As a huge werewolf fan, I was of course very curious when I heard one of my favorite werewolf movies will be getting the Hollywood remake treatment. I researched it as best I could with today's fervent technology and resources. The actors chosen for the roles filled me with great joy. Benecio Deltorro as Larry Talbot?! WONDERFUL!! Anthony Hopkins in ANOTHER classic monster movie remake? SIGN ME UP!! I saw the action figures of the Wolfman himself and was astounded by the look and feel that hearkens back to the original make up and effects. I talked it up to everyone I know. I even dragged my girlfiend to see it with me.
The Wolfman had so much potential....so why was I finding myself falling asleep during the movie?
Its a slooooooow moving film with lots of flash but little substance. The special effects are rendered in CGI making all the monsters look like cartoon characters, and though the fully formed monster itself is quite impressive and pays homage to the original make up..the transformation scenes are silly and mediocre at best.
The story was "updated" I guess. Our man Larry, after receiving a letter from his brother's fiancee informing him of his brother's untimely demise by way of some horrendous animal returns home to his off kilter daddy played by the king of ham fisted acting, Sir Tony Hopkins. Mr Talbot Sr seems to have misplaced parts of his marble collection since oh brother dear's death. But oh well, this Larry seems to have other worries on his mind. One worry in particular is the attraction to dearly dead brother's gal pal played by the cardboard cut out of Emily Blunt. Her role in this movie was to look hot. and she plays it well.
Larry of course in order to impress Ms Blunt swears to find his brother's killer which may have been...dun dun DUUUN a MONSTER! On another note, GYPSIES have ridden into town to sell their crap and put curses on people who dont buy their crap. For shits and giggles, Larry and Lady decide to check it out. Where Larry is quickly attacked by something HUGE and hungry for blood. He is bitten and is now cursed to transform at the light of the full moon to become ...a GIANT MUPPET! Can Larry and company find a cure? Can he save his soul? and why IS Talbot SR so kooky?
Like I said before, The Wolfman had GREAT potential. Unfortunately it was written by what seemed to be a group of Insane Clown Posse fans. Lots of blood, Tons of gore. But the underlying message is petty and shallow. As a good old fashioned monster movie, it does fine. I DID enjoy the make up, and the little nods to the fans. So I give this movie overall a fair rating.
My fiendish lady friend disagrees. She says it could have been better if Larry was played by someone cuter. Ah.....wisdom from the mouth of babes.