I, Frankenstein (2014 film)

Copyright: Lionsgate Entertainment

Day 4 of Frankenstein Week and we're going a little more modern, with Frankenstein's creation living into the modern day and becoming reluctantly involved in a battle between good and evil, with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance.  But where does the newly christened Adam stand?

The film opens with a brief summary of the original story, ending with the creature giving Frankenstein a proper burial (better than he deserved, according to his narration).  In the middle of covering his creator's casket, he's attacked by several mysterious figures whose features shift into something monstrous. Attempting to capture the creature, he instead impales one of his attackers with their own weapon, causing the figure to up in a fireball that drives into the ground.  This attracts the attention of a pair of gargoyles from a nearby church, who fly over and help dispatch the creature's other attackers before assuming human form and attempting to talk to him.

After "persuading" the creature to come with them (by knocking him out and carrying him), he comes to at their fortress, a cathedral, and meets the queen of the gargoyles, Leonore, who gives the creature the name Adam (since Doctor Frankenstein never gave him a name).  She then tells him of their fight: the gargoyles, who represent the forces of good and light, have been fighting the demons, who represent evil and darkness, to protect humanity at the behest of the Archangel Michael, then ask him to join their cause, and offers hims shelter.  Adam still feels bitter over how humanity has treated him, so turns her down.  The gargoyles let him take some new weaponry from the armory (he takes a pair of bludgeoning staffs over something lighter) and send him on his way... not telling him they also kept Frankenstein's journal, as protection against proof that God is no longer the only one to be able to create life.

The movie follows Adam's attempts to distance himself from humanity, the demons' continued attempts to capture him, and his further existence in the modern day, when he decides to bring the fight to the demons.  But will Adam find what he's been looking for his entire life?

This was my first time seeing his film, even though I received it for Christmas two years ago.  I thought it looked good form the trailers, and I wasn't disappointed.  There was a lot of action, a few scares, and a really good story tying it all together.  Adam's makeup was effective, as was the looks of the demons.  The gargoyles were sort of noticeably CGI, but the effect worked nonetheless.

They had a good crop of actors for this film.  First off, playing Adam himself, was Aaron Eckhart, who brought a suitable mood to the role.  He also played Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight, as well as having roles in The Core, Suspect Zero and Battle: Los Angeles.  Bill Nighy played the Demon Prince Naberius and seemed like he was having a good time with the part.  He also plays Davy Jones in the Pirates of the Caribbean series, Shaun's stepfather, Phillip, in Shaun of the Dead, Viktor in the Underworld series, and Slartibartfast in the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy film.  Playing Gideon, commander of the gargoyles and Leonore's second in command, is Jai Courtney.  He was also in Terminator Genisys as Kyle Reese and Suicide Squad as Captain Boomerang.

I really enjoyed this movie, and thought it was a fun ride.  Lots of action happening in it, a pretty decent storyline, and some really good makeup and special effects work.  I give it a 4 out of 5.  My next article should be coming a little later tonight, to make up for lost time.  Until then, take care, and this is Red Hawk signing out!