Movie Review: THE WOLFMAN (2010)

THE WOLFMAN (2010)
Directed by: Joe Johnston
Written by: Andrew Kevin Walker and David Shelf
Based on the 1941 Screenplay by Curt Siodmak

All the problems and dilemmas this movie had endured during it's production, post-production, and release really had me worried about how the movie itself might turn out. After having seen it, I realize that none of it means much as long as what's on screen is made as best it can and made well. Luckily it is. I love it! I found it to have been terrifically well made despite all the reported problems.

The acting is very good. All the actors involved contribute to the quality of the acting, creating believable and likable characters. It's very enjoying to watch talented individuals work on the big screen and build off one another. I wasn't sure Benicio was the best man for the part, but he does an excellent job of playing the legendary character, Lawrence Talbot, and I was left quite impressed. Emily Blunt is breathtaking. She is also an extremely gifted actress. I couldn't be more impressed with her. Anthony Hopkins plays a strange, and refreshing, role for himself. Hugo Weaving brings his A-game. I didn't expect less.

The story itself is quite good as well. I feel it pays homage to the classic Universal Monster and appropriately builds on the mythos, adding a fresh new take that is both interesting and exciting to experience. Walker and Self have done a superb job with this piece of work.

Now to the one aspect of the film that show its flaws, which are easily justified by the influx of problems that transpired in post-production, the editing. It gets choppy and somewhat difficult to follow at times and can pull you away from the drama and mood of the film. However, it can be considered to be a part of the feeling of what the Lawrence Talbot is feeling and going through. If perceived in that light, it works.

I am impressed by director Joe Johston. I feel he did a great job considering what he had to go through. He handled an all-star cast, managed a big-budget, highly anticipated remake, and was able to produce a quality film. CAPTAIN AMERICA is in good hands.

Overall I enjoyed the film with immense delight (the gore is fantastic and brutal; all too appropriate for a beast such as it was), and I truly believe it to be one of the best remakes I've seen. It's great to see the Horror genre get one right.

Overall Rating = 9.2/10.0
1/2 (out of 5)