Victor Frankenstein (3/8/2016)

Rated PG-13 for macabre images, violence and a sequence of destruction.

Starring James McAvoy, Daniel Radcliffe, Jessica Brown Findlay, Mark Gatiss and Andrew Scott

Directed by Paul McGuigan (Lucky Number Slevin and Push)

This is usually what happens when you try to “reimagine” a true classic.

James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe star in a dynamic and thrilling twist on a legendary tale. Radical scientist Victor Frankenstein (McAvoy) and his equally brilliant protégé Igor Strausman (Radcliffe) share a noble vision of aiding humanity through their groundbreaking research into immortality. But Victor’s experiments go too far, and his obsession has horrifying consequences. Only Igor can bring his friend back from the brink of madness and save him from his monstrous creation.

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is a classic for a reason. Why do we feel the need to change a classic?

For example, if you would ask a question like “what if the main character was Igor…but with a straightened back, stylish hair and a girlfriend, oh and he was played by Daniel Radcliff?” I would be the kind of friend that would stop you. Clearly Paul McGuigan does not have those kinds of friends. As a result, we have Harry Potter trying to make Igor the interesting, likeable and somewhat conflicted hero.

I tried to like James McAvoy, but I felt like he just screamed and yelled a lot…and so much spitting. He is also a villain…I think. Honestly, I lost track because there are too many villains and conflicting themes. But where things go really bonkers is the finale which takes place over a five-story fire pit, for no apparent reason.

Victor Frankenstein felt like a movie that was made from a bunch of really bad ideas that were sewn together and…ok I’ll stop. But you get the idea, I say “Skip it.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex or nudity and almost no profanity (I think there is one S-word). The reason for the PG-13 rating is the violent and disturbing images throughout the film.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. Why is Victor so obsessed with creating life?


2. Does he succeed? Why or why not?

Read John 1:3

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

And Read Job 33:4

The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.


3. According to these verses who gives life?


4. How does knowing and understanding that help us live the lives we’ve been given?