Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced that starting November 18, 2024, applications for funding from the Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund are available through the Office of the Attorney General and service providers are welcome to begin the application process. "Human trafficking is real and it is here in Mississippi. Working together, we can put an end to this dangerous enterprise," said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. "I am pleased to announce that the Legislature has appropriated another $2.5 million for the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund, and organizations that are helping human trafficking victims recover and heal are invited to apply. Applications must be received by December 13." Originally created during the 2020 Legislative Session to provide funding to direct service providers for trafficking victims in Mississippi, the Fund is managed by a seven-member committee, including appointments by the Attorney General, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, and Commissioner of Child Protection Services, and one representative of a services provider. The Fund is administered by the Attorney General's Office. By statute, funding comes from assessments for convictions of certain crimes, donations, and legislative appropriations. AG Fitch Announces 2024 Human Trafficking Victims Fund Application Period Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. CT on December 13, 2024. Visit https://www.ago.state.ms.us/human-trafficking-fund/ to learn more and apply.

By: Chris Gray, President and Founder Zacchaeus' Tree Adoption Ministry The next adoption and foster care class will be on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, at Crossgates Church from 6:05-7:00p in room 207.   * The class is free to attend and open to the public. * Childcare is provided for free through the church. * RSVP is not required . *  Foster families will receive a  one-hour training credit  for attending the class. * Our classes are approved through the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services . * Everyone is welcome to attend no matter if one is a seasoned veteran or coming for the 1st time. * You do not have to be a member of a church to attend the classes.   ***Read this paragraph*** Important info here: Crossgates Church will be hosting their Kingsinger’s Christmas musical on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, for 3 year olds – 5th grade, so there will be no childcare this week because the teachers will be working the musical. However, if your child is 2 years and younger, then childcare will remain as usual. With that being said, you are welcome to bring your child to class with you.   Their keynote speakers will be David and Chanda Davis.  They will be talking about the ‘Surviving the Wait’ of their adoption journey. There’s no doubt that ‘waiting’ is hard for everyone involved in the adoption and foster care journey. So, if you are in need of encouragement for ‘waiting,’ then you’ll want to come to this class.   The classes are offered on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday nights of each month through Zacchaeus' Tree Adoption Ministry. The classes offer both adoptive and foster families a 360-degree holistic view of the adoption and foster care process.    The classes are designed to inform, equip, and encourage adoptive and foster families as well as to build relationships with other families who are going through the same process through biblical perspectives.   As always, bring a friend or family member with you, so that they can learn more about your adoption or foster journey. They know you are getting off work, so if you need to bring something to eat to class, you are welcome to do so. Finally, should you have any questions, please contact Chris by phone or email.   Here is some helpful information for those who choose to use the free childcare provided by Crossgates Church. Currently, there is only one entrance to the church as the church is under renovation. You will use the front entrance to enter the building. Once you enter the church, the church will be serving a meal, and you are welcome to eat as well. When you enter the building, walk straight ahead to the ‘Welcome Center’ where you will register your child for the 1st time or get your sticker for returning guests.   If you are a first time guest, a member of the welcome center will gather your information to get your child registered the first time. This is a security measure that the church uses to ensure the safety of your child while you are in class. The welcome center will issue you a sticker for you and your child, and you will use this sticker with your family’s information to check your child out when the class is finished. Someone from the church can walk with you to your child’s class so that you know where to go. The adoption and foster care classroom is located up the big flight of stairs. Once you reach the top, you will turn right, and we are the last class on the left. They church also has an elevator if this service is needed.   You are our most important guests, so should you need anything once you arrive; you can call Chris on his cell phone at 601.876.2550, and he will make his way to you.

By Bob Garver The battle for second place at the domestic box office this past weekend (behind the fourth weekend of “Venom: The Last Dance”) was awfully close, with two films hovering around the $11 million mark. Since neither film is a big hit, I’ve decided to toss them both a quick review. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”               Sadly, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” started off at a disadvantage with me from which it never quite recovered. It wasn’t the lack of flashiness or edginess or intensity. I’m perfectly fine with watching a family-friendly movie about a small-town Christmas pageant. It’s that I read the book by Barbara Robinson as a child, and the movie couldn’t measure up.             The story follows young Beth (Molly Belle Wright, though the movie is narrated by Lauren Graham as an adult Beth) as she sees her mother (Judy Greer) take over as director of the church’s high-pressure Christmas pageant. Things fall apart almost immediately when the six unruly Herdman kids – led by oldest sister Imogene (Beatrice Schneider) – insist on taking the six biggest roles in the play. Will the pageant be the disaster that most of the community is expecting? Or will Beth’s mother pull off a miracle and get a decent show out of the little misfits?             Even if I hadn’t read the book first, I could probably guess that the movie was heading in a direction where the Herdmans are reluctantly made better by the church and the church is reluctantly made better by the Herdmans. This is not a movie that takes many risks or makes many deviations from the source material. I was able to recall dialogue word-for-word from the book in some scenes. It’s not a “bad” movie, just an unambitious one. I must dismiss it with the line that adaptations dread: the book was better.   Grade: C   “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is rated PG for thematic material and brief underage smoking. Its running time is 99 minutes.   “Heretic”               “Heretic” follows two young Mormon missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) as they pay a call on potential new convert Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant). The stranger is friendly, intelligent, and bubbly, essentially the Hugh Grant from all those romantic comedies. Except this isn’t a rom-com, it’s a horror movie. Unlike with the other movie, I didn’t know much about this one going in, but I knew that once the young women were invited into Mr. Reed’s house, they wouldn’t be getting out anytime soon.             Not that Mr. Reed’s true colors are immediately apparent, even once the door has closed behind the visitors. He plays the gracious host, offering them warmth from the blizzard outside. He engages them in thoughtful religious discourse, occasionally veering into controversial topics as red flags gradually pop up all around him. I couldn’t pinpoint an exact moment where his villainy becomes official, but after several scenes of discussion and debate, the women find themselves trapped in his basement and at his mercy. Mr. Reed doesn’t want to kill them, he’s not that kind of villain. But he does want to do some converting of his own.             “Heretic” is a taut, slow-burn thriller that focuses more on mind games and suspense than action and violence. The three main performances are all excellent, with Grant at his career best and Thatcher and East immediately establishing themselves are future stars. Unfortunately, the film loses steam in the third act, when the script gets greedy with how many twists it wants to pile on. The movie does so well for so long, some early scenes are truly memorable (especially a lengthy board game analogy), and I do recommend it overall, but it just misses out on becoming a contemporary classic.   Grade: B-   “Heretic” is rated R for some bloody violence. Its running time is 111 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Drivers will soon see several safety enhancements at the frequently traveled intersection of State Route 18 and Sunset Dr. in Brandon. In an effort to enhance safety and reduce accidents at the intersection, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is currently implementing new safety improvements, including the installation of rumble strips, a flashing stop sign, and flashing intersection warning signs. Mississippi Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons recently joined Brandon Mayor Butch Lee to meet with community members to listen to concerns about the intersection and accidents that have occurred there. Following a comprehensive review of traffic data and accident history at the intersection, state traffic engineers have determined improvements such as rumble strips and flashing stop sign lights will improve safety at the intersection more than a traditional traffic signal. "Our engineers and safety personnel have conducted another study and carefully analyzed the data. Based on current data coupled with federal and state regulations, a traffic signal is not warranted at this intersection," said Commissioner Simmons. "However, we have concluded that there are some safety measures that we are installing to enhance safety at this intersection." According to MDOT's Highway Safety Division, traffic signals are not always the safest countermeasure. Traffic signals are necessary to assign right of way at high volume intersections from an efficiency standpoint. From 2019-2023, 149 of the top 150 intersection crash locations occurred at signalized intersections. Further, 1% of all intersections statewide are signalized, and from 2019 to 2023, 31% of all fatal and suspected serious injury intersection-related crashes occurred at signals. "In looking at traffic data, traffic signals can make an intersection more dangerous, which is the last thing we want to do," said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. "We are in the business of improving safety. These enhancements are designed to improve visibility, reduce traffic speeds, and create a safer intersection." Rumble strips are being installed on the approaches to the intersection to alert drivers of the upcoming stop sign. These textured strips on the road surface produce a noticeable vibration and sound when driven over, helping to reduce vehicle speeds and grab drivers' attention, especially in low-visibility situations. A new flashing LED stop sign is replacing the existing standard stop sign, providing a highly visible, illuminated sign that will alert drivers approaching the intersection. This measure is particularly effective in reducing incidents where drivers fail to notice or adhere to the stop sign. Crews are also installing a flashing intersection warning sign on SR 18 to alert drivers approaching the intersection to use caution. Drivers can expect to see these enhancements completed next week. Stay updated on this project and others at  MDOTtraffic.com , download the MDOT Traffic mobile app, and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X.

The National Folk Festival  kicks off in Jackson this Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024! To accommodate the event, several temporary road closures  will be in place from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Roads: U.S. 51/State St.  (between Pearl St. and Pascagoula St.) I-55 Ramp to Pearl St. (Exit 96A) Nearby roads around 200 South President St. , including State, Pearl, Congress, and Pascagoula Streets. Expect traffic delays in the area as the event starts at 4 p.m.  Plan to leave early and take alternate routes to avoid congestion. 🔍 For real-time updates, visit MDOTtraffic.com  or follow @MississippiDOT for the latest info. Thanks for your patience, and enjoy the festival! 🎶

Send any responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com   My husband was a pastor for many years. And as such, he has always attempted to hold his public image as close to clean and shiny as he possibly could. After all, when you are called to represent the Creator, to love and help His creations, you really don’t want to be known as the bad penny of the neighborhood. But then, there came a day. Andy made a very bad mistake while flying from Oklahoma to Maine one afternoon. He was seated next to a friendly inquiring young man, who wanted to hear about life as a believer in God. And of course, Andy was happy to oblige. So he spent several hours with his head turned sideways as they talked. Like I said – a really bad mistake. Resulting in Andy’s first experience with severe long-lasting vertigo – a sickening uncontrollable dizziness. His experience with it lasted about three months. With repeated trips to a physical therapist trained in repairing the damage in his ear. (Ever hear of free-roaming BBs let loose to excitedly explore parts of the ear previously unknown to them?) After finally getting it basically under control, or so Andy thought, we decided to go for a short walk in our little community. Surely that would not over-tax his system. Wrong. Five blocks from home, his head was again suddenly attacked with a vicious sense of side-whirling, while also toppling over and over.   He actually did look like he was dead drunk, as he weaved his way down the sidewalk toward our front door. With me hanging on to his waist and trying mightily to hold him on a straight and steady course. And not having much luck. At one point I had to help him up off the neighbor’s lawn where he had landed. Believe, me, that was a particularly fun thirty seconds in our journey back to the relative safety of his recliner. I have no idea how many of our neighbors saw us that afternoon - stumbling and swerving our way back home – or what they chose to believe about that pastor who lives among them. “Hey, Jimmy!  Jimmy ! Come watch that goody-two-shoes couple that lives down the street. Now we know the real truth! Coupla’ lushes all this time!” Why am I boring you with this tale? To remind you; Many times, things are not always how they look. Actual facts matter a tremendous amount. So does your willingness to believe the worst about someone. Also worth thinking about:  Everyone else is also observing  your  life, and choosing to believe what they want to believe. No matter whether they have checked the story with you or not. I imagine you would appreciate those around you holding their tongue until they hear the truth from the horse’s mouth. Instead of choosing to believe the worst.

In recognition of World Diabetes Day – Thursday, November 14 – the Mississippi State Department of Health is urging you to Know Your Numbers. Knowing your numbers – cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index – is an important proactive step you should take to reduce your chances of developing diabetes and other major chronic illnesses that disproportionately affect Mississippians. Mississippi was second in the nation for diabetes prevalence in 2023. An estimated 1 in 6 of our residents are living with the disease, for which roughly 21,000 Mississippians are diagnosed annually. Diabetes affects the way the body uses food by causing sugar levels in the blood to be too high. Over time, high blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems and amputations. The MSDH Diabetes Prevention and Control Program invites you to learn more about prevention and treatment options during our annual Giving Diabetes the Blues event: Reception: November 21, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jackson Medical Mall, featuring Grammy-winner Bobby Rush. Pre-register via this link: Giving Diabetes the Blues Tickets, Thu, Nov 21, 2024 at 4:00 PM | Eventbrite Conference: November 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Two Museums. Pre-register here: Giving Diabetes the Blues Conference Tickets, Fri, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite Safeguard your health by getting screened at your local health department at no cost. Screening can detect higher than normal blood sugar (pre-diabetes) before it develops into diabetes. If you have pre-diabetes, reduce your risks by losing weight, becoming more active and eating a healthier diet. World Diabetes Day raises awareness of the condition as a global public health issue, emphasizing the collective and individual actions needed for its prevention, diagnosis and management. Internationally, nearly half of all diabetes is undiagnosed, and 537 million people are living with the disease. This year's theme, "Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps," reinforces the commitment to ensuring that those with diabetes have access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable and quality treatment and care. Download our new MSDH Healthy App in Apple and Android stores. Stay up to date on news and updates at  www.msdh.ms.gov .  and on social media:   facebook.com/HealthyMS ,  twitter.com/msdh  and  Instagram.com/healthy.msalthyMS ,  twitter.com/msdh  and  Instagram.com/healthy.ms

By: Kara Kimbrough We’re well into our 7 th month of warm/sometimes hot Mississippi weather. My patience is wearing thin. However, the weather report shows the temperature FINALLY dropping into the 60’s this week. I need no further encouragement to begin making some of my favorite fall food items. The cooler weather is making me feel generous, so I’m sharing one recipe and will send the others to you upon request.     First, it’s been a couple of years since I made an apple strudel, but I think it’s time for a revival. A few years ago, I spent an afternoon with the expert bakers at Gluckstadt’s St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, learning how make the delicate strudels for the church’s annual Germanfest.      After years of rolling flimsy dough and piecing together unshapely strudels, I finally managed to make a strudel without it falling apart. Q uick tip: the key to rolling strudel, or making dough for pie crusts or any pastry, actually, is simple. It’s imperative to work with firm, chilled dough. Dough can be combined the day before, covered and chilled in the refrigerator overnight.     Also, instead of using a pastry board, a pastry cloth on which to place the dough for easy rolling is the way to go. The thin cloth is made of a utility fabric called unbleached drill, similar to light canvas. It can be found in the kitchen gadgets aisle next to rolling pins.   For something a little more substantial, the season’s first chili is on the horizon. I share a love of chili with one of my graduate professors at Southern Miss. Periodically, I send him a recipe for a “new” type of chili. If it’s not fall, aka chili-making season, he’ll inevitably politely respond, “Thanks, but it’s not time for chili yet.” Thankfully, it finally IS chili-making time!    Last, I picked up a package of apple cider doughnuts from Trader Joe’s, the gourmet grocery on steroids in Metairie just outside New Orleans. They were soft, flavorful, filled with a hint of apple cider and dusted with cinnamon and sugar. I’ll share my list of my favorite Trader Joe items next week; suffice to say, the doughnuts are on the list. I’ve made them before, so it’s time for a remake. I’ll share the recipe next week, along with the list.    So…come on, fall! We’re ready for cooler weather and the season’s hearty, satisfying dishes. Apple Strudel For the dough: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 pinch of salt 1/3 cup water, lukewarm For the filling: 4 medium Granny Smith apples 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup slivered almonds, very finely chopped 1 teaspoon vanilla extract To assemble:  6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted      In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine melted butter, flour, salt and lukewarm water. Mix at medium speed about 1 minute until dough is smooth and elastic.      In a small covered saucepan, bring water to a boil then remove the pot from the heat, empty the pot and dry it with a dish towel. Line the pot with a sheet of parchment paper, put the dough into the pot and put the lid on. Let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature.      Tip: For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or pop in the freezer for a quick chill) before beginning the rolling process).      Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Meanwhile, peel, core and cut the apples into small strips. Combine apples with lemon juice. Add cinnamon, sugar, almonds and vanilla extract. Set aside.    Lay a thin pastry cloth flat on the counter. Sprinkle with flour. Roll the dough out as thin as possible and brush lightly with melted butter.    Next, use your hands to carefully stretch dough until it is about 18x12 inches in diameter. Brush half of the melted butter over the rolled-out dough. Leaving a 2-inch margin at the top and bottom, spread the apple filling on top of the dough. Use a slotted spoon so that most of the juice stays in the bowl.     Fold the 2-inch margin at the top and bottom of the dough over onto the filling then roll up the strudel from the short side with the help of the cloth. Tuck in the ends.    Carefully transfer the strudel to the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Brush with a little bit of melted butter and sprinkle more sugar on top (optional). Bake for about 50 minutes in the lower third of the oven, until lightly golden on top. Brush strudel with remaining melted butter every 20 min while in the oven. Let cool for 10 minutes then sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com .

As we continue to recognize National Diabetes Month, the Mississippi State Department of Health is highlighting a major risk factor of the deadly chronic disease: smoking.   "If you smoke, you are 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than someone who doesn't," said Tiffany Johnson, Interim Director of the Office of Tobacco Control at MSDH.   Smoking not only increases your risk of developing diabetes, but it also impacts how well your insulin works. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the chemicals found in cigarettes cause cellular inflammation, which results in less response to insulin. Diabetics who smoke require higher doses of insulin to manage their blood sugar levels.   MSDH offers free programs by phone or text to support those who are quitting smoking, including professional counseling seven days a week and nicotine replacement resources. We also offer diabetes prevention and management programs to further support overall wellness and health through medication management and lifestyle modifications.   "We offer specific one-on-one support," said Johnson. "We want to see you succeed in your quit journey. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW and let's get started. And, if you want support for diabetes, the Health Department can help, too."   Youth and young adults ages 13 to 24 who vape can also get help by texting VapefreeMS to 88709.   "Diabetes is a disease with serious health consequences, but it is also controllable and preventable," said Jayda Lee, MSDH Director of the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program. "About 1 in 7 Mississippians are living with diabetes, placing the state in the top five nationally for diabetes rates."   Quitting smoking is always a healthy choice. To learn more about our programs, visit  www.msdh.ms.gov/diabetes   Download our new MSDH Healthy App in Apple and Android stores.   Stay up to date on news and updates at  www.msdh.ms.gov .   and on social media:   facebook.com/HealthyMS ,  twitter.com/msdh  and  Instagram.com/healthy.ms

Get ready for an exciting evening of food, fun, and community spirit at the Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School Fall Festival , taking place on November 20th, 2024 , from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM  at 9700 I-20 Frontage Road in Bolton, MS . This affordable, family-friendly event is sure to be the highlight of your fall season! Highlights of the Festival: Entry Fee : Only $2  per person, with no refunds . Date & Time : November 20th  from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM . Location : 9700 I-20 Frontage Road, Bolton, MS. A Great Night for the Family Bring the whole family out for an evening filled with fun games, delicious food , and drinks, all while soaking in the festive fall atmosphere. Whether you're looking for something sweet to eat, a cold drink to enjoy, or a fun activity to take part in, there will be plenty to keep you entertained! The event offers a perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet your neighbors, and enjoy the charm of the season in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Fun for All Ages There will be games for kids and adults ! It’s a great chance for kids to make new friends and for families to make memories while having a blast. Affordable Fun At just $2 per person , the BEEMS Fall Festival is an affordable way to get out and have fun, with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're coming for the games, the food, or just to enjoy the company of others, this festival is bound to be a highlight of your fall.

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) today announced 84% of third graders passed the third-grade reading assessment after the final retest for 2023-24. Though the pass rate is slightly lower than 2022-23 (84.9%), third graders achieved an all-time high proficiency of 57.7% in English Language Arts (ELA) for the 2023-24 school year. The increased ELA proficiency rate marks a continuous upward trend since 2016 (33.6%). Mississippi's Literacy-Based Promotion Act requires third graders to achieve a passing score of Level 3 or higher on the reading portion of the state's ELA assessment to qualify for promotion to fourth grade. The assessment has five levels. Students who score at Level 4 are considered proficient; Level 5 is advanced. The Literacy-Based Promotion Act enacted in 2013 was created to help ensure kindergarten through third-grade students develop good reading skills. The law was amended in 2016 to raise the passing score on the third-grade reading test starting in the 2018-19 school year. Though not a steep decline, the 2024 final pass rate is lower than the final pass rates in 2023 (84.9%), 2022 (85%) and 2019 (85.6%). Due to the pandemic, there was no testing in 2020, and the passing requirement was waived in 2021. Three main areas MDE will offer support to schools and districts are as follows: Encourage and assist with the adoption of High-Quality Instructional Materials Continue to increase the number of school and district level staff trained in the Science of Reading Collaborate with Educational Preparation Programs to include Science of Reading training for pre-service teachers Final district-level pass rates are published in the  Literacy-Based Promotion Act Annual Report of Performance and Student Retention  for the 2023-24 school year. Students are provided with three attempts to pass the test. Students who do not pass the test after the final attempt are retained in third grade unless they qualify for one of the good cause exemptions for certain students with disabilities, students learning English or students who have been previously retained. Local school districts determine which students who did not pass qualify for an exemption for promotion to fourth grade. Districts also consider their local promotion and retention policies for making determinations. The LBPA takes a comprehensive approach to building the capacity of teachers and school leaders to effectively teach reading and implement an ongoing system to monitor student progress. The law enables the MDE to deploy literacy coaches to schools where data show students struggle the most with reading. Coaches work directly with teachers and administrators to help them become more effective teachers of reading. In addition, the MDE provides professional development related to teaching reading to teachers, school administrators and faculty in teacher preparation programs. Families can visit  strongreadersms.com  for resources to help children build reading skills at home. Find all MDE news releases at mdek12.org/news .

By Bob Garver             The last time audiences saw superpowered alien symbiote Venom (Tom Hardy) and his human “host” Eddie Brock (also Hardy) on the big screen, it wasn’t in a “Venom” movie, it was in a mid-credits sequence in 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” The scene saw the pair briefly hop universes into the Disney-controlled Marvel Cinematic Universe, but then quickly get sucked back into the Sony-controlled Marvel universe – the one that has “Spider-Man” characters, but no Spider-Man (and is not to be confused with the animated Spider-verse). The scene is shown again at the beginning of “Venom: The Last Dance,” but it has no bearing on the story. Fans of the character should know not to expect MCU quality from this movie. This is the “Morbius”/”Madame Web” arm of the franchise.             The new film sees Eddie and Venom as fugitives in Mexico following some frowned-upon crimefighting in 2021’s “Let There Be Carnage.” They try to flee to New York, where they should be safe from human authorities, but they fail to factor in threats from non-humans. Venom’s recent activity inadvertently activated a device called a Codex, which exists as long as a symbiote and its human host are both alive. Supervillain Knull (Andy Serkis), imprisoned on a faraway planet, can use his minions called Xenophages to steal the Codex, break free and conquer the universe. I think the way it works is that if the Xenophages can swallow Venom alive, that counts as stealing the Codex for Knull. And simple evasion isn’t an option for Venom because the Xenophages are sure to cause a lot of collateral damage to Earth, and he’s the only one that can stop them. He and Eddie are going to have to fight.             If you thought I was spouting too much exposition just now, wait until you see the subplot about the secret Area 51 facility where symbiotes are studied by scientists like Dr. Teddy Payne (Juno Temple). The character comes complete with a backstory about feeling guilt over the death of her brother, who wanted to be a scientist. I get the impression that she only devotes herself to science out of guilt and not passion. If the character is supposed to be passionate about her work, it’s not coming through in Temple’s performance. She has several conversations with the facility’s enforcer Strickland (Chiwetel Ejiofor), one of those grunts that wants to kill any being he doesn’t understand, where all they do is explain the facility’s purpose to one another. Almost all of their dialogue could be preceded with the dreaded words “as you know…” because there’s no way these characters wouldn’t know all of this information already, but the audience has to be filled in.             Literally thrown off their flight, Eddie and Venom hitch a ride with the hippie Moon family, led by Martin (Rhys Ifans), on their way to Area 51 to try to see aliens. I guess the family’s scenes are supposed to be comic relief, but they aren’t funny. What is funny is a brief stop in Las Vegas where Eddie and Venom share a dance with franchise mainstay Mrs. Chen (Peggy Lu). Could the scene be cut without doing a disservice to the story? Yes. Should the scene stay in because it’s a welcome distraction from the story? Also yes.             That scene aside, “Venom: The Last Dance” is a slog. The script is a mess, the new characters unlikeable, the action murky and hard to follow, and the mindless Xenophages are terrible antagonists, with Knull not exactly helping by sitting on the sidelines the whole time. I’d say that Hardy comes off relatively unscathed because he has pretty good chemistry with… himself (I can’t decide if that makes the repartee easier or harder), but then I found out he has a story credit on this slop, so I can’t let him off the hook. I hope this really is the “Last Dance” for these “Spider-Man”-adjacent movies outside the MCU and Spider-verse.   Grade: D   “Venom: The Last Dance” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, bloody images and strong language. Its running time is 110 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .