Back in 2014, it looked like Universal Studios were desperately trying to compete with Marvel for a cinematic universe. They tried to do one surrounding well known fairytales which failed after two films (‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ and its sequel ‘Huntsman; Winter’s War’ which was their version of ‘The Snow Queen’).
They also tried to do one featuring their famous horror monsters which started off with ‘Dracula Untold’ but failed to kick off because it was poorly received.
Then came ‘I Frankenstein’ which was originally rumored to have a supposed connection to the ‘Underworld’ films and a cameo by Kate Beckinsale as vampire Selene. Sadly, since ‘I Frankenstein’ wasn’t very well received either, all of those ideas were scrapped.
The story starts off with “Adam” (as the creature calls himself in this film and played by Aaron Eckhart) walking across a snowy landscape carrying the body of his maker Victor. After killing Victor’s wife, Victor had gone looking for Adam but unlike Adam, Victor couldn’t survive the cold.
Eventually, Adam arrives at what appears to be a run-down church decorated with gargoyles. After burying Victor, Adam is attacked by demons but is able to fight them off…barely. He’s knocked out but is soon saved by what appears to be some gargoyles; the same ones that had been decorating the church only a moment before.
When Adam wakes up, he finds himself in a cathedral; the gargoyles have brought him in for questioning…and they need his help in fighting the demons. The Gargoyle Queen (Miranda Otto) explains to Adam that there has been a war between demons and gargoyles for centuries and that the gargoyles are tasked with protecting man-kind from the demons that are led by Naberius (Bill Nighy).
She tries to persuade Adam but Adam refuses to work with them; he’ll fight the demons but he’ll work alone…and without help from the Gargoyle Order.
Unless you count 2004’s ‘Van Helsing’, this is the first ‘Frankenstein’ film I’ve ever seen (aside from Tim Burton’s spoof ‘Frankenweenie’, both the early 90’s short film and 2014 animated remake versions). It’s actually not too bad a horror film all things considered.
The action scenes were very well done and the score is also very decent. I also like the idea of the gargoyles that’re sitting on the cathedral coming to life.
My only issue was that I would’ve liked to have seen a crossover with ‘Dracula Untold’. If Universal was looking for a Horror Monster-Verse, that would’ve been a way to do it (aside from ‘Van Helsing’). Maybe have Dracula as the Big Bad? Who knows what could’ve been since both films weren’t very well received and as a result will never have any sequels or whatever.
It's a shame because I thought it wasn’t too bad a film. I’ve seen worse horror films.
Comentários