August 22, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Film Review: Venom: The Last Dance

By Dolores Quintana

Venom: The Last Dance was very enjoyable and kind of sweet for a movie where a monster eats people’s heads. Don’t worry, it’s a PG-13 movie, so even those head crunches aren’t that gory or graphic. Basically, the movie is grounded in human emotion and characterization rather than spectacle which is why it is successful for me. Also, the thread of oddball humor, that blends well with the character of Venom, is very much appreciated. 

All of the actors were terrific, but Tom Hardy was especially great in the dual role. It’s almost like Eddie has been turned into Job if Job was constantly robbed of his shoes by Fate. Hardy was so good as Venom and Eddie that the thought of it being The Last Dance was somewhat sad. 

Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clark Backo, and Peggy Lu stood out but everyone did fine work.

It’s funny and full of wonder but the main theme is about personal identity and people (or symbiotes) doing things for the greater good. It’s timely, for sure. For a Marvel / Superhero film, it’s got a nice horror edge and the actors’ belief in what they are doing sells the CGI, which is admittedly good and cool-looking. It’s a fantastic multi-dimensional comedy of errors with an especially endearing monster and his mostly grumpy human self. 

When you put the right actors who are committed to the film in a superhero movie, it works. The film is ably directed by Kelly Marcel, who has co-written the previous entries in the Venom franchise and penned Let There Be Carnage and Last Dance in collaboration with Hardy. The two founded a theater company in London, with writer Brett C. Leonard, called The Bad Dog Theater Company. 

Some people have called it a bromance, but I see it more as a buddy comedy where the buddies are in the same body. It is the best Marvel movie that I’ve seen in a while for sheer entertainment value, weirdness, and emphasis on human (and symbiote) interaction.

<>Related Posts

Standoff in Malibu After Resident Allegedly Fires Arrow: REPORT

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

The passerby, who was not injured, told authorities the occupant of the home fired the arrow as they passed by...

SM.a.r.t Column: The Algorithm Will See You Now: Santa Monica’s Upcoming AI Reckoning

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

The thing about Santa Monica is that it has always believed its own marketing. Tech capital of the west side....

Film Review: Americana

August 21, 2025

August 21, 2025

By Kathryn Whitney Boole FILM REVIEWAMERICANARated R107 MinutesReleased August 15th   This movie plays like a classic Owen Wister or Zane...

Santa Monica Road Rage Incident Leads to Arrest, Hospitalization

August 21, 2025

August 21, 2025

Bystanders restrained the pedestrian until officers arrived A pedestrian was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly slashing...

Turn Dough Opens Artisan Ice Cream Shop in Downtown Santa Monica

August 21, 2025

August 21, 2025

The Santa Monica location offers 18 signature chimney cake creations, such as the “Unicorn,” adorned with Nutella, unicorn sprinkles, and...

Power Outages Hit West Channel Road, But MUSE Santa Monica Stays Open With Generators and Grit

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

The 25-Year-Old Chef-Owner Kept the Celebrity Hotspot Running Through Blackouts While a string of unexpected power outages shuttered much of...

Two LA Culinary Icons and Friends Reunite for One-Night-Only Dinner at Marelle

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

Chefs Team Up With Five-Course Tasting Celebrating California Flavors  Two of Los Angeles’ most celebrated chefs will share the kitchen...

What to Expect at the 2025 Malibu Food & Wine Festival

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

Set on a 1,000-acre historic estate in Malibu’s wine country, the festival offers a backdrop of rolling vineyards, ancient oaks,...

Gold’s Gym to Mark 60th Anniversary with Venice Community Event

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

Founded in 1965 by Joe Gold, the gym has grown from a single Venice site to a global brand spanning...

30-Unit Mixed-Use Project Approved for Dining and Retail at Abbot Kinney Corridor

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

The 36,716-square-foot project includes 3,416 square feet of ground-floor retail and an 818-square-foot restaurant with 31 seats, permitted to sell...

Film Review: Honey Don’t

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

Honey Don’t! is a neo-noir with a droll comedic sensibility set in the blazing sun of Bakersfield, California. Margaret Qualley...

What to Expect at the Third Annual Endless Summer C.A.M.P. Festival This Weekend

August 19, 2025

August 19, 2025

Attendees can participate in a bubble party, watch a comedic opera retelling of “Cinderella”, and more The City of Santa...

Heat Wave to Hit L.A. as Fire Risk, Possible Thunderstorms, and High Temps Loom

August 19, 2025

August 19, 2025

Governor Newsom Pre-Deploys Crews Ahead of Dangerous Heat and Fire Weather  Dangerous heat is expected to grip Southern California starting...

‘Ketamine Queen’ Pleads Guilty and Admits Role in Matthew Perry’s Death

August 19, 2025

August 19, 2025

Prosecutors Say She Supplied Ketamine Through Perry’s Assistant Facing five federal counts tied to Matthew Perry’s 2023 overdose, North Hollywood...

State Bill Aims to Protect Palisades Bowl Mobile Home Park Residents

August 18, 2025

August 18, 2025

PPCC President Sue Kohl emphasized the bill’s importance in safeguarding affordable housing and preventing displacement in Palisades The Pacific Palisades...