Coming from the minds behind the Underworld series, I, Frankenstein is pitched as a continuation of the Frankenstein story (though I doubt Mary Shelley ever envisioned her character punching a living statue in the face in mid-air), with Aaron Eckhart as the creature, known as Adam to what little friends he has. Wandering the world for hundreds of years, he finds himself caught between a war being waged between demons and the Gargoyle Order, a sect of warrior angels, who disguise themselves as, you guessed it, gargoyles. With the story laid out pretty early on, the stage is set for the same kind of effects heavy gothic action that those familiar with Underworld would expect.
The main problem with I, Frankenstein is that the story is a ridiculous, campy romp, with demon Prince Niberius (Bill Nighy) wanting the creature to help build an army of similarily undead cannon fodder, but it is played completely straight. Only Nighy knows what type of movie he's in, relishing every ridiculous line he has to deliver and generally being wonderfully over the top, with the other actors emoting in degrees from good to bad, with Jai Courtney's gargoyle Gideon being the worst offender. Trying to come off stoic and conflicted, he fails miserably, becoming completely unmemorable. Starting as it means to go on, I, Frankenstein moves at a break neck speed for the first act, putting the pieces into place for what is to follow a bit too quickly. Stalling in the second act, where it basically becomes scene after scene of characters explaining the plot to each other, things pick up considerably with the finale in sight, where numerous special effects come together for a pretty enjoyable smack down.
The effects are one of the movies high points, from flying gargoyles (with the transition from human to gargoyle, and vice versa, being nearly flawless) to swirling fireballs filling the screen at any one time. Several action scenes punctuate the story, and they are actually pretty impressive, with the full scale scenes being a lot more fun than the one on one combat. This movie has been getting slammed on its release in the States, and it isn't as bad as it has being painted. Sure, its cheesy as hell, but it is still a lot of fun, and the perfect popcorn movie.
Aaron Eckhart continues his quest to become an action star, and while this is one of his better attempts, he doesn't entirely succeed, with the creature being a quite dour character, lacking the charisma to make enough of an impact. Of the supporting cast, Nighy is the only one to make an impression, playing the type of villain this kind of movie deserves, chowing down on any scenery that is close to hand. Miranda Otto does her best with what is an expository role, as Leonore, leader of the gargoyles, spending most of the second and third act as an effect.
Not entirely deserving of the bile ladled upon it by most critics, I, Frankenstein is perfectly enjoyable popcorn movie, one you can leave your brain at the door for.
The main problem with I, Frankenstein is that the story is a ridiculous, campy romp, with demon Prince Niberius (Bill Nighy) wanting the creature to help build an army of similarily undead cannon fodder, but it is played completely straight. Only Nighy knows what type of movie he's in, relishing every ridiculous line he has to deliver and generally being wonderfully over the top, with the other actors emoting in degrees from good to bad, with Jai Courtney's gargoyle Gideon being the worst offender. Trying to come off stoic and conflicted, he fails miserably, becoming completely unmemorable. Starting as it means to go on, I, Frankenstein moves at a break neck speed for the first act, putting the pieces into place for what is to follow a bit too quickly. Stalling in the second act, where it basically becomes scene after scene of characters explaining the plot to each other, things pick up considerably with the finale in sight, where numerous special effects come together for a pretty enjoyable smack down.
The effects are one of the movies high points, from flying gargoyles (with the transition from human to gargoyle, and vice versa, being nearly flawless) to swirling fireballs filling the screen at any one time. Several action scenes punctuate the story, and they are actually pretty impressive, with the full scale scenes being a lot more fun than the one on one combat. This movie has been getting slammed on its release in the States, and it isn't as bad as it has being painted. Sure, its cheesy as hell, but it is still a lot of fun, and the perfect popcorn movie.
Aaron Eckhart continues his quest to become an action star, and while this is one of his better attempts, he doesn't entirely succeed, with the creature being a quite dour character, lacking the charisma to make enough of an impact. Of the supporting cast, Nighy is the only one to make an impression, playing the type of villain this kind of movie deserves, chowing down on any scenery that is close to hand. Miranda Otto does her best with what is an expository role, as Leonore, leader of the gargoyles, spending most of the second and third act as an effect.
Not entirely deserving of the bile ladled upon it by most critics, I, Frankenstein is perfectly enjoyable popcorn movie, one you can leave your brain at the door for.
