In what looks like a slick Hollywood take on the classic Mary Shelley tale, James McAvoy as Dr. Frankenstein is at it again. Along with his handsomely bookish assistant Igor, played by a completely normal Daniel Radcliffe, they set out to bring a person back from the dead. So, where to begin with this one?
Let’s start with the pedigree of those involved. Directed by Paul McGuigan has had a mildly successful career with Sherlock on the BBC and a couple of lackluster features. Writer Max Landis’ star is rising thanks to Chronicle and American Ultra. Throw in two A-List young actors in McAvoy and Radcliffe and you have all of the ingredients for a big budget adaptation of Frankenstein. But why do we need another one?
It is a book that has been rehashed to death, so to speak. Never quite thrilling in the way it once had. What started as a nightmare transcribed to the written word by Mary Shelley has evolved into a cartoonish image of its former self. Used in horror, sci-fi, comedy, and drama, on both the big and small screens, Frankenstein could use a rest.
In this latest iteration, Igor is our eyes and ears. Watching the obsession grow as Frankenstein gets closer to his goal of resurrecting a human. Yup, that’s the twist. Igor is the main character. Interesting, but again, we know where this is going and no amount of witty banter and CG effects will distract from the fact this is just another Frankenstein movie.
Maybe I’m jumping the gun, counting on filmmakers with a large budget to focus on effects rather than story. Expecting a stripped down version of a classic told as a buddy comedy. For all I know, it could be the surprise hit of the year. But I doubt it. Bottom line, the ‘cool’ take on old tropes has kept audiences flocking to cinemas for years, yielding healthy profits, as well as a fan base for such productions. And yes, money made on lackluster movies help fund other films which may be better. It’s the circle of life in Hollywood.
For me, I might skip this one, or catch it on streaming in time. But that’s why they make trailers. Watch Victor Frankenstein for yourself. Be your own critic. I’m just here to help.
Release Date: November 24, 2015
