“I, Frankenstein” is adapted from Kevin Grevioux’s graphic novel. Grevioux, who also created the “Underworld” series, brings a dark gothic aesthetic and themes of conflict among otherworldly beings, continuing his signature sensibilities.
Aaron Eckhart, known for playing Harvey Dent in “The Dark Knight,” stars as Frankenstein. He stays true to the original story, portraying Frankenstein as a lonely monster searching for his humanity, while also engaging in the film’s action scenes.
Supporting the story is a talented cast: Bill Nighy as the Demon King, Yvonne Strahovski as the scientist Terra, and Miranda Otto as the Gargoyle Queen.
Despite its dark atmosphere, the film does not qualify as a horror film. Transforming Frankenstein into a dark hero within an action-fantasy mold, it ultimately falls short of audiences’ expectations, as reflected in its poor critical reception.
However, as a fan of the stylish world of “Underworld,” I felt compelled to write about the appeal I personally found in this dark and stylish film.
Mary Shelley’s Warning to Science
The character Frankenstein appears in Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, Frankenstein. It tells the tale of Dr. Victor Frankenstein creating an artificial being from human corpses, depicting the consequences of actions that transcend the limits of science and deeply examining the nature of human existence.
This creation, “Frankenstein,” has been portrayed in various forms across films and television series. Consequently, it is fair to say this work continues to exert a significant influence on modern entertainment.
Frankenstein transcends being merely a horror tale; it carries profound themes that question human emotions and ethics. Even in recent adaptations, these themes remain central, constantly offering fresh perspectives. By enjoying the diverse works, one can connect with the deep message Frankenstein holds.
Monsters Become New Heroes
Hollywood has seen a trend of reviving classic monsters, such as vampires and werewolves, with a modern sensibility. Among them, Lakeshore Entertainment has established a distinctive presence.
Their most famous work is the “Underworld” series, which started in 2003. These movies depict a long-standing battle between vampires and werewolves, with Selene (played by Kate Beckinsale) as the main protagonist. The series mixes gothic horror with sci-fi action, utilizing slow-motion scenes, gunfights, and dark, dramatic settings such as underground cities and old castles. By incorporating monsters into exciting action and human stories, the films gave these classic creatures a new kind of appeal.
“I, Frankenstein,” based on Kevin Grevioux’s graphic novel, follows Adam, Frankenstein’s 200-year-old monster, as a dark hero during a secret war between angels and demons. Adam must face his purpose for existence amid these battles.
The movie combines horror, fantasy, and action, transforming the monster from something scary into a character you can admire.
If you were captivated by the dark and stylish world of Underworld, I, Frankenstein was a film that offered a direct extension of that experience.
Criticism from Hardcore Fans
I, Frankenstein got people talking before it came out because of its unusual premise: Frankenstein’s monster brought back in modern times, fighting in a big battle between gargoyles and demons. But when it was released, both critics and audiences gave it low scores (it has 5% on Rotten Tomatoes and 38% on the Popcornmeter). So, why did it get such bad reviews?
Is the Story a Patchwork of Familiar Settings?
The primary flaw lies in the derivative story and shallow characters. Although making Frankenstein’s monster the protagonist is a compelling idea, the plot blatantly mimics familiar elements from dark fantasy predecessors, such as ‘Underworld‘ and ‘Blade‘, without offering originality.
The movie tries to be original by focusing on Frankenstein instead of vampires, but this effort doesn’t really work.
Also, the characters’ reasons for what they do—especially Adam’s—aren’t explained well. When the main and side characters act without clear motives, it’s hard for the audience to connect with them.
Action that’s noisy but leaves no impression
The action scenes are also a letdown. The fights are loud and messy, and using too many 3D effects takes away from the excitement of the big battles.
Summary: A Stylish Dark Hero! Why Did Opinions Diverge?
Many fans looked forward to the dark, gothic style of Kevin Grevioux, who created “Underworld,” and were excited about the monster fights. However, critics and viewers didn’t agree, and they pointed out both the good and bad aspects of the film.
This split in opinion likely stems from the movie not being original enough, as the story feels similar to “Underworld” and “Blade” and doesn’t offer anything new. Adam’s feelings and reasons for his actions also aren’t explored much, so it’s tough for viewers to care about him.
Still, as someone who likes dark fantasy and action movies, I just had fun watching it. I enjoyed it for what it was. Since it’s only about 90 minutes long, I didn’t expect a deep story, and I liked the cool visuals and fight scenes.
