Film Review: "Morbius" (2022).

"The line between hero and villain will be broken" in Morbius. This superhero film directed by Daniel Espinosa, written by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless and based on the Marvel Comics character, Morbius, the Living Vampire, created by Roy Thomas and Gil Kane. It is the third film in Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU). Dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder and determined to save others suffering his same fate, Dr. Morbius attempts a desperate gamble. While at first it seems to be a radical success, a darkness inside him is unleashed. Will good override evil – or will Morbius succumb to his mysterious new urges?

In May 2000, Artisan Entertainment announced a deal with Marvel Entertainment to co-produce, finance, and distribute several films based on Marvel Comics characters, including Morbius, the Living Vampire. In May 2017, Sony announced plans for a new shared universe featuring Spider-Man-related properties beginning with Venom in October 2018. Jared Leto became "loosely attached" to star in the title role, but would not commit to the film until he was happy with its direction; Leto asked to personally meet with several director candidates. In late April 2018, Sony had approached Antoine Fuqua about potentially directing the film. He expressed interest in taking on the project. However, he ultimately chose not to take on the project. Sony then approached F. Gary Gray before they approached Espinosa. In May, while on tour in Germany with his band Thirty Seconds to Mars, Leto met with Espinosa to talk about the film. In late June, Leto and Espinosa both confirmed to star and direct. By late February 2019, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona, Jared Harris, Tyrese Gibson and Al Madrigal rounded out the film's cast. Smith joined the film, after previously turning down other superhero film roles, due to Espinosa's involvement and encouragement from his former Doctor Who co-star Karen Gillan, who portrays Nebula in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Smith was reported to be portraying the villainous Loxias Crown / Hunger, though he was later revealed to be playing an original character named Milo who is similar to Loxias Crown. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped in June. Filming took place in London and Manchester, England under the working title Plasma. The film was originally set for a July 10, 2020 release date. However, in late March the film's release date was pushed back to March 19, 2021, due to the COVID 19 pandemic. In January 2021, the film was delayed again to October 8, 2021, then to January 21, 2022, and then finally to January 28, 2022. Finally, in early January 2022, the film was delayed to April 1, 2022.

The film stars Leto, Smith, Arjona, Harris, Gibson and Madrigal. It's worth focusing your attention on Leto's amazing, physical, and enthusiastic performance.

At least MCU titles mask their commercialism in their devotion to characters and telling a good story. By contrast, the film seems like a knock-off, or perhaps a throwback to the early-2000s era of superhero movies that is best left forgotten.

Simon says Morbius receives:

Also, see my review for Life and Venom: Let There be Carnage.