The most cinematic and monumental VENOM film to date

Despite Tom Hardy’s memorable, crazy performance in 2018 Poison failed to strike a chord with many comic fans. What Venom: Let There Be CarnageThe film benefited greatly from Andy Serkis’ direction, but lacked a bit of depth aside from the long-awaited conflict between its titular characters. Now we have it Venom: The Last DanceHardy’s finale Poison film and arguably the most complete achievement in this franchise to date. For those who don’t agree with the direction these films took the anti-hero, it probably won’t change your mind, but debut director Kelly Marcel arguably delivers the biggest and best Poison Film that leaves you wanting more at the end.

In the threequel, the dynamic between Eddie Brock and Venom is far more in line with what we’ve come to expect from these characters. They finally see eye to eye and their symbiosis becomes much easier to accept, a must in a film that relies so heavily on the strength of their bond. In Venom: The Last DanceThe duo’s attempt to reach New York and clear Eddie’s name fails when Knull, the god of symbiotes, sends his xenophage across the universe to retrieve a codex that can free him from his prison on Klyntar. Hunted, Eddie and Venom flee to Las Vegas, but the only way to stop Knull may be to end their partnership for good. With the two no longer clashing, we get a Venom who, if given the chance in a future story, could be the deadly protector that made him so popular on the page.

Knull only appears on screen for a few moments, but there are enough handily delivered exposition clips to show what he’s up to and why Eddie and Venom need to stop him. Venom: The Last DanceThe plot is relatively straightforward and there are moments that are far too contrived or convenient to advance the story. However, a solid, action-packed beginning combined with a high-octane, bombastic final act more than makes up for the sometimes sagging middle section (sorry, Mrs. Chen fans; it would have been better left on the cutting room floor). With writer Kelly Marcel now in the director’s chair, it feels like she’s pushing her script a little too hard, while other filmmakers might be a little harsher in the editing room. Still, this is an impressive feature film debut, and the visuals, action and sheer imagination of what we see on screen make it a high point in Sony’s Marvel Universe. Eddie Brock with a mermaid tail? It sounds ridiculous, but it’s an imaginative moment that adds new layers to what Venom can do while embracing the frenetic nature of this franchise.

Tom Hardy is completely bonkers, brilliant as Eddie and Venom in this film, and while he’s still very different from the comic book version of the character at times, it’s hard not to enjoy the odd couple bond that’s been built between them the main actors of the film. With some more serious material, the actor shines in a way that deepens his dual roles and reminds us why he is one of Hollywood’s most talented stars. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Juno Temple deliver solid supporting roles, although neither character necessarily transcends what’s on the surface. However, by the time the final act comes, you will have engaged enough with them and will be happier spending time with them than, say, Dan Lewis or Shriek. As for Andy Serkis’ Knull, his filming time is short, but casting him was the right decision. We would have liked to see more of the King in Black, but we’re told this is an introduction and the film delivers little more than what was promised… If the character returns, another filmmaker is free to develop his story further if they keep it it is right.

Of course, what happens next remains to be seen, but we can safely say that we are ready for Venom and Spider-Man to meet on screen. Hardy has repeatedly said that after this film he is done and if not Poison 4we definitely want to see more of this pairing in some form. By the time we reach this final act, we feel like Eddie and Venom are exactly where they need to be as an onscreen duo, and we’re not just liking them anymore…hell, we’re starting to love them (once again). Given the higher emotional stakes of this threequel, this is crucial and a credit to Marcel’s script.

The filmmaker builds on Serkis’ foundation to create a superhero blockbuster that’s a step ahead of the competition some MCU effort and a marked improvement over anything we’ve seen from DC in recent years. Calling something a “popcorn movie” is often considered an insult, but Venom: The Last Dance is a perfect example of a film where you can sit back, unwind and have fun. There are little things and lots of things that comic book readers would change. However, the film is treated as its own unique take on Venom, inventing highly inventive, crazy new ways to utilize the symbiote, delivering some big laughs and not disappointing when it comes to action.

We were told The Last Dance would end Hardy’s time as the character, so there’s not much in the way of a sequel – or Spider Man 4 – Bait, despite what some may have led you to believe. A handful of characters are completely underused here (Toxin fans, don’t get too excited) and there are times where the film has a weak plot, but hey, we know what we’re getting with this franchise and the fans of it Poison Films will go away very happy. As for the rest of you, let’s best hope that the rumors that Marvel Studios has plans for Venom are true.