by Jo Johnstone
What happened to the monster after Victor Frankensteins death?
According to this graphic novel adaptation he gets caught up in a war between Heavens Gargoyles and Hells Demons. In a film that aims to be the next Underworld trilogy, Aaron Eckhart plays the centuries old monster who battles to stop the secrets of his creation falling into the wrong hands. Although the film is clearly not meant to be taken seriously its a tragic example of iconic characters being spun off miserably.
What happened to the monster after Victor Frankensteins death?
According to this graphic novel adaptation he gets caught up in a war between Heavens Gargoyles and Hells Demons. In a film that aims to be the next Underworld trilogy, Aaron Eckhart plays the centuries old monster who battles to stop the secrets of his creation falling into the wrong hands. Although the film is clearly not meant to be taken seriously its a tragic example of iconic characters being spun off miserably.
The film begins after the events of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. The creature, (Eckhart), after burying his maker, finds himself caught between two feuding races of Gargoyles and Demons. The creature, now named Adam, lives till the present day defending himself from the demons that hunt him. The demons and their Prince, (Bill Nighy), want to use the technology that created Adam to reanimate corpses and unleash demons upon the earth.
The film is an adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name. The graphic novel is in turn inspired by the Mary Shelly classic Gothic novel Frankenstein. It's written by Kevin Grevioux, who also wrote the screenplay for the film and plays a small role in the Underworld film.
The comparisons to the Underworld series are evident from its story to its setting between two ancient mythical races. Underworld may have received a harsh critical response but the series has struck a chord with some audiences enough to spawn four sequels. Whatever this chord is that leaves audiences begging for more, it clearly is not present in this flimsy wannabe.
The story is genuinely ridiculous. Clearly the writers have packed as much folklore into one film in the hopes this will give the film weight. Sadly this only adds to the films silliness. It goes off in so many different directions but still manages to be predictable. Audiences will see the plot twists coming which makes the film lag.
The film is an adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name. The graphic novel is in turn inspired by the Mary Shelly classic Gothic novel Frankenstein. It's written by Kevin Grevioux, who also wrote the screenplay for the film and plays a small role in the Underworld film.
The comparisons to the Underworld series are evident from its story to its setting between two ancient mythical races. Underworld may have received a harsh critical response but the series has struck a chord with some audiences enough to spawn four sequels. Whatever this chord is that leaves audiences begging for more, it clearly is not present in this flimsy wannabe.
The story is genuinely ridiculous. Clearly the writers have packed as much folklore into one film in the hopes this will give the film weight. Sadly this only adds to the films silliness. It goes off in so many different directions but still manages to be predictable. Audiences will see the plot twists coming which makes the film lag.
One of the most noticeable flaws, besides its story, is the films dialogue which feels like its been developed by a cheese grater. Over the top and lacking any substance, it also fails to move the plot forward making its running time drag.
The film makers have gone for the same Gothic fantasy tone and aesthetic applied in Underworld and Van Helsing. Sadly, the films lower production values leaves you with some seriously dodgy special effects.
In terms of comparisons to Shelly’s classic Gothic novel, none should be made. One of the themes that made Frankenstein so incredible was that its roots were in science fiction. The process of the monsters creation questions mans ethics in creation. The fact that technology grounds the novel in reality makes it all the more relevant. The inclusion of supernatural elements makes many of the original themes redundant.
The graphic novel and film have taken a well written and developed character and reduced him to a mushy computer game hero.
Aaron Eckhart has proven himself to be an actor of merit. This film just feels so below his talent. This under written brooding character seems miles away from the actor who portrayed Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight. Bill Nighy is also a actor who can light up the screen with his very presence. Whether playing a dramatic or comedic role, his voice is always a treat to hear but even his vocal ability can not improve this abysmal script.
For those who are a fan of Underworld, you may find some redeemable qualities in this flimsy clone. Yet it lacks the fun of the series and I doubt Mary Shelly would approve. Even Aaron Eckharts brooding jaw could not save this film.
The film makers have gone for the same Gothic fantasy tone and aesthetic applied in Underworld and Van Helsing. Sadly, the films lower production values leaves you with some seriously dodgy special effects.
In terms of comparisons to Shelly’s classic Gothic novel, none should be made. One of the themes that made Frankenstein so incredible was that its roots were in science fiction. The process of the monsters creation questions mans ethics in creation. The fact that technology grounds the novel in reality makes it all the more relevant. The inclusion of supernatural elements makes many of the original themes redundant.
The graphic novel and film have taken a well written and developed character and reduced him to a mushy computer game hero.
Aaron Eckhart has proven himself to be an actor of merit. This film just feels so below his talent. This under written brooding character seems miles away from the actor who portrayed Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight. Bill Nighy is also a actor who can light up the screen with his very presence. Whether playing a dramatic or comedic role, his voice is always a treat to hear but even his vocal ability can not improve this abysmal script.
For those who are a fan of Underworld, you may find some redeemable qualities in this flimsy clone. Yet it lacks the fun of the series and I doubt Mary Shelly would approve. Even Aaron Eckharts brooding jaw could not save this film.
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