Stuart Beattie’s I, FRANKENSTEIN

Movie review by Dennis D. McDonald

You sense immediately the graphic novel origins of I, Frankenstein. Scenes appear to have flown directly off the pages of a comic book. Example: hundreds of flying gargoyles appearing silhouetted against the sky over a tall building.

That’s what you get here: a graphic action novel come to life. Gargoyles versus Demons in flaming combat. Grotesque religious symbolism. Hundreds of burning candles lighting long, dark subterranean hallways. A fabulous fairytale Gothic cathedral with flying buttresses up the wazoo. A MacGuffin in the form of Victor Frankenstein’s private research journal passed down the ages — and written in English no less! Miranda Otto as the glacial Ice Queen of the gargoyles. And Bill Nighy chewing the scenery in that pursed lips way he patented in the Underworld movies.

What’s not to love? This is a nearly perfect “popcorn” movie. Silly plot, gorgeous visuals, lots of fiery hand-to-hand (and air to air) combat, and constant movement. Plus, no silly humor to distract one from what passes for a “story” the way, say, the humor brings down Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters.

If you want to put your mind in “park” for 90 minutes this is the film for you!

Review copyright © 2015 by Dennis D. McDonald