As another super hero hits our screen, we ask whether we’re tired of watching the same film over
and over...
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Starring: Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona
Running time: 104 minutes
An up-front confession. Since reviewing films for LeftLion I’ve realised I don’t hate formulaic movie genres or the same old tropes being trotted out for thirsty film-goers.
Maybe, as a critic, I should, but as long as they’re done well, these kind of films are the perfect balance of high-budget entertainment and escapism without making your head hurt. And, sometimes, that’s just what we need. It’s an easy craving to fix, and at worst you’ve lost a few quid.
Morbius - a pleasant mix of monster film, vampire chick flick and classic Marvel - has some fun action sequences, and Matt Smith is very good as a bad-boy villain. Jared Leto (although a little bland) is also quite likeable as the film’s lead, and Adria Arjona is a delightfully intellectual love interest. It is also thrilling to see Jared Harris (Chernobyl) round out the cast, too.
For some this may be a money-spinning enterprise that perhaps we don’t really care about. But let’s face it - we’re still buying tickets, aren’t we?
I won’t bother outlining the plot as it’s the usual story arc of weakling-accidentally-becomes-super-hero and (oh no) there’s an evil man with similar powers that needs to be defeated. However, there is some further speculation online that another Morbius film, and a franchise of The Sinister Six (similar to The Avengers), are on the horizon. I can accept that for some this may be taking it too far – a money-spinning enterprise that perhaps we don’t really care about.
But let’s face it - we’re still buying tickets, aren’t we?
And you can almost see why. In short; films like this are worth giving a whirl if you’re not sure what to watch, and generally like a bit of action. But, if you want do want your proverbial socks blown off, films like Morbius may not be for you.
Did you know? The character of Morbius can also be glimpsed in the bonus features of the Blade (1998) DVD, in a deleted ending.
Morbius is now showing in cinemas
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