The Wolfman

It's been a long time since I've blogged on this thing. Man, did I have to make changes to my profile...

I can remember being a kid back in the 70's, after the morning cartoons were over, WOR, channel 9, out of New York City played the old black and white horror movies. It could be anything from Earth vs. the Flying Saucers to Them, and so many in between. I guess I was fascinated with all the themes and ideas. Although, I had know more understanding at the time than just being entertained!
On the top of the list had to be all of the Frankenstein, Dracula, The Mummy and, of course, The Wolfman. Lon Chaney Jr. was great as the tortured soul who needs a major shave and manicure come full moons!!!
Admittedly, this latest release has a very dark and horrific quality about it. I could really feel how cold and dark the family home was. Benicio del Toro and Anthony Hopkins are some of my favorite actors. And yet, this movie really didn't stir that horror bug like the original. It was definitely gory! The nice by-product of our modern technology and film evolution. I guess I miss some stuff being left to the imagination. The story line stayed close to the original with that nice little twist from "Dad"! However, it all seemed pretty predicable. I guess that's because most of us who know the story know what's going to ultimately happen! I will give the director credit, though, for keeping the love story simple and not throwing in a sex scene to spice things up!
I do have to give special nod to Hugo Weaving. Of The Matrix and V for Vendetta fame, he delivers again as the inspector from Scotland Yard. What I look forward to more than seeing this movie again is the possibility of a sequel with Hugo in it! I think that fresh idea would be more entertaining than it's original, if it's done right...
In the end, was I entertained??? Sort of... Admittedly though, I'm one of those who gets more out of seeing it multiple times. I may like it more the second time around, but I'm not planning on holding my breath!