The Wolfman - 2010

Universal Pictures, Relativity Media, Stuber Productions

Directed by Joe Johnston

Cast:

• Sir John Talbot – Anthony Hopkins
• Lawrence Talbot – Benecio Del Toro
• Gwen Conliffe – Emily Blunt
• Singh – Art Malik
• Inspector Abberline – Hugo Weaving
• Maleva – Geraldine Chaplin
• Passenger on the Train – Max Von Sydow

Story: The year is 1891, and a celebrated actor receives a visit from his brother's fiancee to inform him his brother is missing. Lawrence Talbot travels by train to his family's estate, and as he does he is met by a stranger who offers him a gift, a cane with a silver headed wolf for the handle that conceals a dagger within. He refuses and returns to sleep, but when he awakens, the stranger is gone and the cane remains. When he arrives at his father's estate in Blackmoor, he learns his brother's body has been found the day before in a ravine. He views the body, and it is obvious his brother has been mauled by an animal, an animal no one can identify. At first a band of gypsy's are considered the suspects, but when a group of men go to the camp, a vicious attack of the beast leaves several men dead, and Lawrence is seriously wounded. As his wounds miraculously heal, the people of the village are convinced he will become another beast.

Review: Finally! A return to the elements that make up a good old gothic horror film. This homage to the original wolfman films wastes no time in getting to the heart of the story, a werewolf has appeared and is killing men. The pompous men of the town are spouting theories, the brother of the man returns to find the killer of his brother, and the resolution of the film leaves us with both a conclusion and another mystery. The cast is superb. Anthony Hopkins creates an intriguing character in Sir John, with the proper amount of tension played between him and Benecio Del Toro, who plays Lawrence. Emily Blunt is striking in her portrayal of the fiance, Ms. Conliffe, showing the correct Victorian demeanor and just the right levels of emotion. Both Hugo Weaving and Geraldine Chaplin lend an air of mystery and drama in their roles , and the all too brief appearance of Max Von Sydow in the Director's Cut of the film provides the correct level of dynamic mystery to start us off. Collectible of lovers of horror films, and certainly a must see for the older folks who appreciate a well put together film. Rated R appropriately for violence and gore.