Licantropus

Impressive directorial debut from music composer, Giacchino, who approaches visual storytelling like the magical music he creates, with every shot (note) synchronized with the character's emotions, all in splendorous black and white giving it a 1940s feel that reminds one of a Jacques Tourneur classic horror film (most notable, Cat People).

Gael García Bernal is perfectly cast as the legendary Marvel unsung hero, Jack Russell. Gael underplays the role with a gentle humility giving it a somewhat realistic empathetic character that is not seen in most Marvel projects. The remaining characters are a joy as they ramp it up in the Marvel mode, creating a conflicting contrast to that of Jack's humbleness, until Jack becomes a wolf! The most enjoyable of all was the interaction with Jack and the monster, an absolute delight.

A visual striking and very entertaining unconvoluted Marvel short film that should have been a feature. Please turn this into a series!

I haven't been terribly impressed by recent MCU entries but this is the best thing they've done since Multiverse of Madness.(I was disappointed due to my own expectations as well but still liked it). I love the hybrid feel of 80' Halloween special meets old black and white monster movie. It has a little intentional camp and cheese to it which actually works for the genre crossing and it spares us the excessive comedy the MCU is fond of shoving down our throats in every single thing they do lately. This one is stylish and entertaining and paced just right for its just under one hour run time. If for no other reason those who enjoyed the old late 70's early 80's Halloween specials on network tv should check this out as a nice throwback to that era. It is fun without relying on being FUNNY every moment. Please stick with this formula a little more and let a darker side of the MCU thrive as an alternative to the mainstream materials which have become so cookie cutter and joke oriented. Werewolf By Night is a win and proof that you CAN still put out something different.

Werewolf by Night retains the MCU's trademark humour for better and for worse and would've definitely benefited from a longer run time but it remains a great exercise in genre with a clear love for classic monster movies and has a blast going to more violent ends than usual.

Gael García Bernal brings the heart and clumsy charm to the proceedings whilst Laura Donnelly is the more stoic one with some solid dry wit to balance it out and Harriet Sansom Harris absolutely chews the scenery to great effect.

The use of black and white combined with the added film grain and cigarette burns is really impressive and enhances the experience. It also really helps it standout in an increasingly crowded and overly familiar universe.

Michael Giacchino's direction is amazing, especially for a debut. It's so artistically composed in its striking imagery and skillfully controlled symphonies of violence. Giacchino's score is also excellent, instantly evocative and grandiose in all the right ways.

What a fun and well made movie, lots of classic elements, not really scary, but fun and a rewarding time with a great ending.

For Marvel this is a much needed win after bad storylines like that of She-Hulk.

Great cast and acting, Laura Donnelly and Gael García Bernal are perfect for their roles, music underscored everything perfectly and the fact that it was in black and white didn't take away from it, but rather added to the charm.

The storyline was great and creative, something that I find is missing a lot lately in newer movies and TV shows.

This one is a very recommended watch, it'll leave you wishing it was a bit longer, but also refreshingly satisfied.

Werewolf by Night is an unexpectedly atypical MCU release. It doesn't feel like the usual MCU genre. It's a lot darker and in the direction of horror. And I'm really happy with how they didn't seem to hold back on the violence. There is actually blood! (looking at you, Morbius, a vampire movie with zero blood)

I love the style, somewhat of a throwback to old monster flicks. Michael Giacchino does a good job with both directing and the musical score. There are some good horror moments and a few great shots.

Overall I really enjoyed this special. I know there is the Marvel fatigue crowd probably groaning over more content, but I don't get fatigue from awesomeness. I would love to see more specials like this.

(2 viewings, 10/15/2022, 7/15/2024)