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Review: If ‘Venom: The Last Dance’ is the end, Tom Hardy’s one-man buddy duo goes out twirling

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Review: If 'Venom: The Last Dance' is the end, Tom Hardy's one-man buddy duo goes out twirling

As a long-time movie enthusiast who has seen more than my fair share of superhero films, I must confess that the “Venom” series is a breath of fresh air. The unique blend of action, humor, and campiness sets it apart from the usual self-serious or self-referential superheroes.

You’re either in tune with the vibe of “Venom” or not. If you are, you’ll find that many others share this feeling, as it appears that a large number of people enjoy this series. The Marvel series from Sony, consisting of three unique comic book movies featuring Tom Hardy’s portrayal of journalist Eddie Brock and his witty symbiote sidekick Venom (which Hardy also voices), has been incredibly successful. The final installment, “Venom: The Last Dance,” completes the trilogy, offering a mix of seriousness and humor that sets it apart from other more somber superheroes or self-referential ones with a sarcastic edge.

A significant part of the film’s distinct humor stems from Tom Hardy’s dual role as both Venom and Eddie, as well as his involvement in the script. He shares a story credit for both “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” (2021) and this upcoming one. Additionally, Hardy has worked closely with his long-time friend Kelly Marcel, who wrote all three films. In “The Last Dance,” which implies Venom’s possible final performance, Marcel makes her directorial debut.

The main appeal of these films has always been the relationship between Eddie and Venom, his alien pal who frequently pops out to say hello and crack wise, and who can take over Eddie’s body with his tar-like mass and giant teeth. The irascible Venom loves animals, eating brains and letting the music move him (in the second installment, the characters hit up a rave; in this one, it’s a choreographed disco dance in a Vegas penthouse).

The central theme of “The Last Dance” revolves around the journey of Eddie and Venom, who aim to travel from Mexico to New York City but instead find themselves in Area 51 due to their tendency to encounter extraterrestrials. As the story unfolds, we discover that these two have transformed into a sort of guidebook or key to open a cosmic prison housing a malevolent figure resembling a dark lord with long hair. This character, it seems, was once imprisoned by his symbiote offspring and is now determined to use an army of sharp-clawed, crab-like aliens that he’s summoned through portals to recover the Eddie-Venom codex and regain his freedom.

In this rephrased version: The duo transforms into a tracking tool when Venom fully materializes, and their destruction can only occur if either of them perishes. Therefore, the plot revolves around a high-speed chase through the Southwestern United States. Colonel Strickland (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his troops are hot on their trail, while Dr. Payne (Juno Temple), who empathizes with the alien, tries to save the specimens. Chaos erupts near Area 51, which is set to be closed in just three days, adding another layer of tension to the story.

In the vein of classic B-movies like “Starship Troopers” and “Tremors,” the arid backdrop and menacing alien creatures make “The Last Dance” feel reminiscent of those campy creature features. Despite being a bit rough around the edges, goofy, and maybe even a tad nonsensical, it’s endearing because it openly embraces its genre tropes.

This journey feels somewhat unpredictable, yet Hardy’s quirky allure and an outstanding soundtrack help navigate through its rough patches. The movie can be categorized as a comedy with an ensemble cast, where Eddie meets various characters such as Rhys Ifans, a dad fixated on aliens, embarking on a pilgrimage to Area 51 in a psychedelically decorated Volkswagen bus, and Peggy Lu as Mrs. Chen, managing the slot machines in Vegas. These side characters play a crucial role by providing a contrast to Venom’s comedic antics. Since Michelle Williams in the initial film, it is essential that those around Venom grasp their roles while allowing him to outshine, and this cast consistently delivers without ever overpowering him.

Essentially, what sets “Venom” apart from other aspects like its characters, plots, scenes, or visual effects is the unique bond between Tom Hardy’s portrayal of both characters within him – a conflict and camaraderie that feels real. This bond with his character Marcel might be the secret sauce behind the movies’ success, as it convincingly conveys their mutual affection amidst their disagreements. Though the concept may be nearing its end, and we’d like to see Hardy explore new roles, this conclusion serves as a satisfying farewell for the charming alien with the brilliant smile.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2024-10-24 21:01

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