We are gathering here today to say a tearful goodbye to Venom. A symbiote that taught us chaos, lethal protection, and love for life.
“Venom: The Last Dance” is the most recent and last film of the venom trilogy, starring Tom Hardy. After previous events of the last film, “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” Eddie Brock and Venom are left on the run while being pursued by the law after death and mayhem that occurred in the police department, and church. They are now being hunted by Xenophages sent by Knull, the eldritch god of darkness and creator of symbiotes, to receive the codex that both Brock and Venom hold that will free Knull from his prison.
This flick is a roller coaster ride of excitement and adventure showcasing the chaos that Venom gets into as he attempts to escape the military that are hunting symbiotes in the name of self-defense and Xenophages seeking them out, showing off Venom abilities, and the comedic dialogue. The actions between Brock and Venom arguing with each other as they navigate Nevada to reach New York, and Tom Hardy’s acting of being controlled by an alien is phenomenal. “I don’t know how a person being controlled by a symbiotic organism from space should look and act, but Tom Hardy does somehow,” said Dan Murrell, a movie reviewer.
However, there are flaws within the film. While there was hype of other symbiotes from the comics, the usage of these other symbiotes is kept at a minimum only in the investigation of Detective Mulligan; played by Stephen Graham, and the final fight within Area 51. This leaves more for comic readers to desire, especially with the quick end of these symbiotes before they can actually show case their personalities. Also the subplot of Dr. Teddy Paine, played by Juno Temple, and her past that led her to work at Area 51 could have been cut out as it really didn’t add much to the film.
The film serves as both a celebration and a send-off for the brain-eating and animal lover, with both Venom and Brock coming to terms with their relationship with each other, and helping others along the way as they come to the final close. I wasn’t really prepared for the emotional beats of loss and happiness between both characters, with Brock being the usual reserved one within the relationship and events that are going on, seeking to keep his distance and keep a level head while Venom is more active and open to experience and people. The flick stresses how much Venom has changed Brock’s life and that although they had some hardships, Venom did add the necessary excitement and joy to Brock’s life that he will always remember.
The film really depends upon your previous enjoyment of the movies before it. “This movie is absolutely a mixed bag. It’s ham and cheese fun in that mid-2000s comic book movie kinda way,” said Jeremy Jahns, a movie reviewer. Overall, it is a good send-off for those who loved the Venom flicks but not a good film for everyone.
