Tom Hardy returns as the chaotic duo Eddie Brock and Venom in Venom: The Last Dance, the concluding chapter of the Venom trilogy. As the third installment in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU), the film sees Eddie and Venom facing relentless pursuit from various factions, including soldiers, scientists, and even a powerful alien deity. Directed by Kelly Marcel, who penned the previous Venom films, Venom: The Last Dance is generating buzz for its signature blend of humor, heart, and Hardy’s unhinged performance. But is this final dance a critical triumph? Early reviews are starting to pour in, and we’re diving into what critics are saying about Venom: The Last Dance, focusing on its Rotten Tomatoes reception and overall critical consensus.
How Does Venom: The Last Dance Stack Up Against Previous Venom Movies?
The question on every fan’s mind is whether The Last Dance surpasses its predecessors. Initial reactions suggest a mixed bag, with some critics hailing it as the best Venom yet, while others place it lower in the trilogy ranking.
It’s more competently constructed and helmed than 2021’s Venom: Let There Be Carnage. – Nick Schager, The Daily Beast
The most entertaining of the trilogy. – Ian Sandwell, Digital Spy
Is Venom: The Last Dance the best film in the trilogy? I would say so. – Aidan Kelley, Collider
The biggest, best Venom movie yet. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
However, not all critics are as enthusiastic. Some reviews suggest that while it’s a decent entry, it doesn’t necessarily elevate the franchise.
Venom: The Last Dance comes along to finish off the trilogy strong — but ultimately comes in at last place as a half-formed attempt at a serious superhero movie blockbuster that would be considered average even by 2000s comic book movie standards. – Kofi Outlaw, ComicBook.com
The Last Dance brings nothing new to the series. In fact, it brings less than the previous two movies. – Soren Anderson, Seattle Times
Despite the varying opinions on its placement within the trilogy, a common thread emerges: Venom: The Last Dance seems to maintain, if not slightly improve upon, the established Venom formula.
Venom in Venom: The Last Dance (2024) movie review excerpts.
Is Venom: The Last Dance a Standout Superhero Film?
In the crowded landscape of superhero movies, Venom: The Last Dance aims to carve out its own niche. Critics are weighing in on whether it manages to stand out from the superhero crowd, especially when compared to Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and DC Extended Universe (DCEU) offerings.
It’s a superhero blockbuster that’s leaps and bounds ahead of some MCU efforts and a major improvement over anything we’ve seen from DC in recent years. – Kofi Outlaw, ComicBook.com
It may actually be 2024’s best comic book movie. – Aaron Neuwirth, We Live Entertainment
Defying the scourge of comic book movie bloat even as it forms into a grand finale, The Last Dance would much rather be a tattered 90-minute goof than an imperious two-and-a-half-hour wank. – David Ehrlich, IndieWire
These positive snippets suggest Venom: The Last Dance offers a refreshing alternative to typical superhero fare, possibly due to its shorter runtime and leaning into its inherent silliness. However, some maintain a more moderate stance.
It’s not the best of its kind, but by no means the worst. – Damon Wise, Deadline Hollywood Daily
Overall, the film appears to be holding its own, with some critics even suggesting it surpasses recent superhero releases in terms of entertainment value.
What Makes Venom: The Last Dance Unique?
So, what distinguishes Venom: The Last Dance from other superhero movies and even its own predecessors? Several critics point to specific elements that make this installment noteworthy.
One of the most exciting developments in The Last Dance is the introduction of new symbiotes, broadening the lore of the SSU. – Linda Marric, HeyUGuys
The movie finds wildly inventive, wacky new ways to use the Symbiote. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
Kelly Marcel should get praise for arguably directing the most visually coherent and action-heavy Venom film — especially since it is the first movie she has ever directed. – Kofi Outlaw, ComicBook.com
These comments highlight the film’s expansion of the symbiote universe, creative use of Venom’s powers, and Marcel’s directorial debut bringing a fresh visual coherence to the action. Furthermore, visual improvements are also noted.
Venom: The Last Dance being the best-looking entry yet. – Aaron Neuwirth, We Live Entertainment
The computer-generated effects in Venom: The Last Dance are an improvement over those in the noggin-chomping behemoth’s previous adventures, although they’re best utilized not for monumental clashes but for silly bits. – Nick Schager, The Daily Beast
These points suggest that Venom: The Last Dance doesn’t just rehash old ground, but actively tries to evolve the Venom universe with new symbiotes, enhanced visuals, and inventive action sequences.
Tom Hardy and a horse in Venom: The Last Dance (2024) movie still.
Is Venom: The Last Dance Funny?
Humor has always been a key ingredient in the Venom movies, and The Last Dance seems to be doubling down on the comedic aspects. Critics are reacting positively to the film’s humor, particularly the dynamic between Eddie and Venom.
Venom: The Last Dance further doubles down on making Eddie and Venom more comedic anti-heroes, but this time, it works much more in its favor. Their banter is better than ever and The Last Dance is easily the most effectively funny film in the trilogy. – Aidan Kelley, Collider
The writing is hilarious, with Hardy’s Eddie serving as the straight man to Venom’s ominous quips, which can range from deranged to childlike. The humor comes fast and is absurdist to a degree. – M.N. Miller, InSession Film
It delivers big laughs. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
There’s a montage of Hardy’s Venom highlights during The Last Dance that had me full-on cackling. – Matt Singer, ScreenCrush
The consensus is clear: Venom: The Last Dance is funny, perhaps even the funniest in the trilogy, with the Eddie-Venom banter being a major highlight.
Does Venom: The Last Dance Have Emotional Depth?
Beyond the humor and action, critics are also noting an unexpected emotional core in Venom: The Last Dance. This emotional resonance seems to be adding another layer to the film.
There are even some emotional beats between Eddie and Venom that overall work amidst the absurd scenarios they get up to. – Aidan Kelley, Collider
It ends on a fittingly wacko note of pure, unadulterated sentimentality — one last unexpected twist for [the] trilogy. – Nick Schager, The Daily Beast
What elevates Venom 3 over the previous two movies is that the finale does manage to hit an emotional note. – Ian Sandwell, Digital Spy
Venom: The Last Dance is a very heartfelt feature. – Aaron Neuwirth, We Live Entertainment
While still retaining its wacky and comedic tone, The Last Dance appears to delve deeper into the Eddie-Venom relationship, offering emotional moments that resonate with critics.
Venom in Venom: The Last Dance (2024) movie scene.
How is the Action in Venom: The Last Dance?
Superhero movies are often judged on their action sequences, and Venom: The Last Dance seems to be delivering on this front. Critics are praising the film’s action, often citing it as the best in the trilogy.
The Last Dance has, by far, the best action sequences in the trilogy. – Aidan Kelley, Collider
In terms of action, Venom: The Last Dance does not disappoint. The road-trip structure allows for a variety of settings and high-octane sequences, each more outrageous than the last. – Linda Marric, HeyUGuys
It doesn’t disappoint when it comes to action. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
As the film progresses, it consistently escalates the stakes and scale of its action, which doesn’t devolve into incomprehensible CG murk as it hurtles toward the climax. – Jake Cole, Slant Magazine
The reviews emphasize that Venom: The Last Dance offers a variety of action set pieces, escalating stakes, and avoids the often-criticized CGI-heavy confusion in superhero fight scenes.
Does Venom: The Last Dance Offer Surprises?
A good finale should keep audiences guessing, and Venom: The Last Dance seems to be incorporating unexpected elements into its narrative.
The film remains engaging, constantly throwing unexpected plot twists and wild action set pieces. – Linda Marric, HeyUGuys
Marcel and Hardy work hard to keep the audience guessing right to the end. – Soren Anderson, Seattle Times
It boggles the mind how the film slipped past the MPA with only a PG-13 rating… Marcel favors surprisingly long takes that let you see just how nightmarish the fighting between humans, symbiotes, and Xenophages gets. – Jake Cole, Slant Magazine
These remarks suggest that Venom: The Last Dance is not predictable, offering plot twists and intense action that might even push the boundaries of its PG-13 rating.
Tom Hardy and Venom in Venom: The Last Dance (2024) promotional image.
Tom Hardy’s Performance: Still a Highlight?
Tom Hardy’s dual performance as Eddie Brock and Venom has been a defining feature of the Venom movies, and critics are once again praising his work in The Last Dance.
Tom Hardy is at his bonkers, brilliant best. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
Hardy, as always, shines in his dual portrayal of Eddie and Venom, showcasing his ability to juggle intense action with comedic timing. – Linda Marric, HeyUGuys
One of the best portrayals of Eddie Brock and Venom yet. – Aidan Kelley, Collider
Ryan Reynolds gets a ton of praise for his work on Deadpool, merging fourth wall-breaking humor with heartfelt drama. But Hardy blows him out of the water. – Dominic Griffin, Looper.com
Hardy’s performance remains a significant draw, with critics highlighting his comedic timing, physical comedy, and ability to portray both Eddie and Venom effectively. Some even suggest his performance surpasses other celebrated superhero portrayals.
Villain Problem Persists?
Villains have sometimes been a weak point in superhero movies, and Venom: The Last Dance is facing scrutiny in this area as well. Early reviews suggest a mixed reception to the villain aspects.
If it’s true that a movie is only as good as its villain, Venom: The Last Dance stinks, despite the fact that its hero is actually pretty likable. – Matt Singer, ScreenCrush
I can’t even really tell you if I liked Knull’s portrayal in Venom: The Last Dance because the film doesn’t give him enough of a chance to make an impression. – Aidan Kelley, Collider
These negative comments point to a potential weakness in the villain department, with some critics finding the villains underwhelming or underdeveloped. However, there’s also a contrasting viewpoint.
As for [redacted] Knull, his screentime is brief, but casting him was the right call. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
This suggests that while villain portrayal may be a point of contention, some aspects, like casting, are still considered positive.
Juno Temple and Chiwetel Ejiofor in Venom: The Last Dance (2024) film still.
Standout Supporting Characters?
Beyond Eddie and Venom, The Last Dance introduces new supporting characters. Critics are noting the contributions of Juno Temple and Chiwetel Ejiofor in these roles.
Juno Temple’s character, Dr. Teddy Payne… is a standout addition here. – Linda Marric, HeyUGuys
Chiwetel Ejiofor and Juno Temple deliver solid supporting turns, though neither character is necessarily explored beyond what’s on the surface. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
The most memorable of them — OK, the only memorable one — is Dr. Payne’s lab colleague Sadie (Clark Backo), who unleashes some serious badassery once she’s transformed. – David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter
Juno Temple’s Dr. Teddy Payne is receiving particular praise as a standout character, while Ejiofor and Backo are also noted for their solid contributions, even if their characters are not deeply explored.
Does Venom: The Last Dance Conclude the Trilogy Satisfyingly?
As the supposed final chapter, Venom: The Last Dance carries the weight of concluding the trilogy. Critics are evaluating whether it provides a fitting end to Eddie Brock’s Venom journey.
Venom: The Last Dance, if it’s truly meant to be his final outing with the character(s), is a fitting curtain call. – Dominic Griffin, Looper.com
Venom: The Last Dance is a highly entertaining conclusion to Eddie Brock’s story… It leans fully into what makes Venom unique: a wild, chaotic energy that refuses to play by the rules. – Linda Marric, HeyUGuys
Venom: The Last Dance is an outrageously fun and beautiful conclusion to a trilogy that we did not expect to go far. – Chalice Williams, Black Girl Nerds
The prevailing sentiment suggests that Venom: The Last Dance delivers a satisfying conclusion, embracing the unique and chaotic energy of the Venom movies and providing a fitting end to Eddie Brock’s arc.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: Currently at 40%, Venom: The Last Dance is set to hit theaters on October 25, 2024. While the Rotten Tomatoes score is subject to change as more reviews come in, early critical reception points towards a film that, while not universally acclaimed, offers enough entertainment value, humor, and action to potentially satisfy fans of the Venom series. For audiences seeking a fun, slightly absurd superhero movie with Tom Hardy’s signature performance, Venom: The Last Dance might just be a dance worth taking.
