Critic’s Rating: 3.0/5
Story
In the final installment of the Venom franchise, Venom: The Last Dance, investigative journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and his symbiote companion, Venom, face their toughest challenge yet. The duo is on the run from the military, scientists, and the powerful alien overlord, Knull (Andy Serkis), who seeks a mysterious artifact called the Codex that Venom possesses. With the universe hanging in the balance, Eddie must make a drastic decision: save himself or protect his parasitic partner.
The story picks up after the events of Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021). Eddie is framed for the murder of Detective Patrick Mulligan (Stephen Graham), while the symbiotic God, Knull, hunts him down for the Codex. Pursued by General Strickland (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and various scientists with their own agendas, Eddie and Venom set off on a cross-country trip to New York in a hippie family’s van, aiming to clear Eddie’s name and prevent the artifact from falling into the wrong hands.
Cast and Performances
| Actor | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Hardy | Eddie Brock / Venom | Delivers a powerful dual performance, adding depth to the character dynamics. |
| Andy Serkis | Knull | Portrays the alien overlord with menace, but his character’s motivations remain vague. |
| Chiwetel Ejiofor | General Strickland | Plays the determined military leader well, although his role is somewhat limited. |
| Stephen Graham | Detective Patrick Mulligan | Has a brief yet impactful appearance, setting the plot in motion. |
| Juno Temple | Dr. Payne | A scientist with a personal agenda, but her character lacks significant development. |
| Rhys Ifans | Hippie | Brings comic relief during the road trip scenes, although the character feels somewhat unnecessary. |
| Peggy Lu | Mrs. Chen | Returns for a brief comedic appearance, delighting fans of the previous films. |
Tom Hardy shines as both Eddie and Venom, effortlessly switching between the two personalities. The dynamic between Eddie and Venom is enjoyable, and Hardy adds emotional depth to the characters’ evolving relationship. However, Andy Serkis’s portrayal of Knull is underwhelming due to a lack of background and clear intentions for the character. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Juno Temple are given little material to work with, making their roles feel like missed opportunities.
Choreography and Action
The action sequences are a highlight of Venom: The Last Dance, with impressive fight choreography and special effects. The climactic showdown stands out, offering a thrilling display of visual effects as Venom battles Xenophages and ultimately faces Knull. Some noteworthy action scenes include:
- Opening Fight at the Mexican Bar: Eddie and Venom take on several adversaries, providing a mix of humor and combat.
- Area 51 Escape: Dr. Payne’s lab is overrun by the government, leading to a tense escape sequence filled with symbiote-fueled chaos.
- Final Battle: The climactic face-off against Knull, with Venom displaying new abilities, elevates the film’s excitement.
Special Effects and Visuals
The VFX team delivers some of the best visuals seen in the trilogy, particularly in designing the monstrous Xenophages and Knull’s imposing form. Venom’s transformations and fight scenes are rendered with great detail, making for an immersive viewing experience. The action sequences, while impressive, sometimes overshadow the narrative, which struggles to keep pace.
Screenplay and Direction
The screenplay, co-written by Kelly Marcel and Tom Hardy, introduces numerous subplots, making the narrative chaotic at times. The movie tries to balance action, humor, and emotional moments, but the pacing is uneven. While some scenes boost the thrill, such as Eddie and Venom proving to a young boy that aliens are nothing to be scared of, others drag, detracting from the overall flow.
The road trip segments, including stopovers in Las Vegas and encounters with quirky characters like Mrs. Chen, add humor but do little to advance the plot. Marcel’s direction is at its strongest during the intense action scenes, yet falters in connecting the various elements into a cohesive story.
Box Office Performance
| Opening Weekend | Domestic Gross | International Gross | Worldwide Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35 million | $85 million | $120 million | $205 million |
Venom: The Last Dance had a decent box office opening, with strong performances in international markets. The movie appeals to fans of the franchise and comic book adaptations, drawing audiences to theaters despite mixed reviews. However, the film’s chaotic narrative might limit its long-term box office success.
What’s Special About the Movie
- Dynamic Bromance: The evolving relationship between Eddie and Venom remains the heart of the film, offering moments of humor and emotional depth.
- Impressive Visual Effects: The VFX, particularly during the final showdown, bring the chaotic world of symbiotes to life with stunning visuals.
- Fan Service: The movie features callbacks and characters from previous films, satisfying long-time fans of the series.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Tom Hardy’s performance as Eddie and Venom
- Thrilling action sequences and visual effects
- Humorous moments between the main characters
Weaknesses:
- Overly complicated plot with too many subplots
- Lack of depth in supporting characters
- Inconsistent pacing, with some sections dragging
Conclusion
Venom: The Last Dance provides a chaotic yet entertaining conclusion to the trilogy. It excels in visual spectacle and delivers some memorable action sequences. The bromance between Eddie and Venom is a highlight, but the film struggles with a cluttered storyline and underdeveloped characters. While it’s worth watching for fans, its appeal may not extend far beyond that audience.
Overall Rating: 3.0/5
FAQs
Q1: Is Venom: The Last Dance a good conclusion to the trilogy?
A1: The film offers an entertaining finale with thrilling action, but its chaotic plot might not satisfy everyone.
Q2: Who are the main characters in the movie?
A2: The film features Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock/Venom, Andy Serkis as Knull, Chiwetel Ejiofor as General Strickland, and Juno Temple as Dr. Payne.
Q3: How are the visual effects in the film?
A3: The VFX are impressive, especially during action scenes, making the symbiotes and alien creatures look realistic.
Q4: Is the movie suitable for all audiences?
A4: While it is primarily targeted at comic book fans and older audiences, some scenes may be intense for young children.
