Shawn Lebert, Lead Video Editor

The Wolfman | Review

Some of the most successful, if not the most influential classic, monster, horror films were born in the earlier 20th century. Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and The Invisible Man, to name a few, were a cinematic and literary inspiration 70 years later—which is today for those who aren't mathematicians—that spawned a genre filled with legend and mystical beings. Although the horror genre today has branched away from the majority of monster movies altogether, it is refreshing to a degree to go back to the roots of the first horror productions of American cinema.

Monster movies of today are few and far between. Within the past decade, both American and foreign audiences were given some notable movies in homage to the classics. Cloverfield (2008) gave everyone a film with classic monster proportions, but also added clever direction to make sure that the camera was not just a perspective, but also a character. The Host (2006), a South Korean monster film, is a blockbuster on the surface, but a political criticism underneath, involving America's military presence. In example, both were remarkable films that explored layers underneath dealing with the mysterious intentions of governmental figureheads and an oblivious nation under attack.

The Wolfman is a remake of the film with the same name that was released back in 1941. Benicio del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, and Hugo Weaving to name a few familiar names take the center stage in this new monster flick. Lawrence Talbot (del Toro) heads for home after the recent and brutal death of his brother. There, he comes face-to-face with the man, or rather, beast that is responsible for the ferocious demise. The town is in complete disarray with the presence of the monster that slaughters town folk during each full moon. Inevitably, Lawrence survives the attack from the creature, but receives the incurable curse of the wolfman. Inspector Francis Alberine arrives shortly after in town in hopes to cure the town from the beast.

Wolfman does a lot of things very right to pay homage to previous classics, identifying the clear genre it is set out to be. While on the border of drama, the foreboding and suspense present the film with outright horror at times. Lawrence's mentality slowly degrades over time knowing full well of what he has become. There's a plethora of startling scenes that display the state of mind he is in. It will make a lot of people jump from their seat, as it is purely intentional. Aside from physical scares, the film complements those with really interesting mental fragments of Lawrence's childhood, as the film establishes the boy's perturbed past that will have importance toward the climax.

Inspector Francis Alberine balances the story with some investigative moments during the hunt for the wolfman. Hugo Weaving makes a good impression during scenes with his clever tongue. However, the film doesn't truly explore the character as much as they should have. Weaving has a creative ability to remain passive, but sound incredibly intimidating; perhaps, it's the voice that makes those feelings identifiable. Perhaps it's because we'll always fancy him as the infamous Mr. Smith. No matter what the reason is, the acting feels powerful even when it doesn't have to push hard to show it.

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