Venom: The Last Dance // By Kelly Marcel. Starring Tom Hardy, Juno Temple and Alanna Ubach.
When I decided to watch Venom: The Last DanceI didn't expect much from it, and perhaps it was for the best. This third opus of the franchise dedicated to Venom, a character from the Marvel universe, is part of a Monsterverse of Spider-Man monsters, devoid of its key element: Spider-Man. After successive disappointments such as Morbius or even Madame Webthe bet seemed risky. However, I still risked going to see this last part of the trilogy (and this after the carnage of the second part). The verdict? A film which struggles to convince but which, against all odds, manages not to sink completely. From the first minutes, Venom: The Last Dance sets out to push the limits of kitsch and incoherence. The film opens with a clumsy prologue, carried by a caricatured voice-over which exposes minimalist issues in the extreme.
Eddie and Venom are on the run. Each is hunted by their peers and as the noose tightens, the duo must make a devastating decision which heralds the conclusion of the adventures of Eddie and Venom.
The narration, worthy of an unintentional parody, immediately lays the foundations of a plot which does not seem to want to take itself seriously. The comic tone, omnipresent since the beginning of the franchise, is pushed to its climax here, but often to the detriment of the story. The first half of the film gets bogged down in questionable creative choices. The dialogues between Eddie and Venom, supposed to be the major asset of the saga, oscillate between heavy jokes and awkward moments. An improbable dance sequence to ABBA, integrated in an almost surrealist manner, perfectly illustrates the film's disconnect with its own universe. The editing, for its part, gives the whole thing an impression of amateurism, as it strings together chaotic scenes that seem to come from a hallucinated delirium. These elements, far from entertaining, give the impression of shoddy work.
Yet just when you think you've reached rock bottom, Venom: The Last Dance begins a surprising turn. The second half of the film gradually abandons its outrageous humor to adopt a more serious tone. This is where the plot manages, almost miraculously, to arouse a modicum of interest. A piece of bravery set in a desert Area 51 finally offers an action sequence that meets expectations, combining tension and visual spectacle. This renewed energy is also marked by an attempt to deepen the relationship between Eddie and Venom. Although not fully exploited, this dynamic gains in sincerity, offering a semblance of emotion to a film hitherto devoid of substance. The desire to conclude the duo's narrative arc with a hint of dignity is perceptible, and this works in favor of the feature film.
Despite this relative improvement, the structural weaknesses of Venom: The Last Dance remain too important to ignore. The scenario, already thin, suffers from a flagrant lack of coherence. The issues are poorly defined, and the adventures follow one another without any real logic. The dialogues, often written in haste, oscillate between the cliché and the ridiculous, reinforcing the feeling of a film which does not believe in its own ambitions. As for the special effects, there is also disappointment. While the Venom universe could offer spectacular visuals, the final rendering leaves something to be desired. The sequences involving the symbiote lack fluidity, and certain scenes give the impression of a throwback in terms of technical quality. This visual weakness, combined with an uninspired artistic direction, harms the viewer's immersion.
Despite its flaws, Venom: The Last Dance manages to conclude the saga on a slightly less mediocre note than its predecessors. If the first part borders on disaster, the second offers some appreciable moments, notably thanks to a late effort to give a semblance of depth to the story. Fans of the franchise could find a form of satisfaction there, even if the whole remains far from convincing. The real surprise comes from the perspectives opened up by the post-credits scenes. Although often criticized for their uselessness, these suggest the idea of a spin-off featuring a new character played by Juno Temple. This possibility, if well exploited, could bring new life to a cinematic universe that is losing momentum.
At the end of the day, Venom: The Last Dance perfectly illustrates the flaws of a franchise that has never been able to find its identity. Halfway between the classic superhero film and the offbeat comedy, the Venom saga has never succeeded in convincing either Marvel fans or spectators looking for intelligent entertainment. This third opus, although slightly more accomplished than its predecessors, does not manage to raise the bar. The character of Venom, although rich in potential, deserves better than this series of forgettable films. If this last chapter really marks the end of Eddie Brock's adventures in the cinema, it is difficult to regret it. However, it remains to be hoped that a possible revival of the symbiote in another context will finally do justice to one of the most fascinating creations of the Marvel universe.
Note : 3/10. In short, a not really brilliant swan song.
Released on October 30, 2024 in cinemas
