On Thursday, 24th October 2024, London Mums Magazine had the thrilling opportunity to catch the latest escapade of our favourite symbiote anti-hero, Venom: The Last Dance, featuring the ever-charismatic Tom Hardy. Now, if you’ve been living under a rock (or maybe just avoiding the Marvel universe), let’s get you up to speed: Venom has been on quite the journey, featuring in four films to date, including the original Venom and Venom: Let There Be Carnage, not to mention a cheeky cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Venom: The Last Dance is out in UK cinemas on 25 October 2024.
So, what’s the buzz about this new flick? Well, let’s see…
The story
In Venom: The Last Dance, Tom Hardy reprises his role as Eddie Brock, who is once again joined by the delightfully chaotic Venom. The stakes are higher than ever as they find themselves on the run from the law, with both their worlds closing in. It’s a heart-wrenching journey of friendship, sacrifice, and a showdown with a terrifying new enemy. Expect thrills, spills, and a few surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
The trailer
The verdict
Venom has grown into a cultural phenomenon, popping up everywhere from animated series to video games, and this film is no exception. The blend of action and dark humour hits just the right notes, especially in the quirky banter between Eddie and Venom. However, while Woody Harrelson’s portrayal of Cletus Kasady, a.k.a. Carnage, injects some electrifying energy into the film, his backstory felt a bit rushed – like they were in a hurry to get to the next big explosion.
The Venom franchise has always been the slightly offbeat cousin of the Marvel family, and this final chapter is no different. Think of it as a buddy film with a split personality – featuring some seriously wild fight scenes and a massive threat from the alien Xenophage invaders (who, let’s face it, look like they’ve just come out of a wood-chipper!). Hardy’s performance shines as he captures Eddie’s weariness perfectly, but alas, the film itself is a bit of a mixed bag.
With superhero films currently facing a bit of an identity crisis, Venom: The Last Dance serves as a nostalgic reminder of the carefree fun that superhero flicks used to bring. While it might not be a game-changer, it’s a decent send-off for this quirky duo. Despite the critics buzzing about box office concerns and the changing landscape of superhero movies, this film manages to keep things light-hearted, with a surprisingly short runtime that means it doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Visually, it’s a feast for the eyes! The CGI shines during the action sequences, providing some real “wow” moments. Yet, the plot can feel a tad flimsy at times, and some pacing issues pop up like annoying pop quizzes in class. If you loved the first Venom, you’re likely to enjoy this sequel – it’s more of the same, just with a new twist!
Overall, we at London Mums Magazine rate Venom: The Last Dance a cheeky 6/10. It’s not the most profound film you’ll see this year, but it’s an entertaining romp that’s perfect for a relaxed cinema outing with friends. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the ride!