Venom: The Last Dance – A Flawed Finale or A Fitting Conclusion?
Key Takeaways
- Tom Hardy’s Performance Shines: Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie Brock and Venom continues to captivate, offering some of the most entertaining and dynamic interactions of the trilogy. His chemistry with Venom steals the show, even when the plot struggles to keep up.
- Action-Packed but Plot-Heavy: The film delivers on action and visual flair, but its convoluted subplots and underwhelming side characters slow down the pace. The balance between epic superhero moments and the intimate Eddie-Venom relationship is inconsistent.
- Disappointing Villains: While Knull is teased as a potential major antagonist, his role feels underdeveloped, and the Xenophages, while visually interesting, lack depth. The film’s efforts to build future conflicts may leave some fans unsatisfied.
The Venom film series has always been divisive. Loved by some for its chaotic energy and hated by others for its lack of focus, the trilogy has certainly carved out a unique space in the world of superhero films. But now, with Venom: The Last Dance, the series aims to wrap up its story with a bang or at least, that’s the hope. What we get instead is a mix of highs and lows, with a few surprises thrown in. So, is this the best Venom movie yet? Or is it just another messy chapter in a series full of them?
Venom’s Character Evolution: The Symbiotic Heart of the Film
If there’s one thing that has remained consistently engaging throughout the Venom trilogy, it’s the character of Venom himself. Played with undeniable commitment by Tom Hardy, the dynamic between Eddie Brock and Venom is what keeps this franchise alive. In The Last Dance, their relationship hits new heights of absurdity, but it also manages to strike a surprisingly emotional chord.
Tom Hardy doesn’t just play Eddie Brock he is Eddie Brock, grappling with the fact that he shares his body with a ravenous, chaotic alien symbiote. Their banter, which was a highlight of the previous two films, reaches new levels of humour and emotional depth here. Whether it’s Venom cracking jokes or the two sharing a quiet, reflective moment, Hardy ensures that the heart of the film remains strong. The film’s comedic elements work best when focused on Eddie and Venom’s dynamic, where you can feel the genuine tension, affection, and chaos that defines their bond.
The action sequences also do Venom justice, offering some of the most visually exciting moments of the trilogy. One memorable scene involves Venom taking control of multiple animals during a chase sequence, adding a fresh layer of creativity to the action. But despite these high points, the movie isn’t without its issues.
Plot Problems: A Tangle of Subplots and Uninteresting Side Characters
For all its strengths, Venom: The Last Dance can’t escape the problems that have plagued the series from the start. The film’s plot is weighed down by a multitude of subplots that never quite come together. The most egregious example is the military storyline, which centers on Rex Strickland (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor) and two scientists, Dr. Payne (Juno Temple) and Dr. Sadie (Clark Backo). These characters, despite being portrayed by talented actors, never feel fully developed. Their motivations are murky at best, and their subplots distract from the main action.
One of the biggest letdowns is how much screen time is given to these side characters. The military subplot takes up a significant chunk of the movie, yet fails to add any real value. You can’t help but feel like this time could have been better spent deepening the bond between Eddie and Venom or giving us more insight into the film’s central antagonist, Knull.
Speaking of Knull…
The Villains: A Missed Opportunity with Knull and The Xenophages
In the comic book world, Knull is a major villain a god-like figure who created the symbiote race. He’s dark, brooding, and represents a significant threat to Venom. So it’s disappointing that Venom: The Last Dance fails to deliver a compelling portrayal of this character. Despite being hyped in the film’s marketing, Knull ends up being little more than a shadow in the background, waiting for his big moment that never quite comes.
Instead, the film focuses on the Xenophages alien creatures sent by Knull to hunt down Venom. While visually interesting, these creatures lack personality or depth, serving merely as obstacles for Eddie and Venom to overcome. The Xenophages’ brutality is shocking at times, especially for a PG-13 film, but beyond that, they don’t leave a lasting impression.
The absence of a truly compelling villain leaves a hole in the movie’s narrative. Knull could have been the Thanos of this franchise, but instead, he’s reduced to a sequel tease that may never come to fruition. It’s a frustrating move, especially for fans hoping to see Venom face a worthy opponent in the final chapter of his trilogy.
The Last Dance: Fun, But Ultimately Forgettable
There’s no denying that Venom: The Last Dance has its moments. The action is thrilling, the humour hits more often than it misses, and Tom Hardy’s performance continues to carry the film. But for all the fun it offers, the movie is held back by its convoluted plot and underwhelming villains.
One of the biggest issues is that the movie feels like it’s trying to do too much. It’s attempting to set up future films, introduce new characters, and give Eddie and Venom a fitting conclusion all at once. Unfortunately, this juggling act leads to a lack of focus, with the film jumping from one plot point to the next without giving any of them the attention they deserve.
In the end, Venom: The Last Dance is a fitting conclusion to the trilogy in that it’s just as inconsistent as the films that came before it. Fans of the franchise will likely enjoy the humour and action, but for those hoping for a more coherent story, this final chapter may be a letdown.
FAQs
Q: Is Venom: The Last Dance the best film in the trilogy?
A: While it boasts the best action sequences and some of the funniest moments, the convoluted plot and underdeveloped villains hold it back from being the best. It’s an improvement over the first film but falls short of Let There Be Carnage in terms of balance and focus.
Q: Do I need to watch the previous Venom films to understand The Last Dance?
A: While it helps to have seen the first two films, The Last Dance does a decent job of catching you up on key plot points. However, understanding Eddie and Venom’s relationship will be more rewarding if you’ve watched their earlier adventures.
Q: Is Knull a major villain in the film?
A: Knull is teased as a significant threat, but his role in the movie is minimal. The focus is more on the Xenophages, which serve as the primary antagonists in this film.
A Fun Ride, but With Room for Improvement
Venom: The Last Dance is a movie filled with potential, but it doesn’t fully capitalize on it. While the film is fun and full of humour, it’s weighed down by too many subplots and a lacklustre villain. Fans of the franchise will find plenty to enjoy, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that this trilogy could have been so much more.
