I, Frankenstein Movie Review
Matthew Wells,
Comics and Games Specialist at Other Realms and Radio DJ
Where and with whom did you see the movie?
I went solo. I worked through a list of friends, but they’d all seen the trailer and it didn’t do the movie any favors.
Overall, what did you think?
I know I, Frankenstein was based on a graphic novel, and I confess to having a soft spot for any such film, but there are some publishers that create a comic book purely to be a pre-storyboarded movie pitch. That pitch gets sold, makes a bit of money and that’s it. This movie felt like that kind of a money grab.
Without giving away the ending, what was one of your favorite scenes?
There are plenty of over-the-top action and fight sequences delivered in glossy CGI glory, but my favorite scene was watching the monster read Dr. Frankenstein’s journal that detailed the specifics of his creation.
On a scale of one to four stars, what would you rate this film?
★★ It’s not good, but I can’t say it’s the worst movie I’ve ever seen, either. That honor goes to Street Fighter: the Legend of Chun-Li.
What did you think of the cinematography?
The movie borrows heavily from the look of the Underworld franchise: slick, glossy and with enough Bill Nighy to give it a respectable feeling.
Was the message/theme clear?
The message was very clear: Fight for your own destiny, since how you came into this world does not dictate your future potential. I now have given this more thought than the writers of I, Frankenstein.
Did it remind you of any other works of film?
It’s hard to not think of the Underworld franchise as the story revolves around two warring occult factions and the outsider trapped between them. I guess this is true of the Twilight series, too, but not even I am so cruel as to make that comparison.
To whom would you recommend this movie?
Residents of Colorado and Washington State, and anyone with a subscription to Netflix and can let it come to you. It’s a fun enough movie, but don’t worry about missing it.
Did any of the actors stand out?
I don’t know why Bill Nighy keeps accepting these roles. I can only imagine he’s the victim of blackmail or just really bad at poker. Then again, it’s an acting job that pays. Better than digging ditches. He usually plays the leader of some evil organization who has had just about enough of you and isn’t taking it anymore, so will probably shake and spit on at least a few line deliveries, and he plays that well.
Did you identify with any of the characters?
I think we’re all expected to want to be the outsider who just wants his freedom but is secretly loving that he’s the linchpin to a grander purpose, because if he acted like he actually wanted it, then it’d just be arrogant. But I can’t say that’s ever happened to me.
Would you buy this movie when it comes out on DVD?
No. I would save my money like a responsible geek for things like vinyl Doctor Who statues.
On a different note, what’s new with you?
I’m working on my fourth year as one of the hosts for the League of Extraordinary Geeks Podcast, my 13th year of being on the radio as Haz-Matt (Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m. on 105.9 KPOI), and I try to write as much as possible.
