Inspired by the classic Universal film that launched a legacy of horror, "The Wolfman" brings the myth of a cursed man back to its iconic origins.
When it comes to hammy renditions of old monster movies, you can bet your last silver bullet that Anthony Hopkins is somewhere to be found in the fray. For lest we forget his hilarious, intentionally OTT performance as Van Helsing in Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' (1992) and now he's back with a meaty supporting role alongside star Benicio Del Toro in 'The Wolfman'. A production with a history as troubled as its titular protagonist: the film underwent re-writes, re-shoots and even lost a director on the way (Mark 'One Hour Photo' Romanek quit after budget cuts and was soon replaced by Joe 'Jurassic Park 3' Johnston).
But despite the aforementioned delays and backstage shenanigans, this commendably dark and atmospheric take on the legendary creature of folklore is on a par with, and in many ways better than, Universal Studio's 1941 classic. In which the 'The Man of a Thousand Faces', Lon Chaney embarked upon a series of lycanthropic, moonlit misadventures.
The excellent Benicio Del Toro, like Chaney, has an impressive, almost instinctive, ability to immerse himself within any given role whilst still being recognisable to the audience. Here, Del Toro plays Lawrence Talbot; an American stage actor who returns to England circa 1891, upon the mysterious death of his brother (savaged and mauled by some...thing!). Talbot's menacing and remarkably upbeat father (an inimitable Anthony Hopkins) prowls around the eerie environs of Chatsworth House by candlelight, a well cast Emily Blunt makes for an appropriately distressed damsel whilst Hugo Weaving (alas not given much screen time) crops up as Inspector Abberline.
'The Wolfman' revels in its B-movie origins, doesn't seem to care for the structural conventions of modern, ADD appeasing cinema and is at its strongest when shooting on location. Cinematographer Shelly Johnson sets up some great shots of the Blackmoor woods and the foreboding, neo-Gothic façades of Victorian England. An element of narrative incoherence (e.g. editing / continuity flaws) spoils the fun somewhat, but it's a minor quibble in an otherwise enjoyable film. Wrongly marketed as a CGI spectacular, 'The Wolfman' owes more to Hammer Horror in its measured, slow burn approach, than the all out rampage seen in the trailers.
That said, the Werewolf scenes, when they eventually arrive, are well shot and the creature looks as good as such a beast can on screen, thanks to monster movie legend Rick 'An American Werewolf In London' Baker. Johnston can't quite seem to decide on how he wants the Wolfman to move; for there're times when he's light on his feet like 'Van Helsing' and 'Underworld' and others when he's more like the Werewolves of 'Project Metal Beast', 'Dog Solders' and 'The Howling'. 'The Wolfman' has limited repeat viewing potential, but is still an entertaining, old school creature feature that rarely disappoints.
We will publish your review of The Wolfman (2010) - Extended Cut on DVD within a few days as long as it meets our guidelines.
None of your personal details will be passed on to any other third party.
Please note this is a region 2 DVD and will require a region 2 (Europe) or region Free DVD Player in order to play. Inspired by the classic Universal film that launched a legacy of horror, The Wolfman brings the myth of a cursed man back to its iconic origins. Oscar winner Benicio Del Toro stars as Lawrence Talbot, a haunted nobleman lured back to his family estate after his brother vanishes. Reunited with his estranged father (Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins), Talbot sets out to find his brother...and discovers a horrifying destiny for himself. Lawrence Talbot's childhood ended the night his mother died. After he left the sleepy Victorian hamlet of Blackmoor, he spent decades recovering and trying to forget. But when his brother's fiancee, Gwen Conliffe (Emily Blunt), tracks him down to help find her missing love, Talbot returns home to join the search. He learns that something with brute strength and insatiable bloodlust has been killing the villagers, and that a suspicious Scotland Yard inspector named Aberline (Hugo Weaving) has come to investigate. As he pieces together the gory puzzle, he hears of an ancient curse that turns the afflicted into werewolves when the moon is full. Now, if he has any chance at ending the slaughter and protecting the woman he has grown to love, Talbot must destroy the vicious creature in the woods surrounding Blackmoor. But as he hunts for the nightmarish beast, a simple man with a tortured past will uncover a primal side to himself...one he never imagined existed. This extended cut of The Wolfman includes 16 minutes of additional footage not shown in cinemas. Actors Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving, Geraldine Chaplin, Art Malik, Kiran Shah, Elizabeth Croft & David Sterne Director Joe Johnston Certificate 15 years and over Year 2010 Screen Widescreen 1.85:1 Anamorphic Languages English - Dolby Digital (5.1) Additional Languages German ; Turkish ; English Audio Description Subtitles English ; English for the hearing impaired ; German ; Arabic ; Danish ; Finnish ; Icelandic ; Norwegian ; Swedish ; Turkish Duration 1 hour and 38 minutes (approx)
Remake of the 1941 horror film of the same name set in the 1880s. Benicio Del Toro stars as Lawrence Talbot, a gentleman tormented by the death of his mother and subsequent end of his childhood, who leaves home to try and rid himself of the memories and hurt. However, years later he is contacted by his brother's fiancee, Gwen Conliffe (Emily Blunt), who tells of how her love has gone missing, leading Talbot to return home in order to help with the search. Upon his arrival, however, he discovers that something horrifyingly strong with a seemingly unquenchable thirst for blood has been terrorising the villagers. With the death toll rising, a very suspicious Inspector Aberline (Hugo Weaving) from Scotland Yard is on the case. As he begins to uncover the truth, he hears about a curse that transforms the affected into a werewolf under the full moon... The film won the 2011 Academy Award for Best Makeup.
This site uses cookies.
More details in our privacy policy
