ERIN_LoJ
07-28-2005, 04:24 PM
God, how these old movies rocked. Sitting here now, amidst all the mindless CGI, movies with annoying bimbos with their t-shirts falling off and arrogant, talent less jocks polluting the air, there was some magic back then that's not always around today. I recall, writing this review, how the horror crowd was up and antsy about the heavily anticipated Freddy Vs. Jason. When it came on screen, their enthusiasm proved to be true when the sales came in at the box office. Because of the obvious fan love, producers everywhere started slamming their heads together trying to pair off more that would work and work well.
Those producers just don't get it, and sadly they probably never will.
You see, it's not the charm of ____ vs. ____ that sells, it's WHO Vs WHO that sells. There's either magic there, or there's not. There's either history there...or there's not. Bottom line. Freddy Vs Jason worked, it just did. You can't force those things to work. You can't say, hey, because our company owns both of these names, let's throw them together and make money! It works, or it doesn't, and the fans know from the start what will. Of course this bloody wrestling match didn't begin with Freddy Vs Jason, or even Demonic Toys Vs Dolls. It began way back when, before many of us were born...the Universal Monsters.
Ah, Frankenstein, Ah, the wolf man, Ah, where did I put my cigarettes? I know I had the stupid things around here somewhere. Back on topic, and away from my nicotine cravings, I can accurately say that I sat down with the utmost enthusiasm when viewing this little monster bash.
The plot is, of course, unrealistic but still enjoyable. After four years of slumber the wolf man is awakened from an un restful sleep to find himself still cursed with lycanthropy. Twisted inside and emotionally regretful, he ventures out to obtain a cure so that this madness and agony can be ended once and for all. Desperate, he seeks out the gypsy woman from the first film, hoping she has a treatment in mind. She doesn't know of one, but has a spark of inspiration. Why not try the infamous Dr. Frankenstein, the one who meddles with monsters in the first place?
Their hunt eventually finds the monster in ice, and after being thawed, the Wolf Man and Frankenstein become friends. Larry Talbot tries to protect the monster from more town mob lynching, while Frankenstein appreciates a friend but still has a large chip on his shoulder. The ending dissolves this friendship, however, as the two fight over an abrupt choice and their 'ending' is decided for both of them.
Bela Lugosi dons the bolts in this film. He's a wonderful actor but unfortunately as Frankenstein he's lacking. It looks like his earlier refusal of playing the monster turned around when the monster ended up so famous and financially resourceful. While not bad, he just doesn't fit and it shows. As a side note, the studio cut out any references to his blindness or Igor's brain being in his skull from the last film, Ghost of Frankenstein. Thankfully, he is not the major role in this film; Lon Chaney Jr takes the limelight, handling all the verbal exchange and motivations. His desperation and moodiness show through clearly, propelling the flick forward to a tragic, and yet somehow fun, ending. Maria Ouspenskaya is as good as she was in the original. Ilona Masey as Frankenstein's daughter is breathtaking and she performs well, but doesn't have much to keep her occupied. The acting is a great aide.
The set pieces are breathtaking as always; the whole atmosphere is rich, eerie, gothic, moody, sensational. It doesn't have all the pizzazz and spark of its predecessors, but it's a noteworthy attempt that still fits. The opening in the graveyard sets the mood strong, and the ending is a bit too abrupt yet still tragic and fun at the same time. The further destruction of the castle is a sight to behold; it marks a significant event in the series.
This fun Universal romp does have its shares of flaws. The plot has some holes that make fans of the original films flinch. Larry Talbot's depressing act is played out well, but too much focus on it and no other change can grow a bit stale. Also, the ending is very sudden. I would have preferred a slow lukewarm response to each other, and then hatred, and finally a fight. This way, though, it was kind of abrupt and sudden, not really what you'd think of when naming a movie "Frankenstein meets the Wolf Man."
While a great film, The Wolf Man never did gain the notoriety Dracula and ol' Frank did. Larry Talbot got his sequels, but not as a solo act. Instead, another monster had to be tossed in the ring to bring in the crowds, as was the case here and with House of Frankenstein and House of Dracula. Frankenstein meets the wolf man mainly develops the character of our furry friend, though. It's obvious to anyone watching it that the movie is basically about Larry Talbot and his seeking a cure to end his misery, not really about both of them equally.
Overall it's a good fun flick where it pays off to sit through. If you can get through the choppy editing and some heavily laid on melodrama, you'll be smiling. If you're only a fan of Frankenstein, though, this film may not be for you. He's not shown that often and certainly not as his best. Fans of the Wolf Man will love it, for it shows a definite continuation from the original story.
Here's leaving yet another review celebrating Universal Monster Magic! The movies may never come back like this, but the memories will never leave.
Those producers just don't get it, and sadly they probably never will.
You see, it's not the charm of ____ vs. ____ that sells, it's WHO Vs WHO that sells. There's either magic there, or there's not. There's either history there...or there's not. Bottom line. Freddy Vs Jason worked, it just did. You can't force those things to work. You can't say, hey, because our company owns both of these names, let's throw them together and make money! It works, or it doesn't, and the fans know from the start what will. Of course this bloody wrestling match didn't begin with Freddy Vs Jason, or even Demonic Toys Vs Dolls. It began way back when, before many of us were born...the Universal Monsters.
Ah, Frankenstein, Ah, the wolf man, Ah, where did I put my cigarettes? I know I had the stupid things around here somewhere. Back on topic, and away from my nicotine cravings, I can accurately say that I sat down with the utmost enthusiasm when viewing this little monster bash.
The plot is, of course, unrealistic but still enjoyable. After four years of slumber the wolf man is awakened from an un restful sleep to find himself still cursed with lycanthropy. Twisted inside and emotionally regretful, he ventures out to obtain a cure so that this madness and agony can be ended once and for all. Desperate, he seeks out the gypsy woman from the first film, hoping she has a treatment in mind. She doesn't know of one, but has a spark of inspiration. Why not try the infamous Dr. Frankenstein, the one who meddles with monsters in the first place?
Their hunt eventually finds the monster in ice, and after being thawed, the Wolf Man and Frankenstein become friends. Larry Talbot tries to protect the monster from more town mob lynching, while Frankenstein appreciates a friend but still has a large chip on his shoulder. The ending dissolves this friendship, however, as the two fight over an abrupt choice and their 'ending' is decided for both of them.
Bela Lugosi dons the bolts in this film. He's a wonderful actor but unfortunately as Frankenstein he's lacking. It looks like his earlier refusal of playing the monster turned around when the monster ended up so famous and financially resourceful. While not bad, he just doesn't fit and it shows. As a side note, the studio cut out any references to his blindness or Igor's brain being in his skull from the last film, Ghost of Frankenstein. Thankfully, he is not the major role in this film; Lon Chaney Jr takes the limelight, handling all the verbal exchange and motivations. His desperation and moodiness show through clearly, propelling the flick forward to a tragic, and yet somehow fun, ending. Maria Ouspenskaya is as good as she was in the original. Ilona Masey as Frankenstein's daughter is breathtaking and she performs well, but doesn't have much to keep her occupied. The acting is a great aide.
The set pieces are breathtaking as always; the whole atmosphere is rich, eerie, gothic, moody, sensational. It doesn't have all the pizzazz and spark of its predecessors, but it's a noteworthy attempt that still fits. The opening in the graveyard sets the mood strong, and the ending is a bit too abrupt yet still tragic and fun at the same time. The further destruction of the castle is a sight to behold; it marks a significant event in the series.
This fun Universal romp does have its shares of flaws. The plot has some holes that make fans of the original films flinch. Larry Talbot's depressing act is played out well, but too much focus on it and no other change can grow a bit stale. Also, the ending is very sudden. I would have preferred a slow lukewarm response to each other, and then hatred, and finally a fight. This way, though, it was kind of abrupt and sudden, not really what you'd think of when naming a movie "Frankenstein meets the Wolf Man."
While a great film, The Wolf Man never did gain the notoriety Dracula and ol' Frank did. Larry Talbot got his sequels, but not as a solo act. Instead, another monster had to be tossed in the ring to bring in the crowds, as was the case here and with House of Frankenstein and House of Dracula. Frankenstein meets the wolf man mainly develops the character of our furry friend, though. It's obvious to anyone watching it that the movie is basically about Larry Talbot and his seeking a cure to end his misery, not really about both of them equally.
Overall it's a good fun flick where it pays off to sit through. If you can get through the choppy editing and some heavily laid on melodrama, you'll be smiling. If you're only a fan of Frankenstein, though, this film may not be for you. He's not shown that often and certainly not as his best. Fans of the Wolf Man will love it, for it shows a definite continuation from the original story.
Here's leaving yet another review celebrating Universal Monster Magic! The movies may never come back like this, but the memories will never leave.