I, Frankenstein was one of the January movies that I was looking forward to the most and was based on the graphic novel by Kevin Grevioux.
I, Frankenstein
Sadly, it was one of the most disappointing movies of the year, and was not the unique re-telling of the Frankenstein story that I was hoping for. It was only the second feature film for director Stuart Beattie, and I wonder what kind of movie it would have been in more experienced hands.
200 years after his shocking creation, Dr. Frankenstein's creature, Adam, still walks the earth. But when he finds himself in the middle of a war over the fate of humanity, Adam discovers he holds the key that could destroy humankind.
I, Frankenstein had the potential to be a terrific gothic movie that portrayed 'Frankenstein's monster' as more than just a mindless creation. However, all that promise does go out of the window pretty quickly.
Instead, it becomes a run of the mill good vs evil movie that is more interested in the special effects that developing rich characters and a great script. Don't get me wrong, the special effects did look great, but it would have been good to see other aspects of the film receive that same attention.
On paper Adam is an incredibly complex character as he doesn't fit in anywhere; he is not human, demon nor part of the gargoyle race sent to protect humankind. He is a man who has let darkness and hate creep into his heart and almost consumer him.
While Eckhart does do the best with what he was given, he isn't really given anything meaty to truly get his teeth into and he can't breathe life into this character or this movie. This is a role that he really could have done something very special with if the script has just been of a higher standard.
I have to say, I was bitterly disappointed when I walked out of the cinema having watch I, Frankenstein as it, in no way, lived up to my expectations.
I love Frankenstein and Dracula movies but Beattie and co have delivered a really boring movie that struggles to keep an audience's attention. I can't believe that a character as rich as Frankenstein could result in so dull a movie - it is always such a disappointment to see such great acting talent go to such waste.
I, Frankenstein is by no means the worst movie that I have seen over the last twelve months, but it really is up there with one of the major disappointments.