Inspired by the classic horror film of the same name, The Wolfman’s trailers didn’t kindle any giddy excitement within in me, but the inclusion of Anthony Hopkins facing off against Bencio Del Toro piqued my interest. As cheesy as the film might look, it was going to have some great acting.
When Lawrence Talbot (Del Toro) is asked to return to his family estate to help his brother’s brie to be find out what has happened to her beau, Lawrence must confront his estranged father (Hopkins) who always saw him as the weak one, and search for the truth behind his brothers disappearance which has now turned into a gruesome murder.
With the local gypsies being the main suspects, Lawrence heads out to see them, believing there to be more to what people are saying. Whilst there, the gypsies are attacked by the very same thing that slayed his brother, the Wolfman.
Fleeing the devastating attacks on the gypsies, Lawrence himself comes face to face with this demonic abomination, and is saved in the nick of time, suffering a near fatal wound. Of course, as most people know, if you’re wounded by a Wolfman and survive, you too will become one.
What could have easily been a total cheese-fest turned out to be a surpassingly fast paced yarn about a father who has decided to embrace his demons rather that keep them at bay, and in the process bring his son along so he can have a scape goat.
Hopkins and Del Toro are mesmerizing, and the story, whilst semi-predictable and some what flight of fancy-ist, is a solid yarn that progresses well, with a few nice twists and turns, and some subtle humour. But of course, a film like this can have the best of anything but will still fall over if the special effects don;t live up to the viewers expectations. Fortunately, the key scenes of transformation are handled skillfully, and we get to see the metamorphosis in parts, only revealing the beast in it’s entirety when he’s fully formed. Not only does this make the filming/creation of the transformation easier, but it keeps the viewer on edge for longer.
All in all, The Wolfman is a fantastic thrill ride, that may not pack as much horror in it’s punch as it could have, is never-the-less a drama slash action flick well worth investing an evening of your time. FILMGUIDE rating: Reviewed by: Jonathan Read Release date: June 10th, 2010 Stars: Benicio del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving, Geraldine Chaplin Aspect Ratio: 1.78 : 1 Languages: English Supported Audio: DTS-HD High Resolution Director: Johnston, Joe Studio: Universal Pictures
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