The Wolfman dir. by

15 February 2010


Genre:
Script: , ,
Cast: , , , ,

IMDb ; Official Site

I really did want to enjoy this film. It is a werewolf film after all, and I am a fan, plus Benicio Del Toro has something about him that I usually enjoy. Unfortunately there is very little by way of storyline in this film. And even less of characters. I mean, why make a film about a character no one cares about? When your central character leaves me meh-d out, well, your film really isn’t going to grab my attention now is it?

The wolfman

The Wolfman dir. Joe Johnston

What this film does have going for it though is its look. It really captures the atmosphere and feel that you’d expect to see in this sort of horror film. All the more because it does harken back to those more older horrors. Creepy woods and strange country folk, not to mention the possibly untrustworthy gypsies who know more than they are letting on. Very old-fashioned.

And the effects are brilliant. The transformation from man to werewolf is spectacular, which makes it all the more sad that I wasn’t too fond of the creature design. He wasn’t wolfy enough for me. Looked too much like the ape’s from Darkplace! Okay, that’s a lie, but honestly I wanted more of the facial features in my monster, who wants to see a hairy man running around when you can see a proper werewolf?

And this seemed to be another film with speeded up horses. I’m at a loss as to why this seems to becoming a feature of films, but this isn’t the first time I’ve seen it. It looks ridiculous, imo, of course. Maybe other people out there love it? Also the cgi bear! And I’m pretty sure that deer wasn’t real either. Fake animals all around.

Some people seem to be suggesting that Hopkins was good in his role as the distant father, I wasn’t impressed with his monotone portrayal. The character itself wasn’t great, and I didn’t think Hopkins did anything with him. I did however enjoy Weaving’s detective. But he didn’t have a huge amount to do.

All in all this was a disappointment.

Other reviews: Action flick chick ; Girls can play ;

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5 Responses

  1. Carl V. says:

    I'm sorry to read that it wasn't good. I had already pretty much determined this was a 'wait for dvd' film just because it didn't bode well that they were releasing it during this dead time. Your review makes me think my decision was/is a good one.

    • Fence says:

      Oooh, thats a tough one Carl. Because the big screen probably does increase the enjoyment. Simply because the film is quite stylish. But it isn't one that I'd go out of my way to pay for…

  2. Caroline says:

    Totally agree with you. I liked the pictures but as soon as it was over I had forgotten all about it. Not memorable.
    Caroline´s last blog post ..Sjón- The Blue Fox 2008 aka Skugga-Baldur 2004 An Icelandic Novel

  1. 25 February 2010

    […] Susan Hated Literature Post: The Wolfman by Fence: “Unfortunately there is very little by way of storyline in this film. And even less […]