Today’s quick review: I, Frankenstein. Born of a mad scientist’s experiment, Adam Frankenstein (Aaron Eckhart) only wants to be left alone. But when Prince Naberius’ (Bill Nighy) demons find him yet again, Adam decides to take the fight to them using the weapons given to him by the Gargoyle Order. To get the answers he seeks, Adam will need the help of Terra (Yvonne Strahovski), a scientist working to uncover the secret of reanimation.
I, Frankenstein is an urban fantasy action movie that drops Frankenstein’s monster into the middle of an age-old war between the forces of light and darkness. Adam’s neutrality is put to the test as the demons try to capture him for use in a ritual, while the gargoyles, fearing what he’s capable of, contemplate his destruction. Its action and premise make I, Frankenstein a decent watch, but it’s outclassed by most of the other films in its genre.
I, Frankenstein is a formulaic entry into the urban fantasy genre. Its two distinguishing features are its uses of Frankenstein’s monster as its protagonist and gargoyles as one of its warring factions. Neither of these twists is enough to obscure the story’s roots. Adam is a classic loner, while Naberius’ plan, Adam’s relationship with Terra, and the secret war between gargoyles and vampires will all seem familiar to fans of the genre.
The plus side of all this is that I, Frankenstein holds some of the same appeal as its brethren. The action isn’t groundbreaking, but it does make for some fine popcorn fodder, with CGI demons and gargoyles blasting each other to pieces at close range. The story strikes a similar balance: predictable but adequate for the needs of the movie. However, its world-building and character development are noticeably lacking, leaving the movie feeling thin.
I, Frankenstein is a passable pick for fans of fantasy action set in the modern day, but it falls short of the standard set by the competition. In terms of action, creativity, and storytelling, I, Frankenstein is beaten out by a number of other films like it. As such, only viewers who are looking for a light bit of action should give it a watch. Those looking for something memorable or impressive should search elsewhere.
For urban fantasy in a similar vein, try The Last Witch Hunter or The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. For a similar reimagining of a classic horror character, try Dracula Untold. For a hidden war with better action and more style, try the Blade or Underworld series. For a fantasy action movie that makes more creative use of a limited budget, try Solomon Kane.
5.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 5.5 for serviceable action with a thin story to back it up.