- Film Review
- Reviewed By Jamie Russell
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3 out of 5
Universal brushes down its hairy horror icon and lets the wolf man loose in the digital era in this enjoyable remake. For the most part, director Joe Johnston (Jurassic Park III) ensures that his $100-million makeover remains faithful to the spirit of the 1941 original, while updating its skin-stretching, bone-clacking special effects. Benicio Del Toro plays it straight as Lawrence Talbot, a celebrated actor who returns home after the remains of his brother are found on the blood-drenched moors and becomes the victim of a family curse. Less convincing are Anthony Hopkins, who feasts on hunks of ham as Talbot Sr, and Emily Blunt as the anaemic damsel in distress. Despite some erratic pacing and an occasional lack of emotion, though, the curse of the film's notoriously troubled production (change of director, reshoots, delayed release date) is held at bay. The result's a pleasing return to the studio's much-loved gothic tradition.
Plot Summary
Remake of the classic 1941 horror, starring Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins. England, 1891: when Benjamin, the son of Sir John Talbot, is killed by a strange beast, his estranged brother Lawrence returns to the family's country estate determined to uncover the truth. But after surviving an attack by the fearsome creature, Lawrence himself falls victim to a curse that puts his own life in jeopardy.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Lawrence Talbot
- Benicio Del Toro
- Sir John Talbot
- Anthony Hopkins
- Gwen Conliffe
- Emily Blunt
- Detective Aberline
- Hugo Weaving
- Maleva
- Geraldine Chaplin
- Singh
- Art Malik
- Dr Hoenegger
- Antony Sher
- Ben Talbot
- Simon Merrells
- MacQueen
- Clive Russell
- Constable Nye
- David Schofield
Crew
- Director
- Joe Johnston
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