Movie Review: The Wolfman

The Wolfman, directed by Joe Johnston, could have been epic. In fact the film started off very strong. Reminiscent of the original 1941 Wolfman complete with full moon shrouded by mist, the tone was set. All the important key elements were in play. Strong actors, beautiful cinematography and a memorable score composed by Danny Elfman mirroring that of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this film could have been flawless. It should have been. But unfortunately due to a so/so script, the movie was okay.

Did I hate the film? No. I enjoyed it for what it was, a popcorn movie filled with action and amazing transformation sequences. Rick Baker (An American Werewolf In London) proves yet again what a genius he is. During the asylum segment, I was literally on the edge of my seat. Hats off to Johnston and Baker for it reminded me of the werewolves rampage in American Werewolf In London. When I first heard The Wolfman was going back into post so that four legged movements could be added roughly a year ago, I wasn’t to sure what to think about it. But after seeing the finished product, I have to say it was a good call. The werewolf was definitely more menacing.

I like and value the classic look of the Wolfman. Those who are mostly familiar with lycanthropy from the Underworld films and heaven help us Twilight may not. However, for me it was a nice to remember where the legend began. The attention to monster film doctrine was much appreciated and I definitely believe Joe Johnston, Benicio Del Toro( Wolfman star and one of the producers of this film) and of course Rick Baker were fans of the original. I mean, you cannot have an old school werewolf film without gypsies, the mention of a curse, a preacher claiming that half-men/ half-beasts are of the devil and an angry mob running blindly through the woods with torches.

But where The Wolfman was definitely weak was with character development. We really don’t know much about Lawrence Talbot (Benicio Del Toro) and we’re not really made to care. Hopkins as the Wolfman’s father is another one-dimensional character and so is Emily Blunt’s, Gwen Conliffe. Yes I’m aware that this is a horror film and its not meant to be Shakespeare, but this could have been cured by a few lines of better dialogue and perhaps a moving scene here or there. Supposedly Gwen and Lawrence fall in love at some point and I can’t really figure out where it happened.

What does work well is what I brought up briefly before are the action scenes. Save for the cheesy trampoline launch in mid-air stunts, they were impressive. The gypsy camp bludgeoning in particular was, forgive me for writing this, a real howl. I loved it; and by the audible reception during that scene, so did the rest of the audience.

If you go into this film with moderate expectations, you won’t be disappointed. It’s sure is a hec of a lot better than the last Edward Cullen’s film. And a big improvement when compared to Universal’s Van Helsing a few years back. What a crapfest that was. But Hugh Jackman looked good in it sooo, I gave it a pass.

Two notable cameos. Rick Baker during the gypsy slaughter scene and for American Werewolf In London fans, the guy from the Slaughtered Lamb who tells the traveling American’s they best be on there way. I gotta admit I geeked out when I noticed him.

Rated R, a strong R for decapitations and the like, The Wolfman is not for children or the squeamish. I give this film a B-.