Quite an odd film I, Frankenstein, with its selling of the monster as a patchwork super hero, via this 2014 offering from Australia and the USA that feels like an amalgamation of the 2003 film Underworld. The presence of Bill Nighy along with Kevin Grevioux helps to reinforce this feeling. The fact that the theme is about a centuries long war between two powerful factions also makes the movie feel very similar to the Kate Beckinsale vehicle.
I, Frankenstein stars Aaron Eckhart (Battle Los Angeles, The Dark Knight), Nighy, Miranda Ott (War of the Worlds, What Lies Beneath), Jai Courtney (Divergent, A Good Day to Die Hard), and Grevioux. There is also a brilliant cameo by Mad Max alumnus Bruce Spence. The movie is directed and co-written by Stuart Beattie (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl). It begins with Frankenstein’s monster recounting his beginnings via voice-over by Eckhart.
The Story
He relates the tale, bringing the audience up to date. He reveals the presence of angels, sort of, and demons. Nighy’s big bad, Naberius leads the demons. He wants to capture “Adam” as he is dubbed by the “gargoyle” clan of angels. Naberius wants to make more just like him.
He plans to make these soulless creatures vessels for a multitude of demons to occupy. They will then take over the earth. Miranda Ott’s gargoyle good guys, with bad-boy Gideon (Courtney), try to help Adam. The “monster” is having none of it and strikes out on his own.
A long time passes before Adam comes back to civilization. Adam finds life has moved on and gotten very sophisticated. Naberius aka Wessex hires a couple of scientists to reanimate the dead. Like Victor Frankenstein, he wants either Adam or the journal of his maker. He wants to help Terra Wade be completely successful in her experiment.
Adam takes quite a fancy to Terra and fights not just the demons but the gargoyles as well. In the process he gains a soul, a little like a monstrous patchwork version of Pinocchio, and he becomes a real big boy.
It works
The film, with its Underworld feel, is entertaining and is a popcorn munching treats. I, Frankenstein does not require much in the way of interpretation or message. Nighy’s demon is a variation of his Marcus the vampire leader just more villainous and without the massive wings. Grevioux still has the deepest voice of any actor in existence and sadly, he does not get to “Hulk out” till the end.
Eckhart is the draw here. He of the ruggedly macho, yet intelligent, voice kills the voice over and the actor manages to make his Frankenstein monster a perfect blend of abandoned rage and vulnerability. Jai Courtney does what he does best; which is act pretty snotty and pick on the hero, think Divergent here, and unlike his Jack McClane, son of John, has no chance for redemption.
It was nice to see Kiwi actor Bruce Spence, although one did expect him to break out his flying machine somewhere along the way.
This CG heavy film entertains despite the idea that by the end of I, Frankenstein Adam is some sort of superhero. He is watching out for all those mortals and fighting evil. There are plenty enough action sequences and epic battles between demons. Adam and the gargoyles keep things moving along and overall this is a fun film. It takes an old classic tale and puts a spin on it.
The verdict
I, Frankenstein is a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. A four full stars could have been earned had there been more Nighy. The movie can be rented via Amazon Prime.
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