VENOM: THE LAST DANCE

VENOM: THE LAST DANCE

Written and Directed by Kelly Marcel

Ah yes, back to our regularly scheduled programming. If a shitty superhero/comic book movie isn't released every 5 weeks or so then Hollywood wouldn't know what to do with itself. Listen to me, as if I don't go and watch every single one opening weekend. Hah! 

This week we have the "epic conclusion" to the VENOM trilogy that started in 2018 starring a never greasier Tom Hardy so fully committed to the bit he single handedly made these movies watchable. This is a very one and done franchise for me, watch them when they come out and never think about it ever again. These movies do have some fun madcap energy to them but are mostly boring and generic with very lazy franchise world building. 

THE LAST DANCE is easily the weakest in an already not super strong franchise. The story about a black goo alien symbiote that attaches itself to Eddie Brock (Hardy in his trademark inexplicable accent) has been been great fodder for the more homoerotic romcom elements (not nearly enough of it). But this one goes all in with the absolute most generic plot about some evil alien dude wanting to take over Earth and kill everyone etc. The very second they mentioned the MacGuffin was something called a "codex" (seriously how generic can you get?) my eyes glazed over and I sank into my seat. The most fascinating element to me is behind the scenes with the writer of the last 2, Kelly Marcel taking over directing duties making this her debut. We love to see women in Hollywood thriving!

What follows is often boring with lifeless action sequences, most of the good stuff already ruined by the trailers. Gone is Michelle Williams looking slightly embarrassed cashing a paycheck and she is sorely missed this time around. I was checking in and out of this one, its only for major Hardy Heads and dumb dude bros. 

⭐⭐ Out of 4

(This is very much a 1 star movie but Hardy saves it)