Despite the rocky history of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU), with missteps like Madame Web and Morbius, the buzz surrounding Venom: The Last Dance suggests that this film might break the pattern and deliver a solid cinematic experience. Early viewers are expressing genuine excitement, praising the film for its engaging and entertaining qualities—traits often associated with classic popcorn movies.
Critics have noted that Venom: The Last Dance appears to elevate the stakes and scope compared to its predecessors, and it seems to embrace the aesthetic of early-2000s superhero films in a way that resonates well with audiences. There’s even talk of the film channeling a Thelma & Louise vibe, which adds a unique twist to the Venom narrative. This new approach could be a game changer for the franchise, especially since it’s reportedly incorporating references to the broader comic book movie universe without falling into the trap of desperate nostalgia that plagued Morbius.
However, the film isn’t without its critics. Some have pointed out that while it may be the best of the Venom trilogy so far, it struggles with depth and storytelling, potentially sacrificing narrative coherence for outrageous premises and action sequences.
Tom Hardy reprises his role as Eddie Brock, who embarks on a wild adventure alongside his symbiote, Venom. The plot thickens when both Eddie and Venom face threats from the government and hostile aliens. The cast also includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, and Rhys Ifans, among others.
Despite past critical reception, the Venom films have proven financially successful, raking in a combined total of $1.36 billion at the box office. With the promising early reactions to The Last Dance, there’s hope that this installment could continue that trend and attract audiences even amid superhero fatigue.
The film hit theaters on October 25, and fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting to see if it lives up to the positive early reviews and solidifies a brighter future for the SSU.