Critical Capsule: I, Frankenstein

I, Frankenstein has finally found its way to the big screen amidst stories of tampering, cutting, and altering (at least that is what I have come to believe). It probably would have been better had it not made that jump, perhaps it should have gone the direct to DVD route. Still, if that Hercules movie can hit theaters, I guess there really isn't any reason why this one shouldn't too. Unfortunately, there really is not much in the way of any redeeming factors here. I think there could have been a good story somewhere, but it is lost amidst a sea of CG fight scenes and a seeming desire to rush headlong through everything.



The opening minutes take us quickly through what most of us already know. Victor Frankenstein made the monster, rejected the monster, the monster kills his wife, he hunts the monster. Once Frankenstein is dead, the monster comes back to bury his creator. Here he is attacked by demons and saved by gargoyles. This is where he learns of the centuries old war between the two factions with humanity hanging in the balance.

Basically, it turns into a series of CG laden action sequences as gargoyles and demons fight. The monster is caught in the middle, trying to come to grips with his purpose. I don't know, I just can't muster up enough reason to care about this.

What it comes down to is I felt like the creators saw Underworld and figured they could do it to. That is exactly what this feels like, just instead of vampires and werewolves we get gargoyles and demons. Same difference. Them I come to find out both films were based on stories by the same guy, who also appears in both films, Kevin Grevioux (easily recognizable by his very distinct voice). On top of that, they even got Bill Nighy to appear. With a couple simple changes, this might as well have been part of the Underworld franchise.

Frankly, I don't feel it is worth the time or effort to really get into this very deeply. It is a flawed movie with a premise that is familiar and not used to its advantage. Characters are saddled with terrible dialogue that is just..... ugh. I will say that I liked the monster's choice of weapons, fortunately he gets to fight a guy with the same odd choice, escrima sticks (well, what would seem to be equivalent of).

Overall, this is a big pass.

Not recommended.