardy’s dual performance. The first “Venom” was a typical origin story with a slow start but an engaging second half, a standard villain, and Hardy’s committed performance. “Let There Be Carnage,” however, proved to be a surprising upgrade, with Hardy fully embracing the comedic potential of Brock and Venom’s chaotic relationship, alongside Woody Harrelson’s captivating Carnage. These films, while not perfect, understood how to leverage Hardy’s strengths within uncomplicated narratives. “The Last Dance,” unfortunately, takes a different, more convoluted path.
Let’s begin by acknowledging the positives, though they are fewer than one might hope. It’s important to recognize that despite its shortcomings, “Venom: The Last Dance” isn’t the absolute nadir of superhero cinema.
Tom Hardy once again delivers a commendable performance as both Eddie Brock and Venom. While perhaps not as unrestrainedly fun as in previous outings, Hardy’s dedication to these roles remains evident. He navigates the sometimes-lackluster screenplay with skill, injecting as much life as possible into his characters.
The supporting cast also provides solid performances, with Chiwetel Ejiofor as Orwell Taylor being a notable standout. Ejiofor consistently brings a compelling presence to his roles. Whether as Baron Mordo in the “Doctor Strange” films or Bathurst 2020 in “Infinite,” Ejiofor elevates the material he’s given, and “The Last Dance” is no exception.
Visually, the film excels in bringing Venom and the new symbiotes to life. Continuing the trend from the previous “Venom” movies, the CGI work here is impressive, particularly in the design and animation of the symbiotic characters.
The action sequences offer moments of enjoyment. Action has always been a staple of the “Venom” franchise, and while “The Last Dance” features less impactful action overall compared to its predecessors, the initial action set pieces are engaging.
Creative use of the Venom symbiote is sprinkled throughout. As seen in trailers, Venom’s ability to control animals, particularly a horse, is a highlight. This inventive application of his powers, along with the introduction of new symbiotes, provides some of the film’s most unique and entertaining moments.
Unfortunately, the list of positives largely ends there.
The portrayal of Eddie Brock and Venom in “The Last Dance” feels diminished. While Hardy’s effort is undeniable, there are moments where even he seems constrained by the material. Brock and Venom’s dynamic, a cornerstone of the previous films, feels somewhat muted, and at times, even Hardy appears to be going through the motions.
New characters introduced in the film fail to make a significant impact. Dr. Payne, played by Juno Temple, is a prime example of this. Her role is largely limited to expressing belief in Brock’s non-threatening nature, offering little of substance beyond that, especially when contrasted with Ejiofor’s character and the looming alien threat.
The villain, Knull, is a significant letdown, arguably weaker than Carlton Drake from the first film. Reduced to sending generic alien minions after a MacGuffin, Knull’s comic lore, which suggests a rich and complex backstory, is completely lost in translation. The combination of Knull’s underwhelming forces and Area 51 agents as antagonists feels both excessive and insufficient.
Stephen Graham’s Detective Mulligan is also underutilized. Despite trailers suggesting a pivotal role, Mulligan’s character is reduced to delivering exposition about Knull and briefly showcasing his own symbiote. His potential for a more substantial storyline is entirely squandered.
Comedy, a key ingredient in “Let There Be Carnage,” is severely lacking in “The Last Dance.” Where the previous film was genuinely funny, “The Last Dance” manages only a few chuckles, primarily from the Venom-horse scene and some Brock-Venom banter. The overall comedic tone is significantly diminished.
Emotional depth is also absent. Due to the underdevelopment of Brock and Venom and the clutter of underdeveloped characters, emotional investment is difficult to achieve. Neither the Area 51 characters nor the random family introduced in Vegas resonate, leaving the high-stakes ending feeling emotionally hollow.
While the previous “Venom” films provided entertainment, “The Last Dance” falls short. In an era increasingly acknowledging “superhero fatigue,” this trilogy closer offers little that feels fresh or innovative. Isolated intriguing concepts and standout scenes fail to rescue a film that ultimately disappoints, especially within a franchise already marked by inconsistencies.
Technically, the film might score a 6/10. Ignoring the plot and weak screenplay, the visual effects remain top-tier, the acting is competent, and the film functions on a basic level.
However, in terms of enjoyment, it’s a 4/10. Despite hoping for improvement after revisiting “Let There Be Carnage,” “The Last Dance” is undeniably the weakest of the trilogy. It shares flaws with films like “Spider-Man 3” and “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” but lacks their unintentional entertainment value. Ultimately, “Venom: The Last Dance” does not provide the satisfying conclusion this trilogy deserved.
So, Where Can You Watch Venom: The Last Dance?
As of its initial release, “Venom: The Last Dance” is exclusively available in cinemas. For fans eager to see it on the big screen, check your local theater listings for showtimes.
For those preferring to watch from home, the question becomes: when and where will Venom: The Last Dance be available for streaming?
Given it’s a Sony Pictures film, the initial streaming home will likely be digital rental and purchase platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. This availability typically occurs a few months after the theatrical release window closes.
Following the digital release, “Venom: The Last Dance” is expected to stream on a subscription service. Historically, Sony films have often landed on Netflix for their initial streaming window, due to a prior deal. However, Sony also has a deal with Disney, meaning it could potentially also appear on Disney+ or Hulu at some point, especially considering the Spider-Man universe connection.
To find out exactly where to watch “Venom: The Last Dance” online when it becomes available for streaming, keep an eye on:
- JustWatch: This website aggregates streaming availability for movies and TV shows.
- Streaming news websites: Sites like What’s on Netflix, Decider, and similar publications regularly announce streaming release dates.
- Official announcements from Sony Pictures: Follow Sony Pictures’ social media channels and news releases for official updates.
In Conclusion:
“Venom: The Last Dance” offers a mixed bag for fans. While Tom Hardy and the visual effects are commendable, the film is ultimately let down by a weak plot and underutilized characters. For now, your only option to watch “Venom: The Last Dance” is in theaters. If you are considering watching it at home, it might be best to wait for its eventual streaming release on platforms like Netflix or other digital services. Whether it improves upon a second viewing remains to be seen, but as it stands, “Venom: The Last Dance” is a disappointing conclusion to the “Venom” trilogy.
