#Review: “Victor Frankenstein”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Paul McGuigan (Lucky Number Slevin, Push) teams-up with young writing extraordinaire Max Landis (Chronicle, Mr. Right, American Ultra) to bring us a new story of the man behind Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein. The direction of the Movie is a little muddled at points, however the script is clever and funny.

The Movie starts off on our hunchbacked no-named friend, whom is later named Igor (Daniel Radcliffe), as he works in a circus. We soon find out that he has a crush on trapeze artist Lorelei (Jessica Brown Findlay). After a horrific accident, Igor and Victor (James McAvoy) try to save Lorelei’s life and succeed. With this, Victor tries to enlist the help of Igor for his mad science experiments, but is denied. Victor is a stubborn man and will not take no for an answer so he devises a plan to acquire Igor, which is successful and the adventures for Igor and Victor Frankenstein begin. As the story progresses from Igor’s perspective, the audience gets a closer look at who Victor Frankenstein is than ever before.

Daniel Radcliffe who has continued to choose projects in the name of fun, gives a rather eerie yet delightful performance as Igor. His presence at times is unsettling, yet he plays the partner to Victor quite well. As well, James McAvoy who plays the mastermind behind the beast known as Frankenstein does a great job at capturing scenes with his lunacy and ridiculousness that explores the man behind the legend.

The script penned by Max Landis proves to be a highlight in addition to two superb performances from our leading men in Victor Frankenstein, as the script is clever and filled with easter eggs circling different takes on the Frankenstein tale.

20th Century Fox Canada release VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN in theatres on Wednesday, November 25, 2015