By Renee’ Collins
Rating: 2 (Out of 5 Reels)
Told from Igor’s (Daniel Radcliff) perspective, we see the troubled young assistant’s dark origins, his redemptive friendship with the young medical student Viktor Von Frankenstein (James McAvoy), and become eyewitnesses to the emergence of how Frankenstein became the man – and the legend – we know today (IMDB).
This film did not spare any expense on the special effects and it is very well done visually. It reminded me of the effects used in the Sherlock Homes series with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law which were immensely entertaining films. Most would think that a powerful actor like James McAvoy would be able to bring a depth to this role and although he does a great job portraying the mad scientist sadly he can only take it so far. It falls short for me because of the way it is written. Granted in this version there is the addition of a sidekick in Igor (Radcliff) who Frankenstein discovers at the travelling circus discovers he is intelligent then liberates him to aid in his work.
The ending of this film does not deliver because it turns into a huge testosterone fest that is Frankenstein’s ego. After being dragged through the entire film we finally discover his true motivation which is entirely disappointing once we get there. The teenagers are going to love the action and fighting scenes this film delivers because that is who seems to be the target audience.