Lightning Review: I, Frankenstein

Synopsis
Frankenstein’s Monster (Aaron Eckhart) has survived in seclusion for over 200 years after he was brought to life by Victor Frankenstein (Aden Young). Now he finds himself caught in the middle of a centuries-old battle between the Gargoyles, led by Lenore (Miranda Otto), and the Demon Prince Naberius (Bill Nighty) and his Demon horde. With the help of the scientist Terra Wade (Yvonne Strahovski), he seeks to learn about his origins and why Naberius is after him.

Review
When I went into the theater to see I, Frankenstein, I didn’t have very high expectations. Which I suppose was a good thing so at least when I left the theater, I wasn’t too disappointed. Pretty much the only thing this movie has going for it are the action and visuals, which look amazing. The story didn’t do anything to pull you in or make you care about the characters. One of its biggest drawbacks is it takes itself too seriously and has trouble enjoying itself for being a simple fantasy-action film. I, Frankenstein feels a lot like Underworld, both in tone and story (although this isn’t really a surprise since the writer, Kevin Grevioux, was also one of the story writers for Underworld). I just feel like I have seen the “someone caught in the middle of an unknown, centuries long battle” schtick before and with better execution. At least this movie moves along quickly so you don’t have time to dwell on its shortcomings. Sometimes a movie’s cheesiness is its strength, but not it the case of I, Frankenstein; Its great special effects aren’t enough to make up for the lackluster story and character development.

Rating
1.5/5

I, Frankenstein Trailer

Synopsis (from video description): 200 years after his shocking creation, Dr. Frankenstein’s creature, Adam, still walks the earth. But when he finds himself in the middle of a war over the fate of humanity, Adam discovers he holds the key that could destroy humankind.

I’m kind of iffy on this one. It looks like Frankenstein’s Monster has become some sort of monster hunter himself, almost a Van Helsing feel to him. Kind of an interesting turn of fate, I guess, that could be an interesting twist on the character. I get an Underworld vibe about the film, but it is comes from one of the co-writers of that movie, so I guess that is to be expected.

I, Frankenstein hits theaters January 24, 2014. Directed by Stuart Beattie and staring Yvonne Strahovski, Aaron Eckhart, Jai Courtney, Miranda Otto, Caitlin Stasey, Kevin Grevioux, and Aden Young.