Tom Hardy usually doesn’t get to show his quirky side in many roles, but the eccentric “Venom” films allow him to do just that. In what might be his last adventure in this series, he even shares a ride with a transformed horse, which serves as a silly reminder of what these superhero movies could have been.

“Venom: The Last Dance” (★★ out of four; rated PG-13; hitting theaters this Friday) wraps up the trilogy featuring Hardy as journalist Eddie Brock, alongside his alien symbiote partner. Much like Ryan Reynolds’ dedication to Deadpool, Hardy has been a strong advocate for this character, who is both ferocious and humorous. However, this series has struggled with a clear vision or cohesive story, leading to another lackluster superhero film. Although it attempts to introduce a new character in the mix, this film lacks the punch expected from its title character.

Ruben Fleischer directed the forgettable original in 2018, while Andy Serkis took risks with “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” three years later. Now, with Kelly Marcel at the helm, the third installment sees Eddie and Venom reconnect with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (as hinted in earlier mid-credits scenes) and return to their own world, where they’re accused of killing Bay Area detective Mulligan (played by Stephen Graham).

The beloved duo faces threats not just from law enforcement but also from menacing creatures sent after them by Knull (played by Serkis), the malevolent originator of symbiotes from another planet. Knull’s character blends the qualities of a cosmic overlord with a mix of “Game of Thrones”-esque elements. Venom is central to Knull’s escape, which could result in catastrophic consequences, prompting Eddie and Venom to embark on a cross-country adventure to New York City, encountering a family in a minibus and facing chaotic detours in Las Vegas and Area 51 along the way.

The infamous Area 51, often associated with alien conspiracy theories, is portrayed as a fictional government location housing symbiotes. A less than thrilling subplot involving Chiwetel Ejiofor, playing a stern general, and Juno Temple, a scientist from “Ted Lasso,” gets somewhat interesting when Eddie and Venom arrive.

However, the chaotic CGI battles between vibrant symbiotes and uninspired alien opponents detract from the unique enjoyment that the “Venom” films typically offer — the quirky interaction between Eddie and Venom. Eddie acts as a stressed out foil, often serving as the rational voice of reason, whereas Venom, with his gravelly and comedic persona, indulges in absurd antics, makes pop culture references, and gleefully chomps on humans. Hardy’s dual portrayal is a delightfully bizarre performance that often goes unrecognized in the broader context of superhero cinema, though this installment leans more towards forced emotional moments rather than the outrageous violence fans may expect.

Fans watch a “Venom” movie not for heartfelt scenes but for the off-the-wall antics that typically don’t meet Disney’s standards. Although “Deadpool & Wolverine” has shifted expectations in this genre, offering Hardy a potential chance to truly embrace the character if he returns, the “Venom” films, while potentially better than flops like “Madame Web” and “Morbius,” still struggle, much like saying one expired glass of milk is a bit more palatable than another that’s curdled.

Even as it includes a surprising moment where Venom joyfully dances to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” “Last Dance” ultimately delivers another mediocre experience from a franchise that has yet to discover its rhythm.