Licantropus

Werewolf by Night was an unexpected addition to the Marvel canon, and a welcome one at that. It was directed by Michael Giacchino, an Oscar winning composer making his directorial debut. He also composes the special's score, and it's some of his best work. Giacchino's love of classic monster movies is evident throughout the film, especially at the beginning. It has 1930s/40s title cards at the beginning, and the music is very reminiscent of the classic horror films. Perhaps the best homage is the use of practical effects rather than CGI, which the monsters movies back then exemplified. There are some downsides. The classic effect does begin to wear off after a while, and then it will feel like you're watching a Marvel movie with a black and white filter. The writing was okay. There's still cringeworthy Marvel humor. But given how cookie cutter Marvel movies have become, something as unique as Werewolf by Night is a more than welcome addition to the MCU canon.

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!

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)

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.

Master monster hunter Ulysses Bloodstone is dead. Various monster hunters have been summoned to Bloodstone Manor. Jack Russell (Gael García Bernal) and Elsa Bloodstone (Laura Donnelly) are two hunters. One will inherit the powerful Bloodstone. There is a trial. The hunter who kills the monster wins.

The MCU is taking a side trip. It's a throwback to old black and white horror. It has some fun. It has some horror. It has some camp. It's not directly connected to the main MCU stories. I hope that they do more of this and that it remains a side story. I like both Bernal and Donnelly. There is good potential here.