Fellow Monster Kids, I'm thrilled with the make-up and the ideas behind the remake of THE WOLF MAN (as you can see by my CHFB avatar, I'm a huge fan of the original). What amazes me is that Universal is sticking so close to the original story and characters while updating this film for today. Three things make me believe this is going to be a wonderful update of the classic Wolf Man character.

Number one. Rick Baker. Rick Baker. Rick Baker. I just don't believe that Rick is going to get on board with a film that he thinks will denigrate the character or the original film. I had the most pleasant experience sitting with Kerry and Rick in his office once and asking him why don't producers ask HIM what he wants to do (such as a remake of the classic Universal horror monster films) and then let his creative energies, skills, knowledge and drive be applied completely. This is the film that I think finally allows that.

Number two. Benicio Del Toro. He's on record of loving the original film from when he first saw it as a kid. Like us! He pursued this project. He's a producer on it. Plus, the man is an actor's actor. But let's not forget Anthony Hopkins, Hugo Weaving and Emily Blunt. Sheesh, can you believe they lined up such a cast for something "genre" like this?!!!

Number Three. Director Joe Johnston. You know. I think more than anything we fans got lucky here (as he came in after Universal and the first director parted ways ...as they say in the trades). Here is a real genre-loving guy. A Fort Worth, Texas boy who came from storyboards and special effects FIRST before becoming a director (and George Lucas paid to put him through film school!). Johnston has had a steady stream of genre films over the years and grown as a director (I greatly enjoyed his JURASSIC PARK III). Call me crazy but I think THIS film at THIS time for Johnston will prove a wonderful showcase for the skills that he's acquired over the years both in knowing how to use and blend different effects (physical and digital/optical) but also his mature confident feel for story and especially characterization.

Adding to this I'd suggest you check out the imdb credits of all involved with this film. Man, it just doesn't get any better for a RESPECTFUL horror film!

THE WOLF MAN (2009) Cast & Crew imdb

I'll be there for the first show on opening day. And probably then some.


Sam F. Park