The Wolfman

Right in time to coincide with an eerie full moon, Universal releases its remake of one of the most iconic horror films ever made.
Let’s face it; there aren’t too many movie remakes that can be deemed a worthy successor to the original version. Universal’s The Wolfman, however, is not only a worthy successor but it surprises with different elements to it, thus making it less of a remake but more of a fresh story instead.

Inspired by the Curt Siodmak screenplay as well as the classic b/w Universal film The Wolf Man, starring Claude Rains and Lon Chaney Jr, the current version shifts the action from Wales to Blackmoor, although the story is still set in the late 1880’s.

Suave Lawrence Talbot (perfect casting: Benicio Del Toro) returns to the estate of his father Sir John (Anthony Hopkins) in search of his missing brother, after his brother’s fiancée Gwen Conliffe (Emily Blunt) asked him for help. However, it’s not before long and Lawrence comes to realize that a mysterious creature with an insatiable bloodlust is on the loose, and rumours of an ancient curse involving werewolves emerge. Enter Scotland Yard’s Inspector Aberline (Hugo Weaving), who arrives in the village to investigate the strange killings and quickly learns that for one, the local gypsies are not to blame. By the way, the name Inspector Aberline is of course a play on the real-life Inspector Abberline, who, back in 1888, was entrusted with solving the Jack the Ripper crimes.

Meanwhile, Lawrence falls in love with Gwen and begs her to leave the estate for her own safety until the crimes are solved. But as he’s out to hunt the savage creature, his tortured past returns to confront him and uncovers a primal side in him that Lawrence never knew existed…

Benicio Del Toro gives a bravura performance, as does everyone else. If there’s one aspect that ought to be particularly highlighted, then it’s the film’s editing – cleverly delivering the shocks when least expected and without going into overdrive. Visually, the atmosphere is moody and broody and of course, special effects guru Rick Baker’s make-up skills (he was also responsible for the special make-up effects in An American Werewolf In London) contribute to a scary and realistic werewolf transformation. Speaking of An American Werewolf In London - and without wishing to give too much away - watch out for the one scene in The Wolfman that pays homage to John Landi’s cult film.

If there is one downside to the movie, than it’s the somewhat overblown and over-the-top climax. That aside, The Wolfman returns to traditional horror territory without being overpowered by unnecessary CGI effects and yes, it’s really scary and also very gory in parts – especially the unnerving opening sequence.
So, stuff your pockets with some wolfsbane for protection and have a howling good time at a cinema near you!