Just recently I took a look at the re-imagining of the Universal classic “The Wolf Man.” So, to coincide with the fresh take of the classic, I wanted to take a look at the 1941 classic and the oft- forgotten 2010 remake - both currently available on Peacock.
In the 1941 Universal classic, when his brother dies, Larry Talbot returns to Wales and reconciles with his father,
While there, he visits an antique shop and, hoping to impress Gwen, the attractive shopkeeper, buys a silver walking cane. That same night he kills a wolf with it, only to later learn that he actually killed a man,
A gypsy explains that it was her son, a werewolf, that he killed, and that Larry is now one himself.
This was actually the first time seeing this 1941 black and white Universal classic and I really enjoyed it. I have been slowly going through the classic Universal monster films, and so far, “The Wolf Man” is one of the better films in that series.
Surely this 1941 classic isn’t nearly as scary as the modern horror films that are released today. But, it’s still really entertaining and just like the other classic monster films, everyone should see this film at least once. It’s actually one of the best werewolf films out there!
The wolf’s make up is terrific and even the transformation sequences are also really well done (especially for a film released in the 40s). Lon Chaney Jr. is amazing as Talbot/The Wolf Man and is likely his most infamous role. The film’s music is also quite eerie and is one of the many reasons why this film has become iconic over the years. Mixed with the film’s eerie soundtrack and a few scares, the original “The Wolf Man” will really have you intrigued right until the very end.
In the 2010 remake, though absent from his ancestral home of Blackmoor for many years, aristocrat Lawrence Talbot returns to find his missing brother at the request of the latter’s fiancee.
He learns that a creature has links to an ancient curse turning people into werewolves when the moon is full.
To save the village and protect Gwen, he must slay the blood-thirsty beast, but he contends with a horrifying family legacy.
I have actually seen this remake one other time when I initially reviewed it for the paper during its initial release. And, sort of forgotten about it ever since. It also seemed like over time this 2010 remake has been forgotten since it didn’t fare too well in theaters.
After giving this remake another chance, the 2010 version of “The Wolf Man” is actually not bad. There is a dark, gothic vibe throughout this movie and it really works. The werewolf action scattered throughout can get quite intense and there’s a twist towards the end that adds to the original werewolf story.
My main complaint for this version - way too much CGI for the werewolf design. They did use some practical effects for close ups, which does look good!
You can currently catch the 1941 and 2010 versions of “The Wolf Man” on Peacock, while the new re-imagining is playing on the big screen!
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