Wolf Man’s Whimper: A Disappointing Howl in the Woods

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We’ve tried cremes, powders and ointments, but we can’t get wolf men out of our hair.

From Jack Nicholson to Benicio del Toro, many actors have tackled the timeless monster character, making a modern take on it only natural, as is often the case in Hollywood.

Reboot, Rinse, Repeat.

The “Wolf Man” grasps this fundamental truth. It’s high time for a change, a transformation that will jolt his persona, much like shaking an Etch-A-Sketch, to offer a unique perspective on the traditional creature of horror legend.

“Wolf Man” succeeds before it fails.

In a departure from previous attempts, the original Blumhouse production doesn’t yearn to repeat the same stories, but falls slightly flat in its endeavor to present a fresh perspective on the saga, as its creative well seems to run empty at times.

Powder-keg dry.

Christopher Abbott plays Blake, a committed father who goes to great lengths for his little girl. This is a lesson he learned from his grandfather, and his fervor for the role has created internal struggles.

One captivating aspect is presented initially, yet it seems underdeveloped throughout the movie. The opening titles carry a significant weight that the ensuing scenes ought to have emphasized more.

Blake chooses to return with his spouse and child to their previous woodland dwelling, hoping for a refreshing change of pace in a tranquil countryside setting. His intention is also to renew his commitment to his wife, Charlotte (played by Julia Garner).

As they journey in their rental truck, it unfortunately collides on the roadside, leaving them close to their loved ones’ residence yet stranded in the wilderness. It is here that they spot a creature resembling a human, prowling around the property.

Now, it’s survival time.

The prologue of “Wolf Man” is unsettlingly eerie. It portrays a young Blake learning hunting skills under his father’s guidance, but this peaceful scenario escalates into a chilling experience during a duck blind encounter.

As a film enthusiast, I can attest that director and co-writer Leigh Whannel (“Saw”) has an uncanny knack for horror like no other in our contemporary scene. However, while his initial scenes are nothing short of chilling, he seems to struggle to keep up the intensity throughout the rest of the movie.

The revamped version of “Invisible Man,” overseen by his supervisor, offers a more exhilarating experience, deeper characters, and mysteries that keep you guessing. Conversely, “The Wolf Man” becomes less intense as the plot accelerates towards its action-packed finale.

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In my opinion, “Wolf Man” has an indie vibe, like discovering a hidden gem on a streaming service. The narrative primarily unfolds within a secluded cabin in the woods, spanning just a few hours. This tight focus could potentially enhance the film’s suspense, if only it had a richer plot with intriguing twists or more engaging dialogue.

That’s a hearty “no” on all counts.

In the initial part of this narrative, the tension hinted at doesn’t come to fruition. This tale strays significantly from the established folklore of werewolf movies, but only if there’s a meaningful replacement provided. However, that’s far from being the case here.

The “Wolf Man” special effect doesn’t enhance the movie significantly, nor does it build suspense effectively. However, it’s still superior to the new Wolf Man appearance presented in the film. Despite the FX team’s efforts to differentiate from past wolf creatures, the results are, at best, underwhelming.

It looks like a deformed man with oozing skin sores, not a wolf-like threat.

In “Ozark,” Garner demonstrated her exceptional talent, yet she’s facing difficulties in finding roles as challenging as those in the series. Here, her role is minimal, and even a skilled actress could have delivered a convincing performance.

She’s far above “competent.”

Abbott effectively portrays Blake’s troubled history and uncertain current state, yet the evolution of his character is so constricted that it fails to resonate deeply. Limitations are inherent in infection.

The character “Wolf Man” seems to run out of creative inspiration halfway through, resulting in well-structured action sequences and familial conflicts, yet lacking the satisfying emotional resolution that one would expect.

The best wolf features end on a melancholy note. Here, the story just … ends.

Maybe it’s time for a reboot of the reboot.

Title Assessment: “Wolf Man” presents a fresh perspective on a well-trodden figure, yet unfortunately, it lacks depth and substance in its latter portions.

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2025-01-15 21:03