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As someone who eagerly anticipated I, Frankenstein, I approached the film with high hopes, expecting an entertaining blend of gothic horror and modern action. Unfortunately, what unfolded was a disjointed experience that left me more perplexed than thrilled.

Direction & Story

Director Stuart Beattie, known for his work on Pirates of the Caribbean sequels, attempts to weave a narrative that pits Frankenstein's creature, now named Adam, against warring factions of gargoyles and demons. While the premise had potential, the execution falters due to a convoluted plot and inconsistent tone. The film struggles to balance its gothic roots with action-packed sequences, resulting in a story that feels both underdeveloped and overcomplicated.

Performances

Aaron Eckhart's portrayal of Adam stands out as the film's strongest element. He brings a brooding intensity to the role, embodying the internal conflict of a creature caught between humanity and monstrosity. However, the supporting cast, including Bill Nighy as the demon prince Naberius and Yvonne Strahovski as scientist Terra, deliver performances that range from uninspired to overly theatrical. Nighy's portrayal, in particular, feels more like a caricature than a compelling antagonist.

Cinematography & Editing

Ross Emery's cinematography captures the film's dark and moody aesthetic, but it lacks the visual flair needed to elevate the material. The editing by Marcus D'Arcy ensures a brisk pace, preventing the film from dragging, but it also contributes to a sense of disorientation during action sequences.

Special Effects & Action

The special effects are serviceable but unremarkable. The CGI-rendered gargoyles and demons lack the detail and realism needed to make them truly menacing. Action scenes are abundant but suffer from a lack of creativity and coherence, often devolving into repetitive clashes that fail to engage.

Final Thoughts

I, Frankenstein had the ingredients for an entertaining genre film but ultimately falls short due to its muddled storytelling, uneven performances, and lackluster visuals. While Aaron Eckhart's committed performance provides some redeeming value, it's not enough to overcome the film's numerous shortcomings.

Rating: 4/10.

Smile 2 (2024) is a sequel that dares to go deeper, darker, and more emotionally intense than its predecessor. Directed by Parker Finn, the film shifts its focus to Skye Riley (Naomi Scott), a pop star grappling with the pressures of fame and a traumatic past. As she prepares for a comeback tour, Skye becomes entangled in a supernatural curse that manifests through eerie smiles and disturbing visions, echoing the malevolent force from the first film.

Naomi Scott delivers a standout performance, portraying Skye's descent into paranoia and fear with authenticity and emotional depth. Her portrayal anchors the film, making Skye's experiences both relatable and terrifying. Critics have lauded Scott's performance as a highlight of the film, noting her ability to convey a wide range of emotions as her character confronts both supernatural horrors and personal demons.

The film's atmosphere is meticulously crafted, with unsettling visuals and a haunting score by Cristobal Tapia de Veer that amplifies the tension. While some may find the runtime slightly extended, the deliberate pacing allows for a deeper exploration of Skye's psychological unraveling.

Smile 2 expands upon the themes of trauma and mental health introduced in its predecessor, offering a fresh perspective by intertwining the horrors of celebrity culture with supernatural elements. The film delves into the isolating nature of fame and the personal demons that can accompany it, providing a thought-provoking narrative alongside its scares.

In conclusion, Smile 2 successfully builds upon the foundation of the original, delivering a chilling and emotionally resonant horror experience. It's a sequel that not only maintains the terror of the first film but also offers a deeper, more nuanced exploration of its central themes.

As a devoted fan of gothic literature and classic horror, I approached Kenneth Branagh's Mary Shelley's Frankenstein with high hopes. The promise of a faithful adaptation of Mary Shelley's seminal novel, combined with a stellar cast, set my expectations soaring. However, upon viewing, I found myself grappling with a mix of admiration and disappointment.

Direction and Performances: A Mixed Bag

Kenneth Branagh, who both directed and starred as Victor Frankenstein, brings a palpable passion to the project. His portrayal of Victor is intense, bordering on melodramatic, which sometimes detracts from the character's complexity. The direction, while ambitious, often feels overindulgent, with sweeping camera movements and dramatic flourishes that overshadow the narrative's subtleties .

The supporting cast delivers performances that range from competent to lackluster. Helena Bonham Carter's Elizabeth is earnest but lacks depth, and other characters fail to leave a lasting impression . However, Robert De Niro's portrayal of the Creature stands out. He imbues the role with a sense of pathos and humanity, capturing the character's inner turmoil and desire for acceptance .

Technical Aspects: Visuals Over Substance

The film's production design and makeup are commendable. The Creature's appearance is both grotesque and tragic, effectively conveying his unnatural origin . The sets and costumes authentically recreate the 18th-century setting, immersing the viewer in the period .

However, the film falters in other technical areas. The musical score, while grandiose, often feels intrusive, amplifying scenes unnecessarily and disrupting the narrative flow . Editing choices, including abrupt transitions and inconsistent pacing, further hinder the storytelling .

Narrative Fidelity and Emotional Impact

While the film strives to adhere closely to Shelley's novel, it struggles to capture the story's emotional depth and philosophical inquiries. The script oscillates between poetic dialogue and jarring modern expressions, creating a tonal inconsistency that undermines the narrative's cohesion .

Despite these shortcomings, certain scenes resonate. The Creature's interactions with the blind man and his subsequent rejection evoke genuine sympathy, highlighting De Niro's nuanced performance .

Conclusion: A One-Time Watch

In the end, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a film of contrasts. Its visual splendor and De Niro's compelling portrayal of the Creature are offset by overblown direction, uneven performances, and technical missteps . While it offers moments of brilliance, the film fails to fully realize the potential of its source material . For fans of gothic horror and literary adaptations, it may warrant a single viewing, but it is unlikely to leave a lasting impression.