The Wolfman follows the plot you expect to see after watching the previews and trailers. While investigating the mysterious death of his brother, Lawrence Talbot (Benicio Del Toro) is bitten by a werewolf. From there, the plot follows him as he adapts to his new condition as it brings up memories from his troubled past he thought he buried. Compounding his problem, some creative twists about his family keep the audience guessing throughout the film. However, this film does have some issues concerning the plot and the acting.It’s only fitting that a movie about a werewolf would have an identity crisis. The Wolfman tries to be a drama, action movie and thriller in one package, but fails to excel as a hybrid of these genres. The movie as a whole feels disjointed as it jumps from genre to genre.
However, with that being said, the movie performs admirably within each genre. As a drama, the relationship between Talbot and his father Sir John Talbot (Anthony Hopkins) sparks interest and takes the audience through a few revealing curves.
The action sequences are intermittent and not especially grandiose, but fit the feel of the movie well. A movie set in turn-of-the-century London doesn’t need Michael Bay-esque special effects. The effects in the movie played well into the thriller aspect. The sets especially gave the movie a murky and mysterious feel. Add quite a few shocking moments throughout the film and you have a solid thriller.
But, when put all together, something about the film just doesn’t seem right.
Del Toro delivers a so-so performance with some great moments and some laughable ones. The real highlight of the film was Hopkins who blends in just enough Hannibal Lecter to make his character familial but not repetitive. Hopkins fits the role wonderfully. Emily Blunt, playing Gwen Conliffe, does a decent job but really doesn’t stand out from the background.
Despite the confusion on what type of movie this film wants to be and some flat acting, it’s an overall decent film. It’s definitely an enjoyable way to spend two hours and you won’t be bored.
MPAA Rating: R
Final Grade: B
Next Week: Shutter Island
