Sony Pictures dive into the blood-hungry world of Morbius seems a bit rushed. Here is my full review of the vampire-like batman of the Marvel world.
I’ll start by saying the cast of this film is loaded. Having the presence of Jared Harris and Matt Smith helps elevate the rather lackluster Marvel character. Al Madrigal, as Agent Rodriguez, also deserves a lot of love as he steals scenes with his humor-filled performance. Even with heavy hitters in the cast the film lacks any real depth. Jared Leto as our title figure does seem to relish playing the moody living vampire with obvious Batman like tones. But we are speedily rushed through the origins, the science and the villain turn of his best bud from childhood. Director Daniel Espinoza does showcase a nice flair for the quick skill set of the vampiric anti-hero, but the explanation of these powers is mysteriously left out. We literally go from a rat rising from the dead to Morbius being a speed of neon light warrior of the night.
It was difficult to have sympathy or even connection with any character in the story because we were on a roller-coaster not a suspense filled mystery. The trailer teases a new dark anti-hero, but we barely get to taste the darkness before the film seems done and dusted. If any Marvel tale seemed to be just a way to get to post-credit scenes teasing a bigger more sinister plot line this is that film. I wouldn’t go as far to say that this is the worst in the Marvel Universe…Venon 1 or 2 anyone???
The Morbius character in the Marvel realm easily could be utilized in Spider-Man Universe, the Blade realm or in Dr. Strange’s wild world. Now the post-credit sequences will clarify just where pretty boy Leto will be involved in, but sadly the lack of his own quality origin story makes Morbius just future fodder for bigger arcs.
Put your energy into MoonKnight and let this one hit the streaming world for ya viewing pleasure.
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Cast: Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona, Jared Harris, Al Madrigal, Tyrese Gibson
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence, some frightening images, and brief strong language)
Selig Rating: 2.5 Stars
Runtime: 108 Min.
Release Date: 04/01/2022
Local Release Locations: Wide, theaters only
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
