Genre Grandeur – Frankenstein (2015) – Movie Reviews 101

For this month’s first review for Genre Grandeur – Derivative Work Films, here’s a review of Frankenstein (2015) by Darren of MovieReviews 101.

Thanks again to Summer of Serendipitous Anachronisms for choosing this month’s very unique genre.

Here’s Summer to explain her choice:

Basically it is anything based or inspired by pre-existing source

for example:

Amelie takes its relationships from the Luncheon of the Boating Party

The Magnificent Seven is borrowed from the Seven Samurai

Sunday in the Park with George is based on painting by George Seurat

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is loosely based on Hamlet

My Own Private Idaho borrows from Henry the IV

Cosi is about a director directing the musical Cosi Fan Tutti

Pride Prejudice and Zombies borrows from Pride and Prejudice

Clueless borrows from the novel Emma

Monty Python and the Holy Grail borrows from the Arthurian Legend

Basically a film that borrows from pre-existing source but reinvents the source material into something else

Next month’s Genre has been chosen by Jordan of Epileptic Moondancer. He has chosen a genre that is well out of my own comfort zone but I am up for the challenge. We will be reviewing our favorite Foreign Language Films From 2013-Present.

Please get me your submissions by the 25th of July by sending them to foreignjordan@movierob.net Try to think out of the box! Great choice Jordan!

Let’s see what Darren thought of this movie:

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Director: Bernard Rose

Writer: Bernard Rose (Screenplay)

Starring: Carrie-Anne Moss, Xavier Samuel, Tony Todd, Danny Huston,

Plot: A married couple of scientists create a modern-day monster.

There may be spoilers the rest of the review

Verdict: Brilliant Re-Imagination

Story: Frankenstein starts by jumping straight into Viktor (Huston) and Marie (Moss) creation Adam (Samuel) in a modern day hospital as they deal with the same issues all new born have to. When Adam becomes infected with a disease and his suffering becomes apparent the scientist decides to do what is best and have him put down, but Adam doesn’t stay dead awakening with inhuman strength.

Adam escaping the compound learns about his sense along in the wilderness. Befriending a stray dog Adam finds people but because he has been taught anything his interactions get a negative acceptance from the world leading to him not being accepted.

Frankenstein is a story we all know well a scientist makes creature that gets rejected by the world. This time we get a modern spin on this where most of the science is ignored because let’s face it we just don’t need this anymore, but this time we get to see the creatures point of view which is fresh feeling to the story meaning we only need to start the story when he awakens. While certain aspects are just re-workings in the modern day they all come off intriguing from start to finish.

Actor Review

Danny Huston: Viktor Frankenstein is the scientist that has created Adam using all the latest technology on his side. He tries to treat Adam like a subject rather than a son which makes it easier when tough decisions need to be made. Danny is good in this supporting role.

Carrie-Anne Moss: Marie is the wife of Viktor who treats Adam like a son which helps his development at the early stages but she quickly disowns him once he becomes sick. Carrie-Anne is also good in this supporting role.

Xavier Samuel: Adam is the monster created, born to be the perfect creation with no imperfection but soon the decomposition comes around to take over his body making him look like the monster we all know. He travels the world alone not understanding his own strength while trying to learn about the world that doesn’t want to accept him. Xavier really is the star of the show here where he truly does shine through this performance as we see the story from his point of view.

Tony Todd: Eddie is the blind homeless man that is the first to befriend Adam because he doesn’t know the full monstrous side to Adam. He tries his best to accept him teaching him things about the world. Tony is good in this supporting role which you can see he has a lot of fun with.

Support Cast: Frankenstein has a small supporting cast with on Wanda a hooker getting that many lines as we see her learn the true shock of the body of Adam.

Director Review: Bernard Rose – Bernard gives us a brilliant twist on the Frankenstein story that brings the story into the modern era.

Horror: Frankenstein uses the kills that are brutal for the horror elements.

Thriller: Frankenstein does keep us on edge as we follow Adam’s story.

Settings: Frankenstein throws Adam into a modern day LA to trying and make it on his own which works to show how difficult it could be for any stranger.
Special Effects: Frankenstein has brilliant make up to make Adam look like the monster even if the final shot comes off slightly weak CGI.

Suggestion: Frankenstein is a film that I think most people will enjoy and I will be recommending for any horror fans out there. (Horror Fans Watch)

Best Part: Beating the shit out of the cop who killed Adam’s dog for no reason.

Worst Part: Some people will want to see more on the scientific side.

Believability: No

Chances of Tears: No

Chances of Sequel: No

Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: No

Runtime: 1 Hour 29 Minutes

Tagline: Man is the true monster.