Review of Bride of Frankenstein (1935) by Owen P — 29 Aug 2008

While the first film is undoubtedly better, Bride of Frankenstein is very good in it's own right. Director James Whale has perfected the pacing and atmosphere, with plenty of creepy, well designed sets and eerily off-kilter cinematography. Colin Clive is still excellent as the mad doctor, but it is Boris Karloff who really shines this time around. The evolution of his monster, who can be both cold blooded or sympathetic, is the real driving force behind the film, leading to an incredible climax.

This film is not perfect, however. Subplots and (dreadful) attempts at comic relief are both unwanted and unnecessary, but the film as a whole holds up and remains a classic.