The recent decline of superhero movies, with few exceptions like Deadpool, has caused chaos in Hollywood. Release dates are being pushed back, marketing strategies are being adjusted, and even Robert Downey Jr is being bribed. There is uncertainty about the future of this once highly profitable genre. The Venom franchise, which surprised many with its success in 2018, feels like a throwback to a different era. Now, with its third and final installment being released during such a turbulent time, it serves as a reminder of when these films held more significance for audiences.
It remains to be seen if Venom: The Last Dance will be able to revive interest in the franchise, as the second film suffered a significant drop in box office earnings. The third installment is predicted to have a low opening compared to previous films. However, it is a well-executed conclusion to a series that has been light-hearted and entertaining, with Tom Hardy and his alien symbiote character bringing some fun to the screen. Despite not being as disastrous as other superhero films, it falls short of truly engaging and exciting its audience.
The novelty of Hardy’s character interacting with an alien living within him wore off in the second film, where the humor seemed to be lacking. The same struggles persist in the third film, with the new director Kelly Marcel failing to inject enough comedy into the story. While the franchise has always been known for its lack of seriousness, it fails to deliver enough genuine humor this time around. Hardy’s commitment to the role of Eddie Brock remains strong, but the film struggles to find its comedic footing.
The story follows Eddie and Venom as they navigate a world filled with threats, including another alien villain and various other characters. The film feels rushed and overstuffed, with jokes that fall flat and unnecessary subplots that add confusion to the narrative. Despite its relatively short runtime, the film lacks coherence and feels disjointed in its storytelling. The director’s handling of the action sequences leaves much to be desired, with a messy and chaotic finale that fails to leave a lasting impression.
The abrupt ending of the film, accompanied by a Maroon 5 soundtrack, reinforces its disposable nature. While it may bring some relief that the series does not aim for emotional depth, it also highlights the lack of lasting impact that the franchise may have on its audience. In the end, viewers may struggle to remember how the series concludes, despite its initial promising start.