Daisy
The Venom films have had a rocky time. So has the entire Sony Spiderman universe.
But now Venom is synonymous with Tom Hardy. And whether you love or hate his portrayal of Eddie Brock and Venom – you have to admit he carries these films.
Venom: The Last Dance follows in the footsteps of its priors. An undercooked script with many-a-plot-hole. But it still has that Eddie-Venom banter to make you enjoy whatever is dished up.
Taking off after the events of the second film, Eddie is pinned as the killer of Detective Mulligan. But he’s not just on the run from the police. Oh yes, he has also caught the eye of a secret government operation and … more aliens.
The pure number of antagonistic forces set upon the two from the very beginning makes it clear they might not both survive this.
Reminiscent of a buddy road trip movie, Eddie and Venom have a lot of alone time. Tom Hardy does an immaculate job of bringing the two personalities to life. He injects their scenes with comical banter that could keep me entertained for hours.
There are a lot of new faces to take in with this film. It bit off more than it could chew – trying to introduce key new characters with not much time to fully delve into them.
Our new ‘big bad’ doesn’t get much screentime. Instead, he sends a hoard of his practically indestructible knulls after Eddie and Venom.
Dr. Teddy Payne (Juno Temple) – a symbiote researcher, is another character set up that feels half-assed. We get to see one tragic backstory flashback that becomes her reason for everything she does the entire film. I was more emotionally invested in Sadie, her loveable coworker.
In place of developing these evident ‘teeing up for the next film’ characters we’re simply given even more characters.
With the Michelle Williams hole to fill, the film had to find a new emotional centre. And this came in the way of the alien-loving couple and their kids. And they, of course, are conveniently placed to be the physical representation of the world Eddie and Venom are trying to save.
While the film lacks in overall cohesion and story, it does make up for it with its final battle. This film is definitely the most goriest instalment of the Venom films. The knulls have a wood chipper-esque function that turns anything they consume into a mist of blood. These creatures are a legitimate threat, which makes for an epic bloodbath.
But in the end, we know only one of our much-loved bonded duo can survive if they wish to save the universe. (It’s not spoilers if the movie is literally called ‘ The Last Dance’)
The tragedy is wrapped up in a some-what romantic montage to the backdrop of Maroon 5s memories. And I have to say, this was brilliant.
Was the whole movie brilliant? Hell no. Did I have a lot of fun? Hell yes.
Year: 2024
Rating: M15+
Running Time: 109 MIN
Genre: Action
Director: Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley
Starring: Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Stephen Graham, Peggy Lu, Clark Backo, Alanna Ubach, Andy Serkis
Production Studio: Columbia Pictures, Marvel Entertainment
Distributor: Sony Pictures