If you want to see people torn to pieces by a frenzied animal, you've found your movie. If you're hoping for a thoughtful horror movie that utilizes atmosphere and character development to forward the creepiness of the story, you're going to have to look elsewhere.

The main issue with the production is that it doesn't go anywhere. Yes, there is a werewolf...and..? Once Lawrence Talbot is bitten there is the expectation that there will be violence, of course. There is also the expectation that Talbot will be dropped into a moral quandary where his ferocious nature does battle against his more civilized sensibilities. The story here fails to ignite that kind of turmoil in Talbot. Instead the story becomes a series of attacks where the victims are quickly and brutally eviscerated.

I was constantly reminded of Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula. This is partly because it is a period monster movie with Anthony Hopkins in a prominent role. I was also reminded of this movie because they both struggled to remain coherent. Like Dracula, this film feels like it was created to be far grander than it eventually became. The story, the script just doesn't have enough power to create a great film. So, like Dracula we are left with a great cast fumbling through what seems to be a first draft script in front of impressive scenery.

The lacking storyline becomes evident in the final confrontation. What should be an exciting battle is just another fight sequence. There are no surprises, no suspense and no horror. It is just a bunch of poor saps being ripped up until the credits roll.

For a more successful and interesting werewolf movie, I suggest An American Werewolf in London. It is a tad dated, but the script is well thought out and the tongue-in-cheek elements somehow manage to heighten the frightening aspects of that production. Here, even the transformation scene, the bread and butter of werewolf movies, isn't that impressive.




Related Reviews:
Horror movies
Alien (1977)
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)


Other Critic's Reviews:
The Film Reel
Film Critics United



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Labels: Anthony Hopkins, Benico Del Toro, Emily Blunt, film, horror, Hugo Weaving, movie review