Thursday, August 7, 2025
  • Lowyat.NET
  • Lipstiq
  • Murai MY
  • Miss Murai
  • Varnam
  • Moviedash
  • Autofreaks
No Result
View All Result
Hype Malaysia
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News
  • Giveaways
    • Contests
Hype Malaysia
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News
  • Giveaways
    • Contests
No Result
View All Result
Hype Malaysia
No Result
View All Result
Home Movies Movie Review

Morbius Review: A Fun, Cheesy Horror Film Disguised As A Marvel Superhero Movie

Sony's early Halloween treat for comic-book fans

by Samuel Lim
March 31, 2022
34
SHARES
Share on FacebookShare on Whatsapp

For the longest time, the character of Morbius the Living Vampire has remained something of a forgotten oddity in the world of Marvel comics. He’s mostly known for being a Spider-Man villain. He’s occasionally given a limited-series to flesh out his origin story but that’s about it. Since 2020 though, Marvel’s orginal vampire has gotten a ton of spotlight. Sony’s “Morbius” proved to be a cinematic enigma. Since the teaser, fans have been speculating about the film’s connections to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and Tom Hardy’s Venom. Needless to say, the film’s marketing certainly leans heavily on the ambiguity of Morbius’ relationship to the wider Marvel community.

All the insane theories and intertextual novelty aside, it’s time to answer one very important question: Does “Morbius” deliver the goods? Can the character stand on his own two feet without having to rely on his connections to other big-name heroes? Let night fall and let’s find out!

Source: Sony Pictures Entertainment

The plot of “Morbius” follows the tried-and-true origin story template. Doctor Michael Morbius is a brilliant medical prodigy who specialises in hematology. For the longest time, he and his childhood friend, Milo have been plagued by a rare, incurable blood disease. All that changes when Michael breaks all the rules to find a cure from nature’s very own bloodsuckers, bats. He soon finds himself at war with his darker desire for blood and his former friend turned adversary.

For those acquainted with characters like the Hulk and the Fantastic Four, “Morbius” offers a familiar, if not cliche, narrative structure. Completed with even the obligatory love interest. Being aware of its cookie-cutter premise, director Daniel Espinosa thoroughly dispenses with much of the human drama of Morbius’ past. The film seems to be all too aware of its predictability and so does its level best to speed right on to the vampiric carnage.

Movie Tea: Nicolas Galitzine, Jared Leto Join Live-Action “He-Man”; Netflix’s “Bioshock” Still On Despite Delays
Source: Sony Pictures Entertainment

What’s refreshing about “Morbius” is its dedication to its creature feature horror roots. It doesn’t try to be a carbon copy of “Venom” with Morbius turning into a vigilante superhero. Most of the plot is dedicated to Morbius learning to cope with the horrible disease of vampirism while his friend, Milo tears his way across the city. Now, some folks will definitely find his scenes involving various experiments perhaps a tad slow or boring. For us, it offered us much needed character development and remained interesting due to its focus on Morbius’ vampiric nature. It inevitably does lead to the big mirror match showdown that pits our Morbius against Milo.

In spite of the film’s grim subject matter and its protagonist’s tragic origins, the writing in the film is surprisingly snappy and fun. Really, we came in expecting lots of dour brooding and stoic monologues about the beast within. The film does have its fair share of melodrama but it’s often undercut by a lot of loose bits of levity and even some pretty fun horror elements. There’s a hilarious and slightly terrifying scene involving Matt Smith’s Milo feeling himself before hitting the town. It certainly helps that the key cast members look like they’re having a good time.

Source: Sony Pictures Entertainment

One minor gripe we have with the film would be its shoehorned romantic sub-plot between Morbius and his fellow doctor, Martine Bancroft. It doesn’t exactly grind the plot to a screeching halt, it’s just not very meaningful or well-developed. The film tries to make her Morbius’ moral voice and motivation but it all feels rather cynical and half-hearted. Also, there are some annoying contrivances in the way certain events are set up. The way Tyrese Gibson’s FBI Agent Simon Stroud jumps to the conclusion of artificial vampires is almost as insanse as the way Leto’s Morbius leaps from building to building. No resistance whatsoever!

From Shameik Moore To Myles Truitt: 6 Actors Who Could Play Miles Morales’ Spider-Man In The MCU

Its shortcomings aside, Jared Leto proves that he is capable of carrying the lead role in a comic book film. Redeeming himself from the David Ayer’s disastrous rendition of the Joker, Leto manages to injects a ton of heart and charm into his character. Sure his driving motivation and backstory isn’t the most original but you’ll still find yourself rooting for our main guy.

Source: Sony Pictures Entertainment

His performance, though, is eclipsed by Matt Smith’s Milo. My goodness, the man really dug his role as the sadistic and playful rival to Morbius. Even if the writing for the character isn’t exactly complex, a great thespian can still elevate the material. Is there a bit of scenery-chewing on set? Yeah sure…but this is a film about mad scientists and flying vampires. We’d be disappointed if there wasn’t any.

Adria Arjona’s supporting role as the compassionate and feisty Martine Bancroft is likable if not forgettable. The issue is she doesn’t do much other than play the helper and damsel-in-distress role throughout the film. Something tells us though that she’ll have a much larger role in the film to come. Jared Harris does a great job as Nicholas Morbius, Michael’s adoptive father and guardian. Much like Arjona’s Bancroft, he too suffers from rigid archetypal writing that limits his potential.

The visual effects in “Morbius” is a mixed bag. On one hand, the transformation between Milo and Morbius’ human and vampiric forms are extremely well done. With no cutaways or trick of light, we get to witness the slow, creeping transformation of our monstrous duo. When their facial ticks line up with the CGI-fuelled growls and snarls, it is pure movie magic! The action set-pieces are heavily reliant on Snyderish slow-motion effects which wears thin after the third time. There are some intense scenes that utilise lighting but they’re mostly employed for the horror segments of the film. It would have been cool if Espinosa’s eye for horror made into some of the battle scenes though.

“Venom: The Last Dance” Review: Fun But Painfully-Middling Ending For Beloved Anti-Hero

In spite of the film’s best efforts to present itself as yet another soulless block to Sony and Disney’s comic-book media empires, “Morbius” proves to be a jagged, odd piece to the ever-expanding puzzle of movie studio machinations. That’s a good thing by the way. With clarity and style, director Daniel Espinosa delivers a goofy, off-kilter horror action film that is just what we need to disrupt the endless tide of vanilla comic-book films. It dispenses with all pretensions and delusions of self-importance to deliver an enjoyable thrill ride with Jared Leto leading the charge. It’s not perfect but it is earnest in its delivery.

You can now check out Morbius at your local theaters today and be sure to check out our breakdown of Marvel’s Original Vampire!

YouTube video

Also, remember stay in your seats when credits start rolling, there’s a sinister, little surprise waiting for fans!

The Review

"Morbius" Review

3 Score

In spite of the film's best efforts to present itself as yet another soulless block to Sony and Disney's comic-book media empires, "Morbius" proves to be a jagged, odd piece to the ever-expanding puzzle of movie studio machinations. That's a good thing by the way. With clarity and style, director Daniel Espinosa delivers a goofy, off-kilter horror action film that is just what we need to disrupt the endless tide of vanilla comic-book films. It dispenses with all pretensions and delusions of self-importance to deliver an enjoyable thrill ride with Jared Leto leading the charge.

Review Breakdown

  • Morbius Review
#VenomJared LetoMarvel Cinematic UniverseMatt SmithSpider-Man Tom HollandTom HardyTyrese Gibson
https://lomp.at/huyz2
Share14SendTweet9Share

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. 

FOLLOW THE HYPE

Movie Review

“Weapons” Review: A Visual Spectacle As Rewarding As It Is Unsettling To Watch

August 6, 2025

Let’s be real - some adults are unnerved by children. But kids are rarely intimidating - unless they're ravenous monsters...

Read more
Source: Facebook/Marvel Studios, Threads/artomedes
Movies

Malaysian Man Goes Viral For Being Credited In Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”

What could be better than seeing Malaysia mentioned or featured in a Marvel film? Having local talent involved in the...

Read more
by Afiq Amin
August 5, 2025
SOURCE: INSTAGRAM (@pavane.for.an.infant)
Celebrity

Director Chong Keat Aun & “Pavane For An Infant” Cast To Make Appearance In KL This Weekend

Malaysian-born director Chong Keat Aun (張吉安) has been making international waves with his works, gaining recognition with movies like “The...

Read more
by Adleena
August 5, 2025
Source: YouTube (@/marvel)
Movies

(Video) From New Suit To New Cast Members: Everything We Know About “Spider-Man: Brand New Day”

The unexpected cliffhanger that rocked the balance of the MCU in "Spider-Man: No Way Home" has gotten Marvel fans gripping...

Read more
by Hype Desk
August 5, 2025
Movie Review

“The Naked Gun 2025” Review: A Great Cop Movie Spoof With The Most Serious Front Man

The current streak of revamped movies, such as James Gunn's "Superman" and sequels showing in cinemas, is experiencing its brighter...

Read more
by Hype Desk
August 2, 2025
Source: Disney+
Movies

“Eyes of Wakanda” Explained: Recap, Timeline And Season 2 Possibilities

In 'Eyes of Wakanda', the Black Panther legacy is reframed, not through thrones or power struggles, but through globe-trotting quests...

Read more
by Johanan Prime
August 1, 2025
Source: Netflix
K-pop

“No Live Action!”: Fans Opposed To Possible Future “K-pop Demon Hunters” Project

When a film receives overwhelmingly positive reviews and achieves global success, it's not uncommon for studios to propose a sequel....

Read more
by Afiq Amin
August 1, 2025
Source: Threads (@/jackliew0829), Pexels (For illustration purposes only)
Lifestyle

Man Upset By GSC Staff Scolding Him For Illegal Filming; Netizens Say He Deserves It

Watching a movie in the cinema has its own set of rules, which are clearly presented before the start of...

Read more
by Hype Desk
July 31, 2025
Load More


TOP STORIES TODAY

  1. 1

    Supercharge Your Style With Carlo Rino’s Bold Superman Collection!

  2. 2

    Drive Into Your Best Life Yet – With The All-New Toyota Vios!

  3. 3

    Safe Sailing: Dream Cruises & Thai Authorities Hold Safety Drills On Genting Dream

  4. 4

    (Photos) Malaysian Badminton Player Goh Sze Fei Ties The Knot With Fiancée Yoke Shan

  5. 5

    (Video) Irene Wan’s Husband Sparks Heated Discussion For Grabbing Son By The Collar

Malaysia’s live-wire for the latest news, trends, and entertainment is finally here. We are your calendar, your grapevine, your comic relief, your post-event coverage, and your celebrity stalker. Did we also mention that we are also your gateway to the world?



Contact us: newsdesk@hype.my



  • About
  • Advertise
  • Jobs
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy

©2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News
  • Giveaways
    • Contests

©2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News
  • Giveaways
    • Contests

©2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.