Venom: The Last Dance – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Venom: The Last Dance – A Symbiotic Tale of Chaos and Fun

To make a film takes a lot of effort.  From screenwriting to production, it is a daunting task to transform something into a realistic journey (on the big screen).  No matter what the aim is, that creative thrust becomes a levy upon the adventure ahead.  For all that can be comical or dramatic, that effort is only one part of an opinion … as the execution can still have shaky parts.  In this review, I look at the third entry into Sony’s popular Venom franchise.  Within this latest chapter, it is a hodge podge of loose ideas and adrenaline filled action.  For all its misgivings, Venom: The Last Dance still provides enough punch for a symbiotic swing of fun.  

In this third chapter, we find Venom and Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) on the run from the law and outside worldly forces.  With everything on the line, will the symbiotic duo be able to save humanity and still be … together.  Going into this latest entry, there is an expectation that levels within the heart of this journey: the bromance between Eddie and Venom.  For all the clichés, predictable tropes and undeveloped characters, what pulls many to this property is their relationship.  In the beginning, we pick up where we last found our duo, at a bar on the run from the aftermath in San Francisco.  From here, the film quickly moves through conversations, action sequences and expositional dumping, putting Venom and Eddie into a precarious predicament:  The creator of the symbiotes is looking for them … as they are the key for his release (Main plot).  From here, the film moves quickly into building this latest sandbox of one-dimensional characters, standard Sci-fi/comic book tropes and a linear point A to B directive method.  The lackluster of development weighs down some of the experience, but what keeps you entertained is that Venom/Eddie relationship.  For all the issues that swirl within a generic script, the characterization of their journey weaves some entertainment value, leaving you with a feeling of wondering: is this the end for them? 

As the two continue their journey, the directive dances between their two front threats, while also building up an intrigue of the symbiote mythos.  As layers of Venom’s backstory comes into play, it provides a dynamic that levels against some of the foreshadowing and convenient plot elements.  This looming like sensation provides some emotional thrust against some of the forced slapstick sequences.  As things become a manner of life and death, we head into a third act that plays on the ‘enemy of your enemy’ trope, but through a lens of creative CGI and high-octane action.  This leads us into a sequence of true emotional girth, relishing in a full circle climax and epilogue.  Venom: The Last Dance is a comic book film that dances the line of mediocrity with some thrilling moments.  If you are a fan of this property or comic book films, you will find some worth here.  For others, there is fun to be had, but at the right price.  

Full Score – 3 out of 5 (Matinee)