‘Venom: The Last Dance’ – Review
Acting powerhouse Tom Hardy is ready for one last waltz as the lethal protector in the all-out science-fiction action thriller Venom: The Last Dance. And this picture doesn’t hold back on its monster battles, grinding gore factor, and all the fun that results from Eddie Brock’s partnership with the symbiote Venom.
Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and Venom must make a devastating decision as they’re pursued by a mysterious military man.
When we first heard that Sony Pictures was developing a Venom movie back in 2016, we were very excited. This excitement only intensified when it was confirmed that the talented British actor Tom Hardy would be taking on the role of the ‘lethal protector’. 2018’s Venom began a new chapter in the Spider-Verse, allowing it to forge its own path. Fans quickly fell in love with the witty banter and the evolving bromance between Eddie Brock and the alien symbiote. With the Venom films delivering excellent scares and over-the-top action, along with showcasing their unique dynamic.
Across the two previous films, we’ve witnessed the relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom grow as they defined their own version of heroism. Venom’s monstrous appetite, combined with their hilarious exchanges, has led to some memorable character moments. Now, longtime producer Kelly Marcel steps up to conclude the Venom saga. This upcoming film promises plenty of intensity and a thrilling sci-fi monster invasion story, highlighting not only Tom Hardy’s performance but also his commitment to portraying Venom authentically.
Ever since his casting, Tom Hardy has professed his direct passion for the character of Venom, and this has been evident in his performances in 2018’s Venom and its sequel, Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Over these two films, Hardy has shown a considerable duel performance as both the ‘aww shucks’ Eddie Brock and the lizard lounge voiced alien symbiote Venom, and it’s made for a different take on the classic superhero genre. Both Brock and Venom have been through a lot together, and now they find themselves in the midst of a full-on alien invasion, sci-fi road movie, and it ups the ante for both characters. While Eddie and Venom have been one since the very start, it feels that in Venom: The Last Dance, we fully see Brock accept his role as the ‘lethal protector’ that he shares with Venom, and together, they have the chance to perform an action that could save the very universe itself.
The experience of watching Venom: The Last Dance makes you feel as if you’re watching a film that is all about highlighting the best parts of the Brock/Venom relationship, and the story encourages the fun nuisances that have developed throughout this narrative. The narrative truly goes from A to Z, and we get to see Venom at his best as he has one hell of a fun last ride alongside Brock. Director Kelly Marcel finds a great mix across drama, comedy and action set pieces of the picture while also finding new territory to explore with its heavy focus on a monster-led science fiction alien invasion narrative point. There’s a freshness to the story’s mechanics, and audiences who are looking for something different in the franchise will get it with this picture, not to mention that it has a standout cast of British actors leading the show with special applause needed to be delivered to both Chiwetel Ejiofor and Rhys Ifans.
Venom: The Last Dance also strikes a new cord with its action sequences, and Marcel and Hardy definitely don’t hold back in giving the audience the monster movie they’ve been craving with plenty of head-biting and body shredding. The action goes for the R-rating here, and we get a full-on symbiote/alien battle in the third act that will make audiences sit up and go WHOA! The action is intense and schlocky, and it feels like a full-on symbiote battle royale, and Hardy throws his love of motorcycles into the mix for good measure. Added to it is a good dose of comedy, courtesy of Venom and Brock, and the ‘Venom Horse’ has to be seen on the BIG SCREEN! Massive monster fights only amplify the action of Venom: The Last Dance, which coupled with plenty of wisecracks, leads to all kinds of blockbuster fun, and the final showdown between Venom and his maker’s minions is a poignant and definitive statement on the lethal protector.
Through passion and creativity, hi-jinks and action, and a genuine love for one of comic book’s coolest ever monsters turned antihero, Eddie Brock and Venom have succeeded on the big screen. This final chapter, Venom: The Last Dance, is a fun round-up for the character and is the perfect send-off for the lethal protector and his own brand of superheroics.
Image: Sony Pictures