Wolfman: Yay or Nay?

[waycul2]

Go see the movie and know that Universal did a great job to make this remake a HORROR movie. Unlike the Brandon Frazer Mummy comedies, this film is a serious movie with rock solid acting and just enough special effects to make it "modern". The story line is different from the Chaney classic, but basically follows a similar path. Be open minded and you should enjoy this film. It probably won't be a blockbuster, but so far it's the third highest grossing film of the weekend. My hat is off to Universal for having the GUTS to make a classic style horror movie instead of a Raiders Of the Lost Ark type money getter that may appeal to the masses. The acting is rock solid, the photography and composition of the film are very good. The story is a bit jagged and doesn't flow as smoothly as one might like, but I think as time goes on, this film will gain in critical acclaim. Good job Universal! Please no more classic remakes that mock the original's like the jerky "Mummy" movies of recent years.

[The Creeper]

I went and seen it today and I absolutely love it!  It's fangtastic!  Good job Universal!

[Jim Bertges]

I just got back from seeing The Wolfman, my Wife and I went for Valentines Day. In my opinion it is an excellent, respectful updating of our classic favorites. Like the General, I kept seeing Lon Chaney Jr. in Benicio Del Toro, he played the part wonderfully. For those who haven't seen it, I feel it is well worth your time and money to go to the theatre and catch it on the big screen.

The fact that they used many elements from the original story and credited Curt Sidomak's (sp) original screenplay as source material made me feel good about it from the beginning.

Also, the one thing that has irritated me to no end with modern fantasy and horror films, from Van Helsing to King Kong is their excess. The idea that more monsters, more effects more things make for a bigger better movie is utterly dis-proven with The Wolfman. We have been given an exciting, suspenseful, thrilling story without armies of monsters thundering across the screen. I hope creators of future films take note.

[The Creeper]

I agree that Del Toro did look like Lon quite a bit.  I really liked it!  I want it on dvd now!

[marsattacks666]

I also watched the Wolf Man today, and I thought the film was really good. Great cinematography,
atmospheric, CGI not bad. All in all a good movie.

[Unknown Primate]

I saw it Saturday night with my wife, daughter (and her boyfriend).  My wife jumped countless times and even cursed once (s***)!  I liked the atmosphere, the sets, the monster's look, the transformations & the attack scenes.  I got a little too antsy in between the action shots and actually became a little fidgety.  There were several things that I didn't care for, but I don't hold that against the film makers - and it didn't really bug me that much...  I accepted it because it's just how most modern movies do things (I don't mean technically-just the way they present some characters & all).  I thought I saw a couple of nods to CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF, WEREWOLF OF LONDON & even AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, though that might be a stretch on my part.  Overall, it was a fun flick, with a few "awesome" scenes, but, in my little ol' humble opinion, very predictable.  I wasn't really surprised by any of the "twists" and it's not because I am an awesome person - just too used to modern movies.

IMO, it is a good remake and a good monster movie.

Of course, to me, THE WOLF MAN with Lon Chaney Jr. is still King.  I really felt sorry for Richardson, the grave digger, as quick and un-graphic as that scene is.  Maleva is awesome!  Bela is awesome!  Gwen is awesome!  And Sir John...  yep, awesome!  And that score!!!  Did I mention Lon Chaney Jr. as Larry Talbot?!

So, I'm glad they made THE WOLFMAN and I'm glad I went and seen it.

[batgirly]

Respectful update, I was pleased beyond my expectations. Maybe not for everyone, but an earnest attempt at an old fashioned (and I mean that in the most reverent way) monster movie.  Hurray Universal!

[depressedlarrytalbot]

Del Toro did look like Lon quite a bit.

For me, never more than in that face shot as he struggles upstairs from the crypt during his first change. As I recall it, his mop of hair is swallowed up in background darkness and his face is just ..... Chaney.

[marsattacks666]

I thought I saw a couple of nods to CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF, WEREWOLF OF LONDON & even AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, though that might be a stretch on my part.

I am in agreement....no stretch. My wife and I surprisingly witnessed the same thing. Especially, the A.W.I.L. part,
(doubledecker steam-powered trolley)very Piccadilly Circus.

[HARRY HAMMOCK]

My Valentine gift to the mrs.We both liked it alot.Rick Baker had a very short part,but all in all I'll be gettin it on dvd.

[gracebuster]

There are one specific HOMAGE NO ONE has mentioned yet, I think!

Thiss CAN NOT be a coincidence. In the latter part of the movie he is WEARING A ROPE BELT!!!!!! Just like the AURORA WOLFMAN!

[The Spangler]

There are one specific HOMAGE NO ONE has mentioned yet, I think!

Thiss CAN NOT be a coincidence. In the latter part of the movie he is WEARING A ROPE BELT!!!!!! Just like the AURORA WOLFMAN!

Thats right, the rope belt and, without giving too much away, the "shirtless werewolf" just screamed Aurora!  Also, a not so subtle nod to Universal's Frankenstein monster, with the asylum doc getting tossed through the window, a'la Daniel and Sandra, from "H of F" and "A & C M F".

[depressedlarrytalbot]

I thought that doctor's fate was a nod to the fate of Charles Bronson's daughter in DEATH WISH 2.


No not really. Good call, sharp eye.

**SPOILERS !!**

The AWWIL lift besides the 'Picadilly' scene with the bus was at the end with those eye close-ups looming over Emily Blunt ... a lot like AWWIL just before the police opened up on him in the alley.

And the WEREWOLF OF LONDON nod was Sir John sustaining a bite on his forearm when attached in Bhutan..... same neck of the woods, broadly speaking, as Yogami when he attacked Glendon....

[Toy Ranch]

There are one specific HOMAGE NO ONE has mentioned yet, I think!

Thiss CAN NOT be a coincidence. In the latter part of the movie he is WEARING A ROPE BELT!!!!!! Just like the AURORA WOLFMAN!

Missed that one.  I'm going to see it again, so will watch for that.  How cool!

[SirJon]

I agree - the wolfman terrorizing the town was alot like AWWIL in picadilly circle - especially the bus tipping over just like in AWWIL - same camera shots.

I also saw alot of lon chaney jr in del toro - especially the opening scene when hes arriving at talbot castle when he pears out of the carriage - He had the look down pat in my opinion there - they must have kept him up all night or something because he even had the droopy eyes and lips - LOL

Again - i liked it much better the 2nd time - im a FLIP FLOPPER, what can i say.

Oh and by the way - in regards to the question of what bitter is - its a dark lager.