The Wolfman is a disappointment. Nobody is going to compare Joe Johnstone to Spielberg or Lucas but there was no reason for the studios to give the reins of a film to a man who is better known in the vfx arena and not as a wholesome filmmaker. What is even worse is that The Wolfman isn't even visually exciting. It is too dark and drab and the makeup (which for a film where a man transforms into a werewolf is of top importance) leaves a lot to desire. Frankly speaking An American Werewolf in London had more realistic makeup and transformation. And all this without going into the story or pacing. To be fair The Wolfman is an alright film but do not go in with much expectation.

The mysterious, Gothic feel of The Wolfman was really well-done. Unlike the 1941 Lon Chaney, Jr. version, which took place in the then-contemporary WWII Europe, this picture takes place in 1890s England, apparently right outside of London, in the inevitably named "Blackmoor." Nice.Benicio del Toro seems a bit miscast at first glance. But viewers find out early in the film that Sir Talbot married a Latin woman, so Benitio's Latin looks makes sense. Without the "Why me?" look of Lon Chaney, Jr., Benicio had the fear of God in him instead.This fear seemed real and sincere, as he discovers he is cursed. Cursed from the bite of a werewolf. He implores the local gypsies to help him but this version of Maleva is not much help. Her advice is to put Larry Talbot out of his misery. Silver bullets no extra charge.Quite a surprise as to who the other werewolf is (no spoilers here). The duo werewolf smack-down will make any WWE fan proud.Larry getting captured and locked up in a mental asylum was quite intense. The director's view of psychiatry as a barbaric science with its use of ice-baths to cure delusion and sticking him with some kind of drugs has, unfortunately, not changed that much in 21st century psychiatric practice. We've graduated to electric-shock treatments from ice-baths. A true horror story.The transformation of the man to wolf is great. Memories of The American Werewolf in London will come to you, and naturally so, because Rick Baker had something to do with both films. But where to the wolf-man's clothes go? Does he pick up after himself after each transformation? But I digress.As in the first Universal picture, there is a mild love interest. It's a subdued, subplot however.Anthony Hopkins is delightfully demented as Sir Talbot, Sr. The Gothic mansion atop the hill with moon shining down in its full glory is so iconic -- and the fake time-lapse movement of our lunar neighbor as it glows through the dead tree branches and storm clouds brings back more memories of Universal pictures past.Example: The usual villagers with torches marching through the forest (with the baying dogs and such, reminiscent of Frankenstein). The deep howl of the wolf-man as he bays at the moon, as he gorges on the liver and intestines of his latest victim. Oh, the hopping from the rooftops, again reminiscent of Henry Hall's wolf-man, Werewolf of London (which predates Chaney's version).The music evokes a mood and the plot moves along quite swiftly. At times, the audience is surprised as if the director says "boo" out of a closet or something. He does this a bit too often, but it's still fun to do.If you are any kind of a Universal fan and have waited for a more adult treatment of this film, then you really should watch this film. See how many iconic pictures you can spot as Universal digs deep into its vault of horror.So don't be a cynic -- turn off your brain, don't think, and enjoy this bit of entertainment.Warning: much gore and decapitations ensue!I understand Bride of Frankenstein is coming soon. Pray it ain't Anne Hathaway!Of course, you can always pick up the originals!

The werewolf tale has been done many times and in many different ways. I'm always intrigued by the liken/werewolf movie so it never gets old for me. I liked this rendition as well.What I was looking for: 1.) Plus CGI/special effects with the Wolfman. There was plenty of that in his transformation and his speedy movements.2.) A display of the Wolfman's strength and brutality. It is a werewolf movie after all. There must be sacrifices.3.) A halfway decent story. It didn't have to be great just serviceable and it was even better than I expected.To me, it was an above average werewolf movie. Bravo.

The dark, gloomy and Gothic scenery, the action filled fast-moving cut-scenes, the very explanatory storyline and even the slow moving pace, all makes it a good horror movie.This is not a horror movie in the scenes that you are scared, but more in the gore, flesh ripping kind of way. I like it all the way, it was a bit slow moving at times, but that helped set the theme in a good way, they could have removed about 15 minutes by taken a little bit of here and there.The cast that have been chosen and the acting they deliver makes it very enjoyable to watch. I always like Mr. Hopkins and for the "bad" guy Mr. Weaving is also always a joy to watch. They both have very special characteristics that just works perfect in this film.