Review - Wolfman

After much delay (note the date on the poster), The Wolfman has finally made its way to theaters. It stars Benicio Del Toro as Lawrence Talbot/Wolfman, Emily Blunt as Lawrence's love interest Gwen Conliffe, and Sir Anthony Hopkins as Lawrence's father Sir John Talbot. Based on the original 1941 movie of the same title, The Wolfman follows the tragedy of Lawrence becoming a werewolf and committing unspeakable actions. All this takes place against the backdrop of Victorian era England (London and elsewhere).

I really was impressed with the acting in the movie. Although it does feature a great deal of special effects and CGI, the acting by all players was good and believable. I was happy that the transformation scenes were long and drawn out. Lately there's been too many movies involving werewolves were the transformations just happen out of nowhere. The change scenes here were more reminiscent of An American Werewolf In London. They seemed very painful and horrifying. (It should be noted that both movies share the same award winning effects man, Rick Baker).

Another thing that I really liked in the new Wolfman was the discussion of Lycanthropy as a mental illness. They incorporated the use of an asylum which added to the already dark atmosphere. There's also a clever Jack The Ripper connection.

The only thing I think they could have done better on is the development of the relationship between Lawrence and Gwen. It did cause the movie not to reach its full potential at the conclusion. That being said the new Wolfman could be just a little bit better. It is good. But it doesn't quite fit into the elite group of werewolf movies (American Werewolf In London, The Howling, The Wolfman '41, and Silver Bullet). But it is good and you should definitely RENT IT.