The first reactions for “Venom: The Last Dance” are in, with members of the press calling the Sony Pictures film a “feast for the fans” and a “fitting end” to the trilogy.
Tom Hardy returns as Eddie Brock, better known as the symbiote Venom from the “Spider-Man” comics, for “Venom: The Last Dance.” Per the official logline, “Eddie and Venom are on the run. Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie’s last dance.”
Screen Rant’s Joseph Deckelmeier wrote on X that the film “takes you on a wild and exhilarating journey from start to finish.” “It’s a fun popcorn movie that reminds me of the early 2000’s comic book movies. The action is great & is a tribute to action films from the 80’s. There’s a ton of funny moments,” he continued. “Are there plot holes and some issues with the story? Yes. [Is] it fun? Also, yes.”
Digital Spy editor Ian Sandwell called the third installment “the most entertaining of the trilogy,” adding that “it’s largely a funny and sweet road trip with Eddie and Venom living their Thelma & Louise fugitive dreams, including car karaoke and dog rescuing. You might even find yourself getting emotional.”
Along with Hardy, “Venom: The Last Dance” stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Peggy Lu, Alanna Ubach and Stephen Graham.
Kelly Marcel, who wrote and produced the first two “Venom” movies, directed “The Last Dance” from a screenplay she wrote. Marcel and Hardy developed “Venom 3‘s” story and produced alongside Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, Amy Pascal and Hutch Parker. Joe Caracciolo Jr. is the executive producer.
The Atom Review praised Hardy’s performance as Eddie Brock/Venom, writing on X, “A huge EPIC & EMOTIONAL finale!! Tom Hardy gives EVERYTHING & Sony has never been better. Stunning action satisfies with all nineteen inches. Not just another Venom movie, it’s one of the BEST comic book films ever! A fitting end setting up what’s next.”
In a follow-up post, the Atom Review wrote, “Cinematic fun with unbelievable scope. A feast for the fans & true love letter that honors the franchise. It delivers great humor, bold action & engaging story.”
“Venom: The Last Dance” premieres in theaters Friday. Check out more first reactions below.
“Is it perfect? Nah, far from it. However, it’s leaps and bounds ahead of #Venom and has a way meatier plot than #VenomLetThereBeCarnage. The #SpiderMan4 rumors have been blown out of proportion IMO, but #VenomTheLastDance left me wanting more of these two. And Knull (mostly).” — Josh Wilding (@Josh_Wilding)
“#VenomTheLastDance sees Tom Hardy go all in for a fun finale befitting the franchise. With stacks of set pieces ranging from kooky to crazy, this doesn’t hold back with the Venomenal action. Take it for what it is. Grab some popcorn and go with the flow of this raging road movie.” — Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon)
“#VenomTheLastDance is the best of the “Venom” movies — the insanity has been ramped up significantly but so has the heart. It’s not perfect but it’s super entertaining and there’s a giant monster that chews people up and sprays blood out of the back of its head. Pretty nuts.” — Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored)
“Venom The Last Dance is a whacky buddy roadtrip that stretches its PG-13 rating as far as it will possibly go. Simply put – Venom 3 is classic guilty pleasure cinema. Turn your brains off and let #Venom snack on ‘em.” — Chris Killian (@chriskillian)
“I think #VenomTheLastDance is the best of the three, while still being incredibly bad. It’s bizarre, and watchable, because it’s willing to try anything. Symbiote fish? Sure. Mrs. Chen dance sequence? Why not. I laughed a few times, but this trilogy accomplished very little. Sigh” — Sean O’Connell (@Sean_OConnell)