As a content creator for ten-dance.com, and a self-proclaimed superhero movie enthusiast, I approached “Venom: The Last Dance” with cautious optimism. Having enjoyed the previous “Venom” installments, despite their flaws, I hoped this trilogy capper would deliver a satisfying conclusion for Eddie Brock and his symbiotic other half. However, after viewing, I’m left questioning if Sony’s Spider-Man Universe is more focused on universe building than crafting compelling narratives, a concern amplified by previous ventures like “Morbius” and “Madame Web.” Sadly, “Venom: The Last Dance” leans towards the former, leaving much to be desired in what should have been a celebratory final dance.
To provide context, revisiting “Venom” (2018) and “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” (2021) before diving into “The Last Dance” proved insightful. The original “Venom,” while flawed with a predictable first half and a generic villain in Carlton Drake/Riot, was buoyed by Tom Hardy’s dual performance and exciting action sequences. “Let There Be Carnage,” surprisingly, improved upon its predecessor. It amplified the comedic dynamic between Eddie and Venom, showcasing Hardy’s comedic range, and Woody Harrelson’s Carnage, despite narrative shortcomings and the underutilized Shriek, made for an engaging villain. These films, while not masterpieces, understood the assignment: entertain with Hardy’s performance at the forefront. “Venom: The Last Dance,” unfortunately, loses sight of this simplicity.
The Few Bright Spots in Venom’s Last Dance
Despite a screenplay that feels lackluster, Tom Hardy remains a committed Eddie Brock and Venom. While the script doesn’t offer him the same comedic freedom as “Let There Be Carnage,” Hardy’s dedication to both roles is evident. He attempts to inject energy into scenes that often fall flat due to the writing.
The supporting cast also delivers commendable performances. Chiwetel Ejiofor, as Orwell Taylor, is a standout. Ejiofor consistently brings gravitas to his roles, evident in his portrayals of Baron Mordo in the “Doctor Strange” films and even in less memorable projects like “Infinite.” He elevates the material, adding a layer of seriousness that the film desperately needs. Even when the movie falters, Ejiofor’s presence is captivating.
Visually, “Venom: The Last Dance” maintains the high CGI standards of its predecessors. Venom and the newly introduced symbiotes are rendered with impressive detail, bringing these alien characters to life. The visual effects are undeniably a strong point, consistent with what audiences have come to expect from the “Venom” films.
The action sequences, while not as consistently thrilling as in previous installments, offer moments of fun. The “Venom” movies have always delivered enjoyable action, and “The Last Dance” has its moments, particularly the initial action set piece. However, the overall action feels less impactful compared to the previous films.
One creative highlight is the expanded use of Venom’s symbiotic abilities. As seen in the trailers, Venom controlling a horse is a memorable scene, and the film explores this further with Venom influencing other animals. The introduction of new symbiotes also adds a layer of intrigue, showcasing the potential of the symbiote lore.
Where the Dance Falters: The Downfalls of Venom 3
However, the positives are overshadowed by significant shortcomings. The portrayal of Eddie Brock and Venom feels weaker this time around. While Hardy’s effort is visible, there are moments where his performance seems subdued, mirroring the character’s apparent boredom within the narrative. This ennui translates to the audience, making it harder to connect with Eddie and Venom’s dynamic.
The introduction of new characters, particularly Dr. Payne played by Juno Temple, feels underdeveloped. Dr. Payne’s role is largely limited to plot convenience, lacking depth or compelling motivations. She serves primarily to contrast with Ejiofor’s character, Orwell Taylor, who represents a more rational perspective on the alien threat.
Speaking of threats, Knull, a character hyped as a major antagonist, is underwhelming. Reduced to sending generic alien minions after a MacGuffin, Knull’s presence lacks the gravitas suggested by his comic book lore. The film fails to capture the profoundness associated with Knull, presenting him as a generic villain rather than a cosmic threat. The combination of Knull’s minions and Area 51 agents as antagonists feels both excessive and insufficient, diluting the narrative focus.
Stephen Graham’s Detective Mulligan is another example of wasted potential. Trailers suggested a significant role, but Mulligan is relegated to a minor character who briefly warns about Knull and possesses a symbiote, elements that are quickly glossed over. His character lacks development and impact on the overall story.
Furthermore, the humor, a key element in “Let There Be Carnage,” is significantly diminished in “The Last Dance.” While “Let There Be Carnage” embraced comedy, “The Last Dance” struggles to elicit genuine laughs. Outside of the Venom-horse scene and some brief banter, the film lacks comedic spark, making it a less enjoyable viewing experience.
The emotional core is also absent. Due to the weaker character portrayals and the cluttered narrative, emotional investment is lacking. The film introduces minor characters, like Area 51 personnel and a family in Vegas, who fail to resonate, making it difficult to care about their stakes. Even when the ending attempts to elevate the stakes dramatically, it falls flat, failing to evoke genuine emotional response.
A Mixed Bag – Technical and Enjoyment Scores
Technically, “Venom: The Last Dance” earns a 6/10. The visual effects remain strong, the acting is competent, and the film functions on a basic level. However, the plot and screenplay are significant weaknesses.
For enjoyment, the score is a disappointing 4/10. Hopes for improvement after revisiting “Let There Be Carnage” were dashed. “Venom: The Last Dance” is the weakest entry in the trilogy, reminiscent of flawed superhero threequels like “Spider-Man 3” and “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” yet lacking their unintentional entertainment value. The film fails to offer anything new in an era increasingly marked by “superhero fatigue.” While containing standout moments, these are insufficient to salvage a largely disappointing conclusion.
The Last Bow or Just a Misstep?
“Venom: The Last Dance” is a missed opportunity to provide a satisfying end to the “Venom” trilogy. While not the worst superhero film, it’s a significant step down from its predecessors and highlights the ongoing struggles of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. For casual viewers and even dedicated fans, waiting for “Venom: The Last Dance” to become available on streaming platforms like Netflix or Disney+ is likely the most prudent course of action. Perhaps a second viewing might reveal hidden merits, but as it stands, “Venom: The Last Dance” concludes the trilogy not with a bang, but a whimper.
