Venom: The Last Dance is easily the worst installment in the franchise, a film that feels like it's trying to juggle too much while delivering very little. The movie introduces a new family that’s supposed to mirror what Eddie could have had without his bond with Venom, alongside a tragic backstory for Dr. Payne, whose brother was struck by lightning. To top it off, there’s a mysterious evil entity that looms in the background. These new elements, however, feel poorly developed and are shoved into the story without any depth or emotional connection.

While the loss of a sibling could be a powerful plot point, the film jumps awkwardly between this tragic event, a sweet family introduction, and Eddie’s ongoing struggle since the last movie. The pacing is chaotic, making it seem like the filmmakers were simply throwing ideas at the wall. It’s not until the final 30 minutes that we get some entertaining action sequences, but even then, it doesn’t justify the hour-long slog it takes to get there.

Tom Hardy, as always, does his best with the material, but it feels like we’re hearing the same tired banter between Eddie and Venom that’s only mildly amusing at best. At this point, the duo has become stale, and it’s hard to muster any enthusiasm for their dynamic when the humor and tension are recycled from previous films.

The villain, or lack thereof, is another major issue. The dark entity that’s supposed to pose a threat feels more like an afterthought—a setup for a future movie that doesn’t feel satisfying in the context of this one. Rex Strickland, who should be an imposing antagonist, fades into the background for most of the film. He’s more of a non-entity than a genuine threat. The only sense of danger comes from these alien-like creatures that appear whenever Venom transforms, but we’re given no reason to care or understand their motives.

On a technical level, the cinematography and visual effects are passable but nothing spectacular. The film’s dull middle act made it hard to stay engaged, and I found myself nodding off a couple of times. While the final act features some decent visuals involving Venom and these creatures, it’s too little, too late.

In short, Venom: The Last Dance is an underwhelming mess with a disjointed plot, shallow character development, and a general lack of excitement. If you’re a fan of the previous films, you might find some enjoyment in the action, but otherwise, this one’s not worth the trip.