Review of I, Frankenstein (2014) by Maksim B — 10 May 2014

Far from being a mind blowing entertainment, I, Frankenstein is a mediocre supernatural action flick and an unsuccessful attempt of its studio to start up a sort of comic book-like franchise. Chaotic, if not absurd, it is completely disconnected from reality while offering plenty of very good action sequences and excellent special effects. Suitable only for home video viewing, it actually could be mildly funny if it is not taken too seriously.

Adam Frankenstein (Aaron Eckhart) is the famous monster created by Victor Frankenstein who finds himself in a war between demons and gargoyles on Earth. Wanted by the demons and distrusted by the gargoyles he has his own agenda to follow on the streets of London. The main story could actually be considered a good base for a sort of supernatural, gothic action flick if it was not for the sloppy story-telling and obvious plot holes (such as, how could gargoyles fight against dozens of demons, without being seen in the middle of London ?!?!).

If approached with high expectations, I, Frankenstein, would be a total disaster and almost unbearable to watch. Yet, those looking for cheap and mindless action would find what they want in Stuart Beattie's delivery. The decent acting with multiple good flights and stylish effects would be enough to lose some time if you do not have anything else to do.

Given the previous Stuart Beattie's movie (Tomorrow, When the War Began) and his track record as a screenwriter (Collateral, 30 Days of Night, Australia) it comes a bit as a surprise that I, Frankenstein scores so badly in terms of a story. It is not a complete flop, but if one is looking for something more than a mindless supernatural action, this is definitely not the right movie to see.