Venom: The Last Dance – A Chaotic Mix of Fun

and Frustration

Rating: 2.5/5

"Venom: The Last Dance," the third installment in the Venom saga, delivers a mix of absurd fun and uneven storytelling. While the movie occasionally leans into its chaotic buddy-comedy roots, it fails to maintain the momentum of its predecessor, “Venom: Let There Be Carnage.” Directed by Kelly Marcel in her debut as a director, the film struggles to balance humor, action, and narrative coherence, leaving fans with a bittersweet taste.

Cast and Crew

• Director: Kelly Marcel
• Screenwriter: Kelly Marcel
• Main Cast:
  • Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock / Venom
  • Juno Temple as Dr. Elaine Cartwright
  • Chiwetel Ejiofor as Col. Gideon Thorn
  • Andy Serkis (voice) as Knull
  • Cristo Fernández as Juan the Bartender
  • Peggy Lu as Mrs. Chen
  • Rhys Ifans as Jacob
  • Alanna Ubach as Tessa

The Good: Absurdity and Humor

The film shines brightest when it embraces its ridiculous premise and focuses on the quirky relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom. Tom Hardy’s dedication to the dual role is evident, bringing both humor and chaos to life. Hardy’s commitment to the character’s oddball nature remains a highlight, as he fully immerses himself in the symbiote’s slapstick antics and unpredictable outbursts.

Scenes like an impromptu musical interlude with a hippie family (led by Rhys Ifans and Alanna Ubach) or a Las Vegas penthouse dance sequence showcase the kind of playful tone that made the franchise popular. Similarly, Peggy Lu’s return as Mrs. Chen adds a delightful layer of humor and nostalgia, even if her scenes are frustratingly brief.

The Bad: Labored Pacing and Lost Potential

Unfortunately, “Venom: The Last Dance” often veers off course. The film spends an excessive amount of time in an underground lab beneath Area 51, where the narrative grinds to a halt. Juno Temple and Chiwetel Ejiofor are saddled with underdeveloped roles as a conflicted scientist and a military leader, respectively. Their characters lack depth, making their scenes feel more like filler than essential storytelling.

The pacing is erratic, with abrupt tonal shifts that make it hard to stay engaged. Exciting action sequences, such as a fight atop an airplane or a horseback chase across the desert, are cut short just as they begin to gain traction. Meanwhile, exposition-heavy segments, such as Knull’s ominous introduction, drag the energy down, leaving viewers longing for more of the chaotic fun the franchise is known for.

Visual Effects: A Mixed Bag

The visual effects range from inventive to murky. While the inventive symbiosis between Eddie and Venom is creatively portrayed, large-scale action sequences often dissolve into a confusing blur of multicolored goo. The lack of clarity in these moments detracts from their impact, making it difficult to follow the action.

The Verdict: A Dance That Misses the Beat

"Venom: The Last Dance" is a film with flashes of brilliance that ultimately struggles to find its footing. The moments of humor and absurdity that work are overshadowed by a lackluster plot and poorly executed pacing. While die-hard Venom fans might find enough to enjoy, casual viewers may leave disappointed.

Post-Credit Scene: For those curious about Venom’s future, the mid-credit and post-credit scenes tease intriguing possibilities. However, whether Hardy’s Eddie Brock can recapture the magic remains uncertain.

If this truly is “The Last Dance,” it’s an uneven farewell to a franchise that thrives on embracing its absurdity. Let’s hope the next installment—if there is one—finds its rhythm.