I remember seeing a TV spot for the first Underworld film years ago and thinking how stupid is was to have vampires and werewolves battling each other with guns and other modern weaponry. Needless to say, I didn’t run out and see it and actually, quite a few years passed before I finally sat down and watched the film for the first time. Ever since I finally decided to do so, I fell in love with the entire franchise. I loved the story, the characters, and the overall style of the entire ‘universe.’
Luckily for me, the producers of the franchise that I love so much decided to try their hand at another action monster flick with this year’s I, Frankenstein, bringing the same type of action, fantasy, and gothic horror style that was prominent in the entire Underworld series.
Victor Frankenstein’s monstrous creation has killed his creator and finds himself caught in a battle he didn’t even know existed. The battle between gargoyles and demons is one that has lasted for centuries and threatens all of humankind. The reanimated corpse, now known as Adam, decides to jump right into things and for more than two centuries hunts down and kills demons, descending them to Hell. When he discovers that the demon Prince, Naberius, has a plan to reanimate enough corpses to form an entire demon army, he must figure out a way to stop the demon race once and for all.
I must say I am very pleased with how this movie came out. I was skeptical; I thought perhaps the feel of the Underworld movies could not be created this many years later, but I was wrong. Everything that was present in the previous franchise films is amplified tenfold in I, Frankenstein.
The acting was awesome and fans will recognize performers such as Bill Nighy and Kevin Grevioux, both from the Underworld series, as well. Aaron Eckhart did better than I expected and as an added bonus, Dexter fans will love to see the beautiful Yvonne Strahovski as Terra.
I, Frankenstein is a effects-heavy movie, blending both CGI and practical effects perfectly. Having one visual effects team working on the gargoyle creatures and a complete separate effects studio working on the prosthetics for the demon designs was a brilliant idea and really delivers the best of both worlds. Although there is tons of CGI in this movie, I still think practical effects fans will be pleased.
If you’re a fan of horror movies that are full of action and fantasy, you definitely need to watch I, Frankenstein. Be sure to pick up a copy today from Lionsgate’s official webstore to enjoy the film in both 3D and 2D, along with some awesome bonus features including audio commentary and multiple behind-the-scenes featurettes.
I give I, Frankenstein 3.5 reanimated rats out of 5.
