“A HAIR-RAISING THRILLER”
Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt and Hugo Weaving
Directed by: Joe Johnston
MPAA Rating: R for bloody horror, violence and gore
Genre: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Horror and Remake
Release Date: February 12, 2010
By John Delia
I had been anticipating the release of The Wolfman as I am a big horror film fan, especially those that contain lot of action. The trailer teased my expectation with scenes showing strong suspense and blood curdling attacks. Well, I wasn’t disappointed with the production and the special effects. If you are a fan of shock, dread and terror, than this thriller is one in which you can sink your teeth.
The film revolves around Lawrence Talbot (Del Toro) who returns to his family’s estate when he finds out that his brother Ben has gone missing. His brother’s fiancée Gwen and his father greet him with the sad news that Ben has been killed. Following the funeral Lawrence sets out to find Ben’s killer only to get bitten by a werewolf. What follows is a morbid account of Lawrence’s new affliction that has him causing havoc at every full moon, his attraction to Gwen, a father’s deep secret and an attempt to slaughter the whole village of Blackmoor.
I liked Del Toro in the role of Lawrence Talbot, not so much as the man, but the beast. His facial features remind me of the great Lon Chaney, Jr. who created the most memorable depiction of the creature. This coupled with some outstanding special effects and make-up provides a chilling representation of The Wolfman that Chaney himself would have been proud.
Although Del Toro gives his all, support acting is not flawless. I was not pleased with Hopkin’s performance as the demented matriarch. He makes his character blasé, passive and reticent most of the way through, obviously trying to hide the diabolical character within. But director Johnson doesn’t succeed at this ‘game’ as the elder Talbot’s fatal flaw becomes noticeable too early on.
The Wolfman is rated R for bloody horror, violence and gore. Oh, and there’s a scene of brief nudity.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A horror flick with hair-raising effects. (3.5 of 5 Palm Trees)
FEATURED BIO FROM THE FILM:
Benicio Del Toro is no stranger to the big screen with over 35 TV and films under his belt and four more in production. Oscar winner for his supporting role in Traffic, Del Toro started out in some high profile films like, License To Kill, Money For Nothing, China Moon, The Usual Suspects, Basquait, Joy Ride,  21 Grams, Che and more. In the film Sin City he played Jackie Boy a very sinister role that gave him a chance to work with directors Robert Rodrguez and Frank Miller. Benicio won the best actor award in 2008 at Cannes for Che Part one and Part 2 and also won Independent Spirit Awards for both Basquait and The Usual Suspects.
Check out the interview we did with Del Toro when he was in town promoting Che Part 1 and Part 2. Just click on the URL or copy and paste into your browser. https://yeticket.com/?s=Benicio+Del+Toro