Writer-director Kelly Marcel delivers what is probably the most entertaining film in the Venom franchise. Tom Hardy showcases a more emotional side of both Eddie and Venom.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 / 5)
By Mayur Lookhar
A franchise is impossible without the fans. Fatigue is natural after over a decade of superhero films, yet fanfare keeps it alive. Organic or not, social media plays its part in creating hype. Venom is unique as it was introduced as the antagonist in Spider-Man 3 (2007), part of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy. 11 years later, Sony made a standalone film Venom, its success leading to the creation of the SSU (Sony’s Spider-Man Universe). The protagonists here are Spider-Man’s adversaries from Marvel Comics.
Despite his monstrous look, audiences took a liking to Venom for his wicked sense of humour. Was it a great first film? Perhaps not, but Tom Hardy and his alter-ego like alien entity Venom, enthralled viewers. Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021), the second film, was a total disappointment. Both films suffered from poor casting of their antagonists—Riz Ahmed and Woody Harrelson. Truth be told, Tom Hardy was the sole bright spot in both. Having committed to a three-film contract, Hardy’s declaration that this would be his last Venom film added sentimental value to The Last Dance (2024).
Sony entrusted writer Kelly Marcel to make her directorial debut with The Last Dance. Marcel plays on the sentimental value by toning down Venom’s wicked sense of humour and showing a more emotional side to the alien entity. Eddie Brock’s morality seems to be influencing Venom, who is no longer just an alter-ego. The added incentive here is a more inclusive fan experience. Rhys Ifans, who portrayed Lizard in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), plays Martin Moon, a hippie travelling miles in the hope of experiencing alien action in Area 51, which is set to be decommissioned in a week. With a name like Ifans, who better to play the alien aficionado? His wife is a big fan too, but rather dangerously, Martin has brought his kids along. The family offers Eddie a long ride to Vegas, and they end up crashing into the final action in the cordoned-off Area 51. How silly, how dangerous is this fanaticism? But without fans, how would superhero franchises survive? Through Martin and his family, Marcel reminds us that, despite the usual criticism, such films are made for loyal fans. Venom being moved by this family’s love is expressing gratitude to fans at large.
The conflict in previous films revolved around the chaos in Eddie Brock’s world. In The Last Dance, the major conflict arises from Venom’s world, where its creator, Knull, seeks freedom after many ages. The King of Darkness must not be freed, or it will mean the end of Earth. Venom isn’t the only symbiote on Earth facing elimination.
Finally, we have a Venom film with a truly potent plot, backed by a fairly engaging and fun-filled screenplay. Throw in some nostalgic music, a last dance, and crazy action, and we probably have the most wholesome Venom film of the franchise. Some of the action feels exaggerated, particularly when Venom tags Eddie along on the roof of a civilian flight. Earlier, Venom taking down animal traffickers in Mexico, with the pooches hardly reacting to the sight of the celestial beast, is baffling.
If this is indeed a swansong, Tom Hardy leaves with no regrets. After the early bloody action, The Last Dance shows both Eddie and Venom more in control of their emotions. The plot ensures that each time Venom takes over, it alerts Knull’s foul beings. Is Venom’s screen time limited? Hard to say, but this is a risk that Marcel and Hardy (also credited for the story) were willing to take. There are moments where Venom can’t be revealed, but his distinct, growling tone seldom leaves Eddie. The best moment is when Venom is all ears and even croons the silly yet endearing Moon family song. Of course, the family can’t see or hear him. Venom has been part of Eddie’s life for over a year, enough to make him more human than symbiote. The whirlwind flight, followed by a horse ride at jet speed, certainly takes its toll, as shown on Eddie’s face. The stubble only adds to it. Tom Hardy is likable in this more light-hearted avatar.
Poor antagonists had undermined the earlier films. In The Last Dance, we only get a glimpse of Knull, as it’s his foul alien beings tasked with eliminating the symbiotes on Earth. Andy Serkis, who directed Let There Be Carnage (2024), portrays Knull. The end credits hint at the promise of Knull fighting his own battle, and fans seem willing to be patient.
Though silly, Rhys Ifans and his family provide an inclusive fan experience.
Chiwetel Ejiofor, who played Karl Mordo in Marvel’s Doctor Strange, is a surprising pick to portray Rex Strickland, a soldier at Area 51, where Dr. Teddy Payne (Juno Temple) is conducting her research on other symbiotes. Temple’s character has her own scarred past, and in the crisis hour, she finds her fitting symbiote. However, Dr. Payne’s sibling sob story isn’t entirely convincing.
A gripping finale comes alive with fine action from both humans and their symbiotes, and the quality special effects enhance the visual experience.
Venom: The Last Dance (2024) is far from perfect, but Kelly Marcel has delivered the most entertaining film in the Venom franchise.
It certainly feels better than some recent Spider-Man films or MCU offerings in the post-Endgame era.
Watch the video review below.
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