About the film (courtesy of Columbia Pictures):
Tom Hardy returns as Venom, one of Marvel’s greatest and most complex characters, for the final film in the trilogy. Eddie and Venom are on the run. Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie’s last dance.
Venom: The Last Dance waltzes onto the screen with a bittersweet melody, marking the end of an era for this peculiar corner of the Marvel universe. While never reaching the critical acclaim or box office dominance of its MCU counterparts, the Venom films have carved out their own niche, fueled by the chaotic chemistry between Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and his parasitic pal. This final installment delivers a surprisingly poignant farewell, reminding us that even monstrous anti-heroes can tug at our heartstrings.
Director Kelly Marcel, a veteran writer of the trilogy, takes the helm for the first time, delivering a contained yet action-packed narrative. The emotional core of Venom: The Last Dance lies in the complex relationship between Eddie and Venom. Their usual banter is still present, providing much-needed comic relief, but it’s the exploration of their co-dependent bond that truly resonates. The film delves into themes of sacrifice, acceptance, and the struggle for autonomy, adding unexpected depth to these seemingly mismatched partners.
The supporting cast is equally strong, with Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Peggy Lu, Alanna Ubach and Stephen Graham bringing various levels professionalism to the project. The introduction of several new symbiotes adds another layer of intrigue to the story, expanding the mythology of the Venomverse and offering a glimpse into the potential for future installments, if Sony should decide to head down this road.
While the emotional beats hit their mark, Venom: The Last Dance doesn’t skimp on the symbiote spectacle. The screen is a whirlwind of tendrils and teeth as a multitude of new symbiotes emerge, each with unique abilities and personalities. The action sequences are creatively choreographed, showcasing the fluidity and ferocity of these alien beings. Fans of the comics will undoubtedly appreciate the nods to various symbiote characters, though their introductions might feel rushed to those unfamiliar with the source material.
One of the film’s strengths is its brisk pace. Clocking in at a lean 109 minutes-ish, Venom: The Last Dance avoids overstaying its welcome (as long as you’re not counting the credits). The narrative maintains a steady momentum, balancing its emotional weight with thrilling action and witty dialogue.
However, this efficiency comes at a cost. Certain plot points feel underdeveloped, and some characters, particularly the villains, could have benefited from more exploration. While the film provides a satisfying conclusion, one can’t help but wonder what could have been achieved with a more expansive runtime.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Venom: The Last Dance succeeds in delivering a fitting farewell to this iteration of the characters. It’s a film that embraces its own absurdity while also exploring the complexities of its protagonists. The ending, while bittersweet, feels earned and leaves the door open for future possibilities.
A word of warning for those eager to catch the post-credit scenes: patience is a virtue. While the mid-credit scene offers an intriguing tease, the post-credit scene is buried beneath an avalanche of scrolling text. It’s a frustrating wait for a scene that ultimately feels underwhelming.
Overall, Venom: The Last Dance is a fun and surprisingly emotional ride that provides closure to this chapter of the Venom saga. While it may not be a masterpiece, it’s a worthy sendoff for these beloved characters, reminding us that even in the darkest corners of the universe, there’s always room for a little laughter, a little heartbreak, and a whole lot of symbiote mayhem.
Venom: The Last Dance is now playing in theaters everywhere. Check it out.
