Waiting for The Wolfman

Many movie classics have been remade over the years but the wait for "The Wolfman" is growing in intensity for those who enjoy the horror genre.

Universal Studios is nearing it's release of a remake of the classic with "The Wolfman", due to hit theaters on Feb. 12. The film, based on the original movie production screenplay by Curt Siodmak, is centered around a place called Blackmoor where there has been a rash of brutal murders.

This film would suit me better than flowers for Valentine's Day...

Lawrence Talbot (Bernicio Del Toro) is summoned home after the vicious murder of his brother, only to learn of a monster that has been on a killing spree in and around London.

His brother's betrothed, Gwen Conliffe (Emily Blunt), recruits Lawrence to help solve the murder while his estranged father, Sir John Talbot (Anthony Hopkins), seems to know more than he is telling. An officer of Scotland Yard, Aberline (Hugo Weaving) has also been called in to investigate the murders and soon is looking for silver bullets.

Lawrence Talbot was an unassuming and humble man that left home after the death of his mother. Years abroad had eased his loss but coming back to Blackmoor because of his brother's murder was difficult, especially with the distant relationship between his father and himself. His heart is eventually lost to the woman who summoned him home for help and his dilemma becomes even more entangled.

The more Talbot searched for answers the more darkness he discovered and the more intent he became to kill the beast that roamed the woods with every full moon. Talbot finds that he also harbors darkness within himself that he has been unaware of before.

The remake of the 1941 classic starring Lon Chaney, Jr. has been tweaked a bit to suit modern day audiences. Though similar in plot, there was no CG capabilities in the 40s and the use of prosthetics was quite limited compared to today's movie magic.

The director, Joe Johnston, used an excellent combination of CG with live direction to create this film. The transformations are CG, of course, but some aspects of the film were shot using no CG at all, as in the werewolf's jump off of a building while trying to evade capture. A cable attached to the actor was used to control his jump from level to level of the building until touching the ground.

HBO is also offering a "First Look" at this film.

The transformation from man to werewolf is awe inspiring and frightening. Del Toro makes it look excruciating and believable. His eyes give a unique quality to the transformation and are quite "haunting", for lack of a better word.

Del Toro has been interested in the genre of horror movies since childhood and he was excited to take part in "The Wolfman". He plays the part well and is believable in the role of Lawrence Talbot. Del Toro has been seen in things like "License to Kill" and Steven Spielberg's "Traffic".

Anthony Hopkins gives a winning performance as Sir John Talbot, a cold and distant father. Hopkins has played in the horror/thriller genre before as Hannibal Lecter (Silence of the Lambs) and (Bram Stoker's Dracula).

Hugo Weaving gives an intense performance as Inspector Aberline of Scotland Yard and is very believable. He is best known, perhaps, from his roles of the Elf King, Lord Elrond (Lord Of The Rings trilogy) and Agent Smith (Matrix trilogy).

Emily Blunt gives a winning performance as Gwen and shows vulnerability as well as strength. She has played the lead role in the British film "My Summer Of Love" and "Gideon's Daughter".

"The Wolfman" was directed by Joe Johnston. Produced by Scott Stuber, Rick Yorn and Sean Daniel. Executive Producers include Bill Carraro, and Ryan Kavanaugh. Make up for this film was done by Rick Baker (Men In Black), with the music created by Danny Elfman.

If the available trailers are any indication, this film should be one for the record books, both in quality and money at the box office.

Universal Studios has given the public an opportunity for a stroll down "Monster Memory Lane", as I call it, with a website dedicated to their "Monster Legacy". Anything from Dracula, Frankenstein, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, the original Wolf-man and others can be found on this dedication to classic movie monsters. Those of us that love the classic monsters owe Universal a big "thank you" for bringing them to us.