Wolfman-The Offical Thread

[Brian Braddock]

I think there's just too much eagerness to right this movie off.

 

[Bad Superman]

Anyone who has not seen the original Wolf Man film should. Though in some ways it is a 1941 B-movie (I say it rides the line between B and A), it had a top notch screenplay, for the time excellent make-up from the legend that is Jack Pierce and most notably an AMAZING cast. Lon Chaney and Claude Rains were iconic in their roles and despite the quality casting of Del Toro and Hopkins, it is hard to believe they'll measure up.

It is not scary, but it plays like a well told Greek tragedy. Unfortunately, I understand the remake takes away much of the tragedy and the brilliant ending of the original. With that said, it does it's own thing and visually looks like a real treat that may actually be scary unlike the original. Time will tell.

The original is a classic. Every Wolfman fan should see it. As for the ending, I wouldn't mind an open ending if there are any plans by Universal to bring back the Monster classics franchises back. I hope that's the case.

 

[CHEZ]

I think there's just too much eagerness to right this movie off.

I agree. It's also the "mob mentality", people for some reason have an unconscious desire to gang-up on something or someone when there is a single sign of weakness.
There was a time when you never heard about behind-the-scenes production problems on movies. At least not on the level you hear about them today. But with the advent of the internet, it's all out there, and everyone feels entitled to say whatever they feel, any time the want, even if it's wrong. Information spreads-rumors spread like wild fire and everyone quickly forms opinions. Enough to the point of damaging a film before it is even released.
Had no one heard anything about the problems behind the scenes on the Wolf man, all we'd have are the trailers....and no one would complain, because the trailers look amazing.

 

[CHEZ]

The original is a classic. Every Wolfman fan should see it. As for the ending, I wouldn't mind an open ending if there are any plans by Universal to bring back the Monster classics franchises back. I hope that's the case.

Me too!

 

[Nivek]

I agree. It's also the "mob mentality", people for some reason have an unconscious desire to gang-up on something or someone when there is a single sign of weakness.
There was a time when you never heard about behind-the-scenes production problems on movies. At least not on the level you hear about them today. But with the advent of the internet, it's all out there, and everyone feels entitled to say whatever they feel, any time the want, even if it's wrong. Information spreads-rumors spread like wild fire and everyone quickly forms opinions. Enough to the point of damaging a film before it is even released.
Had no one heard anything about the problems behind the scenes on the Wolf man, all we'd have are the trailers....and no one would complain, because the trailers look amazing.

Well, to be honest, you did use to hear about production delays and behind the scenes problems on some films in magazines and periodicals like the Hollywood reporter, Variety, etc. The main difference now is you have bloggers & self-described "genre reporters" adding in their personal conjecture, bias, and 3rd hand information gathering into the information you get people starting online headlines like "Rick Baker blasts Wolfman FX"

 

[CHEZ]

Well, to be honest, you did use to hear about production delays and behind the scenes problems on some films in magazines and periodicals like the Hollywood reporter, Variety, etc. The main difference now is you have bloggers & self-described "genre reporters" adding in their personal conjecture, bias, and 3rd hand information gathering into the information you get people starting online headlines like "Rick Baker blasts Wolfman FX"

Exactly. Yes, there were magazines with those reports, but it was in the hands of professional journalists, not obnoxious fanboys with nothing better to do but rip into something because they can until it gets out of control.
With the internet, rumors and reports are either greatly exaggerated or sensationalized and fans eat it up as gospel.
It's really unfortunate, because a lot of work goes into these productions and often times the fans will tear it down before it even hits the theaters.
I understand that Rick Baker was annoyed with the studio for going cg and not practical fx for the Wolf Man transformations, but it was also a tad unprofessional on his part to complain to the media. I mean, what's to accomplish with that? I actually agree with him, but many fans take it to an extreme level and right now a few weeks before it's release the Wolf Man is still being plagued by that.

 

[Bad Superman]

I already have plans for a "double date" with one of my best friends to watch Wolfman on opening night.

 

[redhawk23]

seeing it opening night for valentines day, my girlfriend is hyped to see it. hope it turns out alright

 

[Nivek]

Exactly. Yes, there were magazines with those reports, but it was in the hands of professional journalists, not obnoxious fanboys with nothing better to do but rip into something because they can until it gets out of control.
With the internet, rumors and reports are either greatly exaggerated or sensationalized and fans eat it up as gospel.
It's really unfortunate, because a lot of work goes into these productions and often times the fans will tear it down before it even hits the theaters.

But some of these sites recognize this, and they this current "hater" mentality that sometimes supersedes enthusiasm for some projects. It's more dramatic and easier to say your against something, than say you like/ love it and defend perceived flaw. The internet has amplified this type of crap 1000% fold. 25 years ago you talked smack on something like Avatar, someone would follow it up with "What have you done? Can you do better? Where is your films?" and people will be humbled and drop it and move on. Now? Hell no, you have your blog. And no skills and talent are necessary to take a crap on someone more successful and accomplished than you.

I understand that Rick Baker was annoyed with the studio for going cg and not practical fx for the Wolf Man transformations, but it was also a tad unprofessional on his part to complain to the media. I mean, what's to accomplish with that? I actually agree with him, but many fans take it to an extreme level and right now a few weeks before it's release the Wolf Man is still being plagued by that.

Well, I'm actually happy Rick voiced that in a public forum, because I really think studio exec's are clueless when it comes to gauging what audiences think are good FX. As someone who has flirted with film SPFX, It greatly disappoints me that Rick wasn't even given a chance to show what HE could do with modern techniques, materials, and technology.

 

[CHEZ]

But some of these sites recognize this, and they this current "hater" mentality that sometimes supersedes enthusiasm for some projects. It's more dramatic and easier to say your against something, than say you like/ love it and defend perceived flaw. The internet has amplified this type of crap 1000% fold. 25 years ago you talked smack on something like Avatar, someone would follow it up with "What have you done? Can you do better? Where is your films?" and people will be humbled and drop it and move on. Now? Hell no, you have your blog. And no skills and talent are necessary to take a crap on someone more successful and accomplished than you.

Yep! That's 100% true. The internet is a breeding ground for cynicism and pessimism, and a whole lot of jealousy from an uncreative multitude. Because, honestly, if you have the time on your hands to drag some one else's creative efforts through the mud, what else are you doing that's worth anything at all? It's like you say "easier" to say your against something than to say you are for it. People will always take the path that requires the least work.

Well, I'm actually happy Rick voiced that in a public forum, because I really think studio exec's are clueless when it comes to gauging what audiences think are good FX. As someone who has flirted with film SPFX, It greatly disappoints me that Rick wasn't even given a chance to show what HE could do with modern techniques, materials, and technology.

Well, like I said, I agree with him, but I think he could have handled it a little smoother. And, yeah, it disappoints me too that he wasn't given the chance.
All we can hope for at this point is that they didn't over use the CGI.
But I have to say, there are so many hugely successful bad movies with weak cgi that never get criticized for it, but movies that are good with weak cgi that do. I think we have a pretty straight forward simple horror flick ahead of us that doesn't deserve such treatment. I mean, there is a lot of judgment on this production by people who haven't even seen it.

All I know is that I can't wait to see this movie, but if I don't like it, I'll wait till after I see it to say so...

 

[DACrowe]

The original is a classic. Every Wolfman fan should see it. As for the ending, I wouldn't mind an open ending if there are any plans by Universal to bring back the Monster classics franchises back. I hope that's the case.

Yeah but I was referring to

Spoiler

The beautifully tragic ending to the original in which the father kills the son and ends his proud noble lineage in the same way his son killed Bela and nobody believed him. Now, nobody will believe Sir John and he has to live with the grief of killing his son and the shame that no one else knows the truth or will believe him.

It is an amazing ending. By turning Sir John into the villain who also turns into a werewolf changes the entire dynamic of the movie and its ending. But I'm going in with an open mind for a fun movie in this regard.

That is what I was referring to.

 

[Nivek]

But, it didn't kill Larry. Unless you look at the first film alone. I buy into the Universal Classic Monsters films being some weird tied in continuity.

 

[CHEZ]

Hey, check this out, kinda fun: http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/18874

 

[Doctor Jones]

Saw a really cool tv spot last night. I'm getting more eager to see this.

 

[Eggyman]

Saw a really cool tv spot last night. I'm getting more eager to see this.

I saw one too and the missus told me to calm the f**k down. I'm fairly pumped for this.

 

[Nivek]

Anyone near Orlando, Wolfman screening February 9th at Universal...

 

[cryptic name]

Hey, check this out, kinda fun: http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/18874

that's awesome. second only to An American Werewolf in London

 

[CHEZ]

that's awesome. second only to An American Werewolf in London

Yeah, I agree. AWL has the most frightening howl that I have ever heard; it's more demonic rather than being a simple wolf's howl.
I like this new one though, it seems to fit.

 

[TheComicbookKid]

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/films.php?id=665

clips

 

[redfirebird2008]

Have there been any reviews for it yet? Given all the delays for its release date, I've been concerned that there's something wrong with it. The trailer was awesome, but trailers can be misleading.

 

[TheComicbookKid]

You mean outside of AICN's readers? No, I don't think so. There was supposed to be one in a French movie mag, but it didn't show up.

 

[CrimsonMist]

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/films.php?id=665

clips

in the first clip, the "MY EYES!! DAMN YOU, TALBOT!!" line was pretty cringe-worthy. And i'm a little put off by the digital effects as seen in the chase scene. They look painfully fake, although I can't be sure about the bit with The Wolf Man running on the rooftop. It was too dark to make sure.

Aside from that, i'm digging it. The score is interesting. It reminds me of Wojciech Kilar's score from Coppola's Dracula and John William's score from John Badham's Dracula, oddly enough. I like it.

 

[TheComicbookKid]

I didn't mind the "eyes" comment, but the Benecio-Blunt acting in that second clip was pretty pathetic.

 

[Boom]

Did Johnson tell his actors to just keep deadpan faces? They all look bored to death.

 

[redfirebird2008]

You mean outside of AICN's readers? No, I don't think so. There was supposed to be one in a French movie mag, but it didn't show up.

What is being said at AICN?