Academy Award Nominee Tom Hardy returns to the world of comic books as Eddie Brock to close out a trilogy in "Venom : The Last Dance" from Columbia Pictures. Kelly Marcel makes her directorial debut and returns to script the film from a story she crafted with Hardy.
After the previous film, Eddie and the Venom symbiote found themselves on the run after a successful confrontation with Carnage. Regrettably, this battle resulted in the death of the impulsive officer Patrick Mulligan (Stephen Graham), placing Eddie as the primary suspect and generating significant media attention both nationally and internationally. "Venom: The Last Dance" commences with Eddie intoxicated in a bar.
Nevertheless, Eddie and Venom face additional urgent challenges, as the Xenophage, a creature from Venom's home planet, has been pursuing them. The emergence of the Xenophage draws the interest of Rex Strickland (portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor), a commander involved in the government initiative known as Imperium, which seeks to capture all symbiotes.
I'm in the minority of critics who didn't mind the previous "Venom" films as they tapped into the comedic side. Regretfully, the sequel screams cash grab. The director, Kelly Marcel, who co-wrote the movie with Tom Hardy, would presumably know what makes the character work. However, for the third installment, she doesn't quite capture the essence of what made the previous two movies successful.
Firstly, the film lacks a potent antagonist. Comic fans know all about the character of Rex Strickland. I got excited when the casting of fellow Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor was announced. But here he is, going through the motions and is merely collecting a paycheck. Additionally, Juno Temple's character feels like she belongs in a completely different film due to her underdevelopment. Even the cameo by Mrs. Chen (Peggy Lu) seems overly scripted.
Only two new characters that add anything to the film are Martin (Rhys Ifans) and Nova Moon (Alanna Ubach), married hippies riding together in a VW bus on Nevada's State Route 375, also known as the Extraterrestrial Highway, so Martin's dream of finally seeing aliens is granted. There's not much action here, and the pace isn't right. However, I will add some extra points for Hardy as Eddie Brock and his partner Venom. Hardy sells them on an impossible life yet again with his charm.
Marcel is an ace writer; I wish she would have let another director flesh out her character, as the character deserves so much better for his last act.
Final Grade: C-
"Venom : The Last Dance" is in theaters now
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