Just howls and moans

The Wolfman
A; horror
Dir: Joe Johnston
Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving, and Art Malik
hh1/2

What's it about: The legend of a man turning into a wolf on a full-moon night is brought to life in this big screen adaptation. Set in 1891, it's the story of Lawrence Talbot (Benicio Del Toro), a Londoner who returns home after hearing about his brother's sudden disappearance only to realise things aren't the way they seem to be. His father (Anthony Hopkins) not only believes in the legend of the Wolfman but also warns Lawrence of impending doom. Romance seeps through interactions between Lawrence his brother's fiancu00e9e Gwen (Emily Blunt). Laced with lots of blood and gore, the film seem to be confused u2014 it either wants to scare you or intellectualise the legend with its lore.u00a0
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What's hot: Hugo Weaving as the Scotland Yard detective is near-perfect. Apart from his crisp accent, he plays his part with utmost seriousness and charm. Johnston has succeeded in creating an authentic 1891, with a majestic-looking British countryside mansion with foggy floors, dead leaves sweeping through the frames, and ominously shaped trees. The setting and atmosphere definitely helps us approach the film better. The transformation scene, which is the crux of the plot, is remarkably short and only gives you fleeting shots of bones expanding through flesh and clothes ripping to accommodate the new form. Despite its short length, the image stands out. Camerawork, especially in the opening frame and the one when the beast attacks the gypsy camp, is remarkable.u00a0
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What's not: Benicio Del Toro is a total miscast. The Puerto Rican is the odd man out in an otherwise British cast. Apart from his forced accent, there is a certain phoney feel to his Lawrence. In a time when vampires, zombies, werewolves, shape-shifters and the like have become a part of mainstream culture, the Wolfman doesn't quite fit in but struggles to find a place among the Edwards and Jacobs. The CGI and special effects are restrained perhaps to reflect the old-school setting where fur and fangs make way for the latest tech-wizardry. It could be a good thing, but sadly, in the case of The Wolfman, he ends up looking like a shaggyu00a0 Chewbacca let loose. Emily Blunt looks washed out and there is no chemistry between her and Del Toro.u00a0
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What to do: Not even remotely scary, The Wolfman could've been rescued with a better cast and a script that has more than just some howls and moans!