Venom: The Last Dance—Chaotic, Flawed, Yet Entertaining

By Hy-Zier Joans

Venom: The Last Dance is a perplexing movie, both in its storytelling and its execution. Unlike most superhero films, it boldly chooses to exist in its own moment, ignoring connections to larger cinematic universes. This self-contained approach feels refreshingly pure but also chaotic. The movie doesn’t take itself too seriously, which, for better or worse, is a defining characteristic of the Venom franchise.

Tom Hardy returns as Eddie Brock, whose interactions with the alien symbiote Venom remain the heart of the series. Hardy’s voice for Venom, initially off-putting, gradually settles into something that works. The dynamic between Eddie and Venom has matured, evolving into a comedic yet oddly wholesome partnership. Their relationship feels like a well-communicating couple, a highlight that carries the film through its rougher patches.

The movie’s plot is, frankly, an afterthought. The narrative meanders, with subplots that feel underdeveloped and a central story that seems uninterested in its own coherence. The so-called “Sonyverse,” where Eddie and Venom reside, is as confusing as ever, but the movie doesn’t seem to care whether the audience understands or remembers past events. This cavalier attitude works if you go in expecting nothing more than a chaotic good time.

The action sequences, particularly the climactic battle of multicolored goo and explosions, are a visual spectacle. While these moments lack depth, they are undeniably entertaining, surpassing many other superhero films this year in sheer fun. Venom’s use of his powers is visually interesting, adding moments of creativity to an otherwise formulaic action lineup.

One of the movie’s stronger points is its improvement over the previous films in the franchise. The violence, often a point of contention for fans, strikes a better balance this time. While not overly gory, scenes like Venom’s takedown of animal-fighting criminals finally deliver the gruesome edge the franchise has flirted with.

The introduction of a new antagonist, an alien called a Xenophage (nicknamed the “woodchipper alien”), adds a horror element. The creature’s bloodthirsty rampages bring a visceral energy missing from earlier installments. However, the subplot involving secret experiments on symbiotes beneath Area 51 feels half-baked, serving only as a setup for more carnage.

Director Kelly Marcel’s debut effort shows promise, with a clearer vision than the first two films. Still, the movie stumbles in pacing, with inconsistent story beats and moments that feel like filler. A bizarre sequence involving an ABBA number in a casino epitomizes the movie’s tonal confusion.

While Venom: The Last Dance may not satisfy those seeking a cohesive narrative or nuanced character development, it offers an enjoyable ride for fans of the franchise. Its humor, over-the-top action, and the quirky chemistry between Eddie and Venom ensure it’s not a total misfire.

If this is truly Tom Hardy’s last outing as Eddie Brock, it’s a mixed farewell. The film leaves room for improvement but captures enough of the duo’s charm to entertain its core audience. It’s not groundbreaking cinema, but it delivers on its promise of messy, chaotic fun. For that, it’s worth a watch—just don’t expect to remember much of it afterward.

Rating: 2.5/5