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Review: ‘Venom: The Last Dance’ serves lukewarm sauce

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Review: ‘Venom: The Last Dance’ serves lukewarm sauce
  • Tom Hardy's enduring performance as both Eddie Brock and Venom is a highlight of 'Venom: The Last Dance', showcasing his dynamic acting skills and adding depth to the characters.
  • The film suffers from numerous plot holes and underdeveloped subplots, making it difficult for viewers to become fully invested in the narrative, with inconsistent antagonists and a primary villain who seems more of a setup for future films.
  • 'Venom: The Last Dance' offers humor and action that may appeal to fans, but the film lacks coherence and fails to deliver a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, making enjoyment dependent on lowered expectations.

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Introduction

The latest installment in the ‘Venom’ series, ‘Venom: The Last Dance’, has finally hit theaters, leaving fans and critics alike to ponder its place in the franchise. This film, directed by Kelly Marcel, marks the conclusion of a trilogy that has been marked by both its unique blend of humor and action, and its consistent lack of coherence. In this article, we will delve into the highs and lows of ‘Venom: The Last Dance’, examining what makes it a lukewarm addition to the series.

The Highs: Tom Hardy’s Enduring Performance

At its core, ‘Venom: The Last Dance’ is a testament to Tom Hardy’s enduring performance as both Eddie Brock and Venom. Hardy’s dynamic portrayal of the titular character has been a highlight of the series, and this film is no exception. His ability to seamlessly transition between the anxious, lonely Eddie and the deep-voiced, mischievous Venom is a skill that has been honed over the years.

Diving Deeper into Performance

Hardy’s performance is not just about voicing the characters; it's about bringing them to life in a way that resonates with audiences. His dedication to the role is evident in every scene, whether he’s preparing a Michelada while dancing to ‘Tequila’ or stuck to an airplane’s fuselage like a plush Garfield. These moments not only showcase his comedic timing but also his ability to add depth to the character.

The Lows: Plot Holes and Underdeveloped Subplots

Despite Hardy’s stellar performance, ‘Venom: The Last Dance’ is plagued by numerous plot holes and underdeveloped subplots. The film attempts to weave together multiple storylines, including a military subplot led by Chiwetel Ejiofor’s character, Rex Strickland, and a mysterious organization known as Imperium. However, these subplots fail to garner any real interest, often feeling like unnecessary distractions from the main narrative.

Exploring the Plot Holes

One of the most significant issues with ‘Venom: The Last Dance’ is its inconsistency. The Xenophages, monstrous spider-like creatures, are introduced as formidable antagonists but often forget about Eddie and Venom when it’s convenient for the plot. This lack of coherence makes it difficult for viewers to become fully invested in the story. Furthermore, the primary antagonist, Knull, portrayed by Andy Serkis, feels like a conduit to set up future comic book adaptations rather than a fully fleshed-out character.

The Middle Ground: Enjoying It Despite the Flaws

Often, the secret to enjoyment is managing or even lowering one’s expectations. If a person doesn’t expect much, it’s difficult to be disappointed. This approach can be applied to ‘Venom: The Last Dance’. While it may not be the strongest entry in the trilogy, it still offers moments of humor and action that can be enjoyed on their own merit.

Finding Joy in the Chaos

The film’s blend of buddy comedy and blockbuster flair delivers some laughs and a touch of nostalgia for fans. The action sequences, particularly the opening fight and the thrilling chase scene where Venom takes control of multiple animals, are visually impressive and engaging. However, these moments are overshadowed by the dull, clichéd storyline and lackluster development of secondary characters.

The Verdict: A Lukewarm Conclusion

In conclusion, ‘Venom: The Last Dance’ is a film that serves lukewarm sauce. While it has its moments of enjoyment, primarily driven by Tom Hardy’s performance, it is ultimately brought down by its numerous plot holes and underdeveloped subplots. The film's inability to create a cohesive narrative and its lack of clear stakes make it feel like a messy convergence of ideas rather than a well-crafted story.

Recommendation

If you’re a fan of the ‘Venom’ series or Tom Hardy, you might find some enjoyment in ‘The Last Dance’. However, if you’re expecting a well-rounded, coherent conclusion to the trilogy, you might be disappointed. Lowering your expectations and focusing on the lighthearted moments can make for an entertaining watch, but it’s clear that this film could have been more.


References

  • https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/24/movies/venom-the-last-dance-review.html
  • https://collider.com/venom-the-last-dance-review/
  • https://www.reddit.com/r/MarvelStudiosSpoilers/comments/1gaj0ed/venom_the_last_dance_review_embargo_megathread/
  • https://www.vulture.com/article/review-venom-the-last-dance-is-bad-on-purpose.html
  • https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/24/24277702/venom-the-last-dance-review