The concept of sequels is a tricky one in Hollywood. For every film that rightfully earns a continuation, countless others emerge, diluting the original’s impact or simply failing to capture the magic. Think of movies like Dredd, deserving more, or Jaws, where sequels quickly devolved into absurdity. Then there’s Venom. A film many questioned the necessity of in the first place, yet it spawned not one, but two sequels, culminating in Venom: The Last Dance. For a franchise that has consistently missed the mark, the question looms: does this final dance offer any redemption, or is it just another stumble?
Having approached Venom: The Last Dance with a healthy dose of skepticism, fueled by the underwhelming predecessors Venom and Let There Be Carnage, it’s hard to shake off pre-existing biases. While hoping for a surprise turnaround, akin to the unexpected brilliance of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, the reality is that some franchises, like Venom, seem destined to remain creatively bankrupt. It’s like beating a dead horse, repeatedly, across three films.
One of the biggest disappointments continues to be the misuse of Tom Hardy’s talent. Known for his intense and gritty roles, Hardy is reduced to a caricature in the Venom universe. His gruff persona, usually a strength, feels out of place, turning him into a “walking, talking clown shoe.” The humor, particularly Venom’s juvenile cursing and tired comedic routines, feels recycled and stale. What was mildly amusing in the first film has become grating by the third. The reliance on Venom saying “shit” for cheap laughs is a prime example of the franchise’s comedic shortcomings.
Being a Marvel property (albeit under Sony’s control), action is expected. However, in Venom: The Last Dance, the action sequences are as forgettable as the plot itself. They feel obligatory, lacking any real creativity or excitement. The action seems driven by a need to have something explode every fifteen minutes rather than organically flowing from the narrative. Nothing stands out; it’s all very generic and uninspired.
One particularly baffling scene involves Venom and Eddie clinging to a passenger airliner at 30,000 feet. After a brief skirmish with an alien, they simply abandon the damaged plane mid-flight, seemingly without a second thought for the hundreds of passengers on board. This exemplifies the film’s disconnect from logic and any sense of consequence.
In the context of Sony’s Marvel universe, Venom: The Last Dance is arguably a slight improvement over disasters like Madame Web. However, setting the bar so low is hardly a compliment. If mediocrity is the target, then Venom 3 hits it squarely. It’s an insignificant entry in the superhero genre, never striving for anything beyond the bare minimum.
Pacing is another significant issue. The film meanders aimlessly for much of its runtime before rushing into a hurried final act. The climax feels abrupt, leaving the supposed “last adventure” feeling underdeveloped and unsatisfying. It’s over before it ever truly begins, failing to build any real momentum or emotional investment.
The villains in Venom: The Last Dance suffer from the same flatness as in previous installments. They are generic, one-dimensional antagonists, echoing the tired tropes of comic book movie villains. While Let There Be Carnage offered a slightly more compelling villain in Carnage, this film reverts to uninspired antagonists, reminiscent of the forgettable villain from the first Venom. It feels like a step back, employing the familiar “Avengers syndrome” by introducing weaker minions to pave the way for a larger, universe-ending threat, stretching the narrative thin.
Ultimately, Venom: The Last Dance is simply forgettable. The rushed plot and superficial relationship between Eddie and Venom lack genuine depth. The action is generic and often lost in a blur of CGI. Attempts at drama through forced backstories feel artificial and misplaced. The characters are archetypal and unengaging. It’s a film that doesn’t seem to care if the audience cares, resulting in a profoundly insignificant cinematic experience. If you enjoyed the previous Venom movies, you might find something to appreciate here, but for most, Venom: The Last Dance will likely be a cinematic shrug – perfectly embodying mediocrity.
Rated PG-13 For: intense sequences of violence and action, bloody images and strong language
Runtime: 109 minutes
After Credits Scene: Yes. It’s nothing important but yes.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Comedy
Starring: Tom Hardy, Juno Temple, Stephen Graham, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Directed By: Kelly Marcel
Out of 10
Story: 5 / Acting: 6 / Directing: 6 / Visuals: 5.5
OVERALL: 5/10
Buy to Own: No.
Check out the trailer below:
