Venom: The Last Dance Review: An Insane Guilty Pleasure

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As a longtime fan of comic book movies and someone who has weathered through countless studio meddling and disappointing adaptations, I can confidently say that Venom: The Last Dance is a breath of fresh air in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU). While it may not be the cinematic masterpiece we all hoped for, it certainly delivers on the guilty pleasure front.

Just like Eminem’s lyrics, “They won’t see it coming when they’re hit by the ‘Venom: The Last Dance,'” this third installment of the Venom trilogy is now in theaters. Although Sony’s Spider-Man Universe has produced some less-than-stellar films like Morbius and Madame Web, the Venom series has consistently shone as a faint (not bright) beacon. The first two Venom movies were moderately enjoyable superhero flicks that have managed to stay afloat thanks to Tom Hardy’s double act as Eddie Brock/Venom, a performance so dedicated it could get him hospitalized.

In Venom: The Last Dance, the trend continues. Although it’s not my preferred installment, it delivers more of what we’ve been yearning for from this series – our main character, Venom. This incredible superhero is a standout in modern cinema, constantly providing hilarious moments. Every word that spills from this extraterrestrial being is pure comedy gold. While the film doesn’t reach the same level of humor and audience appeal as the first one did, we can still expect Tom Hardy’s exceptional voice acting as the bold, unconventional character to generate plenty of top-notch laughter, especially during a scene featuring David Bowie.

First, let’s discuss the entertaining aspect of Venom: The Last Dance. However, it’s important to acknowledge the peculiar way this series found its place within the MCU. The mid-credits scene from Venom: Let There Be Carnage caused quite a stir three years ago when it hinted at Venom joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe by appearing on the news alongside Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. Fast forward two months, and Spider-Man: No Way Home featured another mid-credits scene that sent Venom back to his own universe. It seems unusual to tease a showdown between a Spider-Man villain and Spider-Man himself, only for it to be abruptly halted two months later. Now, we find ourselves with yet another sequel, but this time without a storyline centered around Venom’s arch-nemesis, Spider-Man.

The Sony Spider-Man Universe (SSU) has faced numerous interventions in production, as it’s titled, yet there hasn’t been a single appearance of Spider-Man – except for Madame Web, but that doesn’t really count. This franchise seems odd, with fleeting allusions to Spider-Man throughout. It appears the legal constraints are evident, since Venom can only make indirect references to the Avengers but not physically appear alongside them. After hinting at a merger of the SSU and Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Eddie Brock gets pulled back into his own universe, leaving the movie to abandon the multiverse/hive mind storyline as if it was never part of the narrative.

In another version of the narrative, it appears that some original storylines from Venom: Let There Be Carnage are being set aside and new concepts are being introduced instead in Venom: The Last Dance. However, this film truly shines when it focuses on our main character’s journey. The initial action sequence involves Venom engaging in combat against adversaries, and interestingly, we also witness Eddie participating in the fight. It’s enjoyable to observe Eddie playing a more active part in the action, as opposed to Venom being solely in control. Furthermore, the storyline provides a justification for giving Tom Hardy ample screen time.

In her first attempt at directing a feature film, Kelly Marcel takes the helm. Previously, she was a screenwriter for the initial Venom movies and penned this movie’s script, derived from a story co-written by Tom Hardy. She handles the direction competently. Following in the footsteps of directors such as Ruben Fleischer and Andy Serkis, she assumes leadership in this series. It’s challenging, but she rises to the occasion. Her direction maintains parity with their quality without surpassing it or lingering too long. Every scene, be it action-packed or dialogue-driven, is well-executed.

The Last Dance” intends to be a buddy adventure movie featuring Eddie and Venom. It could certainly be enjoyable, but it may not live up to its full potential like the rest of the series. These movies can be considered as guilty pleasures since they offer nothing substantial in terms of intellectual value, yet they are highly entertaining and enjoyable. When you watch a Venom movie, don’t expect deep, thought-provoking narratives or artistic masterpieces; instead, anticipate a fun, action-packed escape with lighthearted entertainment.

The movie aims to add more emotional depth to the franchise, introducing a new hippie character portrayed by Rhys Ifans. This character is refreshing and seamlessly fits into the storyline. It seems that the creators decided to include this character since Eddie’s former girlfriend Ann and her husband Dan are absent in this installment. The series has shifted its focus away from them, now emphasizing the heartwarming camaraderie between Eddie and Venom as well as laying the groundwork for the SSU, a development that undoubtedly leaves us eagerly anticipating more.

In Venom: The Last Dance, Juno Temple portrays Dr. Teddy Payne and Clark Backo plays Sadie Christmas, but their roles seem somewhat forced. However, the film’s climax is more intense than ever, reaching new heights for the series. Unfortunately, the journey to each key moment can feel a bit disjointed at times. For instance, the previews show Eddie arriving on the Las Vegas strip and donning a tuxedo. Although Vegas makes for an attractive backdrop for an action scene, the movie only spends around six minutes there. The plot advancement here feels contrived, and the film attempts to compensate by providing amusement, which somewhat masks this questionable choice.

The movie was enjoyable, but it could have spent more time in the Las Vegas setting. It would have added to the experience to transition from San Francisco and have our climactic battle unfold on a bustling Vegas street filled with neon lights, casinos, and the iconic Bellagio fountain. However, just like Venom was abruptly removed from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we were suddenly taken away from Las Vegas for the final act, which took place in a gloomy, deserted field.

Despite any reservations, does the climax meet our expectations? Indeed, it does. And we can find contentment in its unconventionality. It brought to mind the ending of another trilogy: X-Men: The Last Stand. Similarly, the finale of this film carries a likeness to what one would anticipate from a massive superhero battle scene in a blockbuster movie.

As a gamer, I found that the military scenes in this flick weren’t exactly my cup of tea compared to the action-packed moments starring Eddie Brock and Venom. The chemistry between them is what truly makes these movies pop, giving them a charm that keeps them from feeling bland or impersonal. Admittedly, the villains in this installment aren’t as captivating as Riz Ahmed’s or Woody Harrelson’s characters from the earlier films, but Venom: The Last Dance still manages to entertain. It won’t leave you yearning for a rewatch, but if you’ve got two hours to spare and are in the mood for some mindless fun, it delivers just that. If you weren’t a fan of the previous movies, this one probably won’t change your mind. But if, like me, these films satisfy your guilty pleasure cravings, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

SCORE: 7/10

According to the review guidelines at ComingSoon, a score of 7 means “Good.” This suggests an enjoyable piece of entertainment that’s definitely worth considering, though its appeal might not be universal and may not resonate with everyone.

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2024-10-28 19:41