L'Antre de Frankenstein

When this two part mini-series was first advertised, I didn't know what to expect. Most made for TV horror movies are poorly written, and have cheap special effects. While the special effects left something to be desired, the writing, and performance of the actors in this movie were very good. There were a lot of parts that I felt weren't needed, but overall, it was good enough to keep my attention. I felt that the unnecessary parts (way too much time on the frankenstein monster) could have been cut out, and it would have been a great TV movie. Cut out the unnecessary (notice I didn't say bad) parts and give it a bigger budget, and it would have been a great movie for theaters.

Overall, it was a good, solid movie, that I would watch again.

While the sum of this admittedly comes out to about average, it is not without aspects worth noting. I haven't seen the original classics based on the books, nor the film called the same as this. A pretty good job is done of basing the characters on the novels, from what I know of them. The three creatures/types get a fairly decent amount of screen-time as well as development each. Some of the design is interesting, though there are definitely also areas of it where they cut corners. Lighting isn't bad. The effects vary, but some are well-done, remarkably so in several cases. I'm not sure if there are multiple versions of this, but for me, it lasted about two hours and forty minutes sans commercials, so about an hour and twenty per part. There is relatively well-done suspense in this. There is a lot of cheese and corn herein, as well, but hey, they can both be found in a nutritious meal, and some insist on some of either or both in their diet. The humor certainly has its moments, and it's mostly natural, seldom forced. The script is hit and miss, and it may break a rule or more. It does a reasonable job of updating the myths and such. The plot is fine. The pacing is, as well. The acting is a mixed bag. The cinematography and editing feature some inspired bits. This is genuinely scary at times. There is moderate violence and gore, but I didn't hear any language. I recommend this to fans of horror, and those into the monsters. Just be aware of what to expect. 5/10

This film was a great multi-monster film! For once, it doesn't have Dracula being the main vampire-or just one main werewolf. Peter Crombie does a great portrayal of Frankenstein's monster-this is probably the one of the best films portraying the monsters in modern times. The plot is unique, and the effects are refreshing. It carries the traditional love triangle well, and it lives up to the monster being an intelligent multi-dimensional character rather than a strangling figure who can't speak or barely think. It's an interesting movie that can entertain and keep you on the edge of your seat. It's occasionally played on the Sci-Fi channel if you ever want to watch it (that's the only channel I've seen it on after it first premiered).

Sincerely, Exchronos

I was surprised to see what a low rating this 4-hour mini got. I found House of Frankenstein '97 to be a very enjoyable waste of time, especially since I had never heard of it before. It's nothing too special, but I would definitely watch it again. I agree with an earlier reviewer that it had the same tone and feel of Kindred: The Embraced. The only flaw of the movie is that it displeases it's target audience. I think they may have forgotten who their target audience was entirely. Horror fans want HORROR!! Despite the fact that monsters are running around the big city, it's not really a horror movie as much as it is a cop drama. But it's an entertaining cop drama. Pasdar is great and he should work more. I've been a fan of his since Near Dark and his short-lived television show, Profit, was nothing less than amazing. The rest of the cast was fine with no one really standing out. The make-up is another story that can be summed up in two words: Greg Cannom. He seems to have recycled some of his work for Bram Stoker's Dracula, but dammit I don't care. It's great. And that's about all I can say about House of Frankenstein '97. I enjoyed this mini-series but I don't think it will ever find an audience. Hopefully it will locate its own niche.

If fiction's three deadliest predators of man (Frankenstein's Monster, vampires, and werewolves) were loosed upon modern L.A., what would happen? This well-done miniseries attempts to answer that question. The results are a pretty lively horror film, with excellent special effects, good makesup, and a terrific cast. I'm surprised they didn't send this one to the theaters...all three and a half hours of it. Hey....it could have passed as a horror film's "Titanic."

What really makes it work it the fact that they don't resurrect the traditional monsters of the old Universal films, but the actual literary beasts. The Frankensten Monster is straight from the book, against both humans and vampires in an effort to meet his own deadly agenda. The werewolves and vampires also closly follow their incarnations from ancient folklore, representing evil incarnate. Together, these three kings of Undead manage to make an exceptional made-for-TV effort. Just one question: Where was the Mummy's Curse?

*** out of ****