Today marks the release of two highly anticipated Hollywood films at Star Cineplex in Dhaka: "Venom: The Last Dance" and "Smile 2." This is particularly exciting for fans as the latest installment of the "Venom" franchise, touted as the final chapter, is now available for viewing. Tom Hardy returns to the big screen, reprising his iconic role as Eddie Brock, alongside stars Juno Temple, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Clarke Backo, enhancing the film's star-studded lineup.
Directed by Kelly Marcel, who also co-wrote the script with Hardy, "Venom: The Last Dance" follows the thrilling adventures of Eddie and his symbiotic counterpart, Venom. This entry continues the superhero saga with the stakes at their highest, teasing audiences with intergalactic conflicts and government conspiracies. Although initially set for release on November 8, 2023, production was delayed due to the Hollywood strikes; filming resumed late last year.
The franchise has proven lucrative, with its two predecessors collectively grossing approximately $1.3 billion. The first film hit theaters back in 2018 and took the box office by storm, raking in $855 million globally. The sequel, "Venom: Let There Be Carnage," released in 2021, continued the trend of box office success.
On the other hand, the horror film "Smile 2," which saw its international release on October 16, also hit the screens today. Directed by Parker Finn, it stars returning cast members from the first movie, including Sosie Bacon, Peter Jacobson, Kyle Gallner, and Lucas Gage. The original "Smile" film premiered last year, earning $217 million against its $17 million budget, paving the way for this sequel.
Both films have garnered considerable attention, with "Venom: The Last Dance" recently premiering at the World Premiere event held in New York, where Tom Hardy walked the red carpet. Fans will have the opportunity to watch the movie at Star Cineplex as it debuts worldwide today.
Reviewers have had mixed feelings about "Venom: The Last Dance," praising Hardy’s performance but critiquing the film's narration. One reviewer stated, "Venom: The Last Dance" attempts to bring grandeur but stumbles on convoluted storytelling, lackluster character developments, and underwhelming action scenes. This critique reflects how ambitious storylines can sometimes lose sight of what initially captivated audiences.
The final chapter introduces the concept of the "Codex" along with new antagonist Xenophage. These additions pull Eddie and Venom away on what was supposed to be their concluding adventure, involving high government stakes and celestial foes. Despite the intriguing premise, the execution appears to have faltered, leaving audiences grappling with half-baked narratives and unfulfilled character arcs.
Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie Brock remains one of the film's few highlights, with his trademark swagger bringing life even amid sprawling subplots and pacing issues. Viewers will see Eddie grappling not just with his internal struggles but also facing external threats like the relentless Xenophage, emphasizing the toll of duality he navigates as he intertwines with Venom.
Some characters, such as Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Rex Strickland—who leads government symbiote research—could have brought much-needed depth to the dialogue. Still, they end up appearing underdeveloped and their motivations remain disappointingly shallow, resulting in lost opportunities for compelling interactions.
While some viewers may find threads of nostalgia intertwined with its action-packed sequences, the consensus seems clear: "Venom: The Last Dance" leaves much to be desired as it bids farewell to its fanbase, rather than soaring to new heights.
Overall, as the film gears up for its audience with ample fanfare, the question remains whether it can satisfy the expectations built over the past years. With both leading characters and new ones entering the fray, its impact hinges on how well it balances satisfying long-time fans with fresh interpretations of superhero stories.
A closing sentiment is prevalent among critiques: as the franchise ends with this installment, it appears to be the right time to step back, regroup, and allow for fresh narratives to emerge—ultimately seeking what might resonate more truthfully with its loyal audience.
