I knew what I was getting into with *Venom: The Last Dance*. Having seen the first two films, *Venom* and *Venom: Let There Be Carnage*, I had a pretty good idea of the quality I was about to encounter. Or so I thought. *Venom: The Last Dance* defies explanation. It’s challenging to articulate what the movie-going experience was like. I can’t quite compare it to anything else. It’s simultaneously the worst movie and the most fun I’ve experienced all year. I’m still trying to process why that is and what it even means.
*Venom: The Last Dance* picks up right after the events of *Let There Be Carnage*, with a detour into the multiverse, as hinted at in both *Let There Be Carnage* and *Spider-Man: No Way Home*. Eddie/Venom (played by Tom Hardy) are back in their own universe and on the run due to the aftermath of *Let There Be Carnage*. Venom is blamed for everything, including the death of Detective Mulligan. Unbeknownst to them, Venom is also being hunted by the spawn of God Knull (played by Andy Serkis), who created all the symbiotes but was then imprisoned by them for eternity—sort of. These creatures are on the hunt for a codex that could free him, and it turns out Venom may be the key. So, they’re fugitives evading the law while also being pursued by these nearly unstoppable alien creatures, all aiming to visit the Statue of Liberty in New York. Yes, that’s the basic plot. No, it doesn’t make much sense, but it leads to fun moments, like a stop in Las Vegas featuring an ABBA “Dancing Queen” scene that you have to see to believe.
To say the story meanders would be generous. The script, penned by Kelly Marcel (who also wrote the first two *Venom* movies), along with a story by her and Tom Hardy (who contributed to the story of *Let There Be Carnage*), feels uneven. It struggles at times to know what it wants to be. While it technically has a beginning, middle, and end, it takes a strange route to get there. It reminded me of when my eight-year-old creates his own comic book: it starts off coherently but quickly goes off the rails with bizarre yet creative tangents, culminating in a big, spectacular ending that incorporates everyone from the story, even if it doesn’t logically fit. I might need to check to see if my son ghostwrote this script.
Kelly Marcel also directed the film, marking her directorial debut. Considering that, perhaps it’s not as bad as it seems. The film relies heavily on Tom Hardy to carry it, and he does a commendable job. However, it also leans on CGI, much of which is subpar. While CGI is a staple in these types of movies, it’s usually executed better. Several scenes almost exclusively feature CGI, which, at times, looks sloppy and reminiscent of early 2000s effects. Despite this, Tom Hardy excels in the role of Eddie/Venom. I enjoy his performance, and it’s likely a significant reason why I have found some enjoyment in all three films. He clearly enjoys this role, and it reflects in his performance. In my opinion, Hardy is underrated; perhaps it’s because he chooses roles like this, yet he always brings his A-game.
One of my main concerns is the overall vision for this character within Sony’s universe of Marvel characters. I’m unsure where the story is headed. While the ending sets up for a sequel, it also feels like it could be the conclusion for Venom and Eddie Brock. I know Venom has had various hosts in the comics, so they could explore that direction. However, Knull seems almost like a throwaway character otherwise. I just don’t know where it’s all going.
This brings me to a struggle with *Venom: The Last Dance*. The film doesn’t take itself seriously. It’s undeniably a fun movie that doesn’t pretend to be anything else. Yes, the story is lacking; objectively, the movie is not good. Yet it still brings enjoyment in many ways. Part of that joy likely stems from Hardy’s portrayal, which we can assume will be his last as this character. The moments that are bizarre and strange are meant to be that way, creating a feeling that you’re laughing with the film rather than at it. As I left the theater, I knew I had just seen a terrible movie, but I wasn’t bored for a single second. If you enjoyed the first two films in this series, you will likely feel the same. I was entertained from start to finish, even though I recognized its flaws. I watched this with a friend who kept asking, “What is this movie?” My objective answer: I don’t know. The answer in my heart: This is VENOM! It simply is what it is. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
*Venom: The Last Dance* is currently playing in theaters everywhere. It is rated PG-13 and features some intense scenes, but nothing worse than what we typically see in MCU films. There are a couple of scenes involving brain consumption, but they’re done in a tasteful and not overly graphic way. Younger kids should probably sit this one out.
The Last Dance?
Summary
“Prepare for a wild ride with *Venom: The Last Dance*. This latest installment defies explanation, blending chaotic storytelling with unexpected fun. Tom Hardy shines as Eddie/Venom, balancing absurdity and action in a film that’s both bizarrely entertaining and objectively flawed. If you’re a fan of the first two *Venom* films, expect more of the same—only this time, with even stranger twists, surprise cameos, and a truly memorable ABBA scene. Rated PG-13, it’s a cinematic experience you’ll either love or laugh at. Either way, it’s *Venom* at its most outrageous.”
