Under appreciated fun

Rating: 8/10 (2 June 2004)

Just came back from seeing this film. What a blast! I really don't know what all the critics were complaining about. Stephen Sommers set out to create an action packed, roller coaster big budget fantasy film with all kinds of creatures, 'cool' special effects, funny lines, and a fun popcorn film. I think he has succeeded.
Visually, the film is brilliant. The sets and photography were always fascinating. And I was never bored for one minute.
Yes, the plot has tons of holes in it - though I found what was there actually entertaining and the few plot twists I thought were actually interesting. The characters were 2 dimensional. But who in the world goes to see these kind of films for rich character and plot development?
This film is more of a comedy and satire than a horror film. Those looking to be scared out of their wits will be very disappointed (though there was at least one scene that made me jump). However, I saw this more in the vein of a modernized "Abbot & Costello meets Frankenstein" than anything else. Mr. Sommers also does some great toung-in-cheek fun of Indiana Jones, Star Wars (love those Ewoks!), Alien, Batman, Gremlins, with some very funny lines. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. And yes, I think these laughs were intentional. Those who think this is MSK3000 material is missing the humor that is inherent in this film.
In regards to the creatures themselves..Well, I personally found the CGI Mr. Hyde infinitely better than last years Hulk (and funnier too). I mean, the film opens up with you seeing Mr. Hyde's drawers falling down and you see his butt! How can anyone think this film was meant to be serious?
The Frankenstein monster was more inspired by Mary Shelly's creature than Karloff's (even the ending was straight out of her book). And Dracula was an over-the-top satire of Gary Oldman's Dracula from Francis Ford Coppola's version. The Brides were an over the top satire of the Hammer films. The Wolfman was really a nod to the Howling. So ironically, while this is a Universal film, the creatures pay more homage/satire of other studios.
Yet some of the scenes of the film were straight out of the 30's Universal franchises. The carriages running through the night. The mob of villagers storming Castle Frankenstein, etc. At least I appreciated what Mr. Sommers was trying to accomplish.
I even found the closing credits to be entertaining! (Don't know the last time I could say that).
Yes, one can argue that we have had enough of 'leave your brain at the door' CGI based action films. And I don't honestly know the replay value of this film. But if you can go in with the right attitude, you can have a very fun 2 hour ride.