The Wolfman (Rating: R) Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving Director: Joe Johnston
Joe Johnston’s The Wolfman breaks the remake mold and has brought back the popcorn thriller in an unexpectedly refreshing way.
The story is based on the 1941 classic. Del Toro (Che) plays Lawrence Talbolt, who in trying to solve the mystery of his brother’s murder, is marked by the wretched monster he pursues. He struggles to hold onto his humanity while succumbing to the baser desires of his beastly form. Anthony Hopkins (Beowulf, The Human Stain) plays Lawrence’s father, who holds the key to the mysteries behind the deaths of Lawrence’s brother and mother. Emily Blunt (Devil Wears Prada, Sunshine Cleaning) is Gwen, the mourning fiancée who tries to soothe the wild within Del Toro. Hugo Weaving (Lord of the Rings and The Matrix trilogies) is Aberline of Scotland Yard, who is both investigator and witness of the story as it unfolds. .
The movie pays excellent homage to the original, adding just enough plot twists to keep the jaded movie fan interested. The acting is formidable, as only true talent can retell this tale without seeming campy or trite. No one does internal angst like Del Toro, or scary, sinister smirks like Hopkins. But with all due respect to the acting, this movie was made not in front of the camera, but behind it. This movie kept me on the edge of my seat with great camera work, amazing use of CGI, and bone chilling sound. The effects and post production work do not overwhelm the story as it does with Avatar, but rather elevates the story and makes this it a modern and thrilling ride. I looked to my neighbor about three-quarters of the way through the movie and exclaimed, “Wow, this movie is fun!”
I definitely recommend this movie for a date night. Sit back, relax, and hold on to your popcorn.
Your Daddy Time: Wasted of Worth It? Worth it! 4/5 Stars
The Worth It/Wasted Rating System is for dads who need to know one thing- Is this movie WORTH IT to:
* Pack up the kids, bags, etc and trek to the theater – or
* Find a babysitter so Dad can have a date night – or
* Cash in brownie points with the Mrs. so he can go with his buddies
If it doesn’t fit these simple criteria, the movie gets the WASTED rating, which means – don’t waste the precious time you have, wait for video/cable when you can squeeze it between chores, work and sleep.
Miguel Guadalupe is a Director at Gartner Inc, a technology research company. Miguel (he’s the one in the middle) grew up in New York City and currently resides in New Jersey. A graduate of Wesleyan University, he currently volunteers for various alumni and community organizations, and is the proud father of a two beautiful girls.