The Wolfman

This latest version of the Wolfman has taken a bit a mauling (boom boom) from some critics, but I feel the good and the bad pretty much even themselves out and, if you’re in the mood, you should be able to enjoy this old fashioned romp. Of course, alarm bells have been ringing for a number of years about this production as it’s taken quite a while from its initial announcement (March 2006) to finally making it’s debut on the big screen. However, there is some heavy duty talent involved here. Joe Johnston directs, Andrew Kevin Walker co-writes and Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins head up the cast. Del Toro takes the titular role, starring as Lawrence Talbot, son of Sir John Talbot ( Hopkins ), who returns to his London home following the death of his brother. Before long, killings begin and the local population believe either a lunatic or a beast of some sort is on the loose. Though slow in parts, Johnston directs the action scenes with a flourish and the section of the film set in a London lunatic asylum is a particular stand out, including a hilarious knowingly hammy escape scene. The film doesn’t short change you on the gore either which is actually a pleasant (?) surprise in these days of trying to lower a films rating for financial purposes. Throw in some decent jump scares and the actual Wolfman becomes something to fear, which certainly helps the film as it goes along. It does fall down on a couple of fronts though. Del Toro doesn’t really convince as the troubled Talbot and the chemistry between himself and Emily Blunt (struggling in a completely under-written role) is non-existent. Without pulling up many trees Hopkins fares slightly better, and he delivers the films signature line (“You’ve done terrible things, Lawrence . You’ve done terrible things…”) with a relish not seen since H Lecter Esq. The standout actor though is Hugo Weaving as the inspector on the case. With his English accent spot on and his attitude laid back, he is the perfect antidote to the carnage going on around him. The film does fall apart drastically on the run in though. A lame CGI rumble, followed by a rip off of An American Werewolf In London (wow…I got this far before I mentioned it) means you’ll be twiddling your thumbs as opposed to being on the edge of your seat. There is an open ended finish of sorts which leaves the possibility of a future sequel. However, though this isn’t a failure, I’d suggest no more full moons would be best for all concerned.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
This isn’t a classic by any means, but it’s heart (when it isn’t being ripped out) is in the right place and its perfectly acceptable Friday night fodder. Rating: 7/10