Contentar
Best movie of this year hands down!
Freaktana
A Major Disappointment
Zlatica
One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.
azathothpwiggins
SON OF FRANKENSTEIN, or as it might be called today, FRANKENSTEIN 3: THE OFFSPRING, begins some time after the events of BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN. This time, young Baron Wolf von Frankenstein (Basil Rathbone) shows up to claim his family castle, where the maniacal Ygor (Bela Lugosi) has set up shop. Not-so-shockingly, it doesn't take long before the family re-animating business, once again raises its green, bolted head. This was one of the last "serious" films in the so-called "series", before they spun off into an increasingly ludicrous la-la land of "monster mash" movies, winding up as fodder for Abbott and Costello. Boris Karloff got to play the monster one final time, before it became a schlock horror staple (not that that's a bad thing). Lugosi really sinks his teeth into his devilish role. Lionel Atwill's Inspector Krogh is his best character since Doctor X. Watching these old classics makes it even more clear just what a comic genius Mel Brooks is! His YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is a perfect parody of the first three FRANKENSTEIN films. I admit to having a hard time viewing this without thinking about Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, etc.! Highly recommended... P.S.- Those really are some big door knockers!...
O2D
While this is probably the best of the first three Frankenstein movies, there is virtually no continuity. They completely ignore what happened in the first two movies and just make up a new story about the past. So in the fours years since Bride Of Frankenstein, Dr. Frankenstein has moved to America, had a son, died and his son is a married adult with a child of his own. He decides to go back to the old family mansion, thinking he can make the locals love him and restore the name of Frankenstein. When he gets there his servants from America are already there and have prepared the house. Finding out his butler's name is Benson was hilarious to me and I couldn't stop thinking about it. He decides to repair his dad's laboratory which has a hole in the roof from when he killed the monster. Even though he never had a laboratory(he worked in an old windmill that was destroyed) and the monster destroyed himself and Dr. Pretorius' lab at the same time. Although they completely changed the back story, it's still better than the first two. Did I mention that Wolf Frankenstein's son is possibly the worst child actor to have ever been caught on film? Plus he has a ridiculous perm and an accent that makes him almost impossible to understand. Sometimes it sounds Cajun but I'm not really sure. This is the first time ever I would recommend not seeing the earlier movies first. If you haven't seen them already, start here.
alexanderdavies-99382
"Son of Frankenstein" is definitely a step down from the previous excellent "Frankenstein" films.The above film suffers from some poor direction and a narrative that is a bit hard-going at times. Boris Karloff has been reduced in the sense that his character has become a one-dimensional, killing machine. The actors own concerns about the creature character were justified.Basil Rathbone is way over the top as the Baron who inherits his late fathers estate.This film has some good moments but it doesn't help that the dialogue kept being re-written every day of shooting. Bela Lugosi and Lionel Atwill give the best performances by far. The former proved he was worth far more than playing Dracula. Lugosi was effectively cast against type. The running time of 95 minutes is far too long - about 20 minutes should have been edited.
JSutton780
Son of Frankenstein delivers on all fronts. Sporting great sets, a classically chilling atmosphere, and a superb cast, this has become my go-to movie whenever I'm in the mood for an old fashioned monster flick. The film differs from many of its kin because its a whooping hour and forty-some minutes long, but it is leisurely paced and not a moment of it comes off as boring. I've heard from various sources that Universal Studios cut the director a bigger budget for this movie. This really shows in the quality of the set designs. While I do believe there is nothing quite like the barbaric infamy of Colin Clive's laboratory, SoF's overly detailed, sulfur pit infested castle and lab rivals it's father.Speaking of rivaling his father, the titles spotlight character, Wolf von Frankenstein, proves to the audience that he is not just a clone of his father. Wolf (masterfully portrayed by Basil Rathbone) stands out in my mind as one of the best performances in any Universal Horror film. Where Colin Clive's mad doctor boasts a manic and intimidating screen presence, Rathbone's portrayal comes off as warm and caring then spirals into a frantic, guilt riddled hysterical mess. Through his interactions with his wife and son and his desperate attempt to appease the townspeople you get the feeling that Wolf von Frankenstein is a caring, sweet man. Then, sure enough, the old Frankenstein obsession starts to show and when it does the film starts to go a mile a minute. While watching these movies I'm never afraid or creeped out by any means. Modern Hollywood has left me desensitized. However, I must admit that there was a part in this movie that legitimately sent a chill up my spine. I won't spoil it, but when it happens you'll know what I'm talking about.Opposite of Rathbone is Lionel Atwill playing the persistent Inspector Krogh. Upon first seeing Atwill's introduction in the film, I found myself rolling my eyes and thinking "Here comes the stereotypical, paranoid townsman ready to demonize Frankenstein." I could not have been more wrong. Atwill's Inspector Krogh is one of the most interesting character's I've ever encountered in an old horror film. His sympathy for Frankenstein's family and the cat and mouse game it turns into leaves you invested throughout the whole plot. The entirety of the film you are left wondering who will win, the witty, young doctor or the sharp, weathered inspector. Not to mention, Krogh has a very personal and interesting reason to fear the Monster. In many ways, I found myself regarding Krogh as the hero of the story.But let's not fool ourselves, we don't watch these movies for the heroes. We watch them for the monsters!Boris Karlof and an unrecognizable Bela Lugosi are here in full form. This is Karlof's last appearance as the Monster and its a memorable one. His first appearance in this film is not something I'll soon forget. This is not the most aggressive you'll see the Monster, but definitely the most terrifying. This is largely due to the fact that he is being controlled by Bela Lugosi's Ygor, who sports enough cunning to use the monsters as a killing machine. Rather than going on a mindless rampage, the Monster is sent on James Bond-esque missions to assassinate Ygor's enemies. As you witness these murders happening you realize that this makes for a rather disturbing concept. Lugosi's Ygor is undoubtedly the highlight of this movie. Personally, I found this to be the Hungarian actor's best performance, even outshining his legendary role as Dracula. His lines are delivered with such savagery, you can absolutely tell what kind of a life Ygor has led and what kind of ideas go through his head just from his voice alone. The makeup here is superb (though his wig is a little iffy at times) and Lugosi's dedication to Ygor's unique 'posture' makes you forget that the seductive Hungarian is beneath the beard and fake teeth.Son of Frankenstein is a must see for any horror fan. I could also see this acting as a 'gateway drug' for budding horror enthusiast. While not as classic as the original or as interesting as the sequel, Son of Frankenstein is exciting and can keep just about anyone entertained. I highly recommend it.
