Directed by Joe Johnston (“October Sky”) “The Wolfman” is a retelling of the classic werewolf story. Although the film does have its faults it nevertheless succeeds as an enjoyable— and bloody— thriller flick.
After Lawrence played by Benicio Del Toro (“Traffic”) hears of his brother’s brutal murder he quickly returns home (which just so happens to be an ominous mansion). As the murder investigation proceeds Lawrence finds himself questioning the cause of his brother’s death. The wounds were of such magnitude they implied some type of creature rather than a man.
As the movie progresses the creature attacks again— this time in a small village on the outskirts of the city. And after multiple deaths severed limbs and decapitations Lawrence himself is wounded by the beast. In critical condition Lawrence is nursed back to health by his late brother’s fiance Gwen (Emily Blunt). But as the legend goes once one is wounded by the “Wolfman there is no cure except true love”— yes it is a bit cheesy.
“The Wolfman” succeeds on many levels. First the movie is quite frightening. I found myself jumping in my seat several times. Although the plot is not constantly suspenseful the action scenes are thoroughly filled with surprising moments. Furthermore the tone of the movie is magnificent. Despite the lack of constant suspense “The Wolfman” makes up for it with amazing technical details; the tone and camera angles provide a frightening feel. Moreover the film was well-executed. To bolster the suspense “The Wolfman” himself is not fully revealed until later in the movie. This directorial decision allows for a more dramatic and mysterious portrayal of the creature.
The film also succeeds on another level— violence. Anyone looking for a bloody action film is sure to find it in “The Wolfman.” With heads flying and organs lying on the floor this movie’s action sequences aren’t for the faint of heart. Similarly the visual effects are extremely impressive. The werewolf not only looks real but terrifying. In one scene the viewer sees the complete transformation from man to beast from the toes to the hair— and it’s quite a sight to behold.
The film also poses some intriguing scenes. When Lawrence is lying in bed and being nursed back to health for instance his father (Anthony Hopkins) and Gwen consider letting him die since everyone knows he will cause more death in the long run. Ethical dilemmas such as this are presented throughout the movie. Other themes such as fate free will and the distinction between man and beast raise this film to a higher intellectual level than most.
While the film has many good qualities it also has some faults. First Del Toro’s acting is below par. His acting is often unconvincing and the rest of the time it is barely passable. Although Hopkins gives a good performance his performance cannot make up for the sporadically weak acting of the movie’s lead.
“The Wolfman” also suffers from an occasionally corny screenplay. With lines that seem more appropriate for a soap opera or a Star Wars movie the film loses some of its realism and drama.
Even with these faults though there is enough action blood and drama to appeal to a wide audience. With a good retelling of a classical story “The Wolfman” transcends the typically cheesy horror genre and surprisingly proves itself a notably successful film.
