The Wolfman Review

Messages: The movie carries roughly the same message as the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: All humans have an animal side that we must learn to control to live in a civilized world. But beyond that, the point is unclear. One of the movie's bad guys believes that the beast must be set free, while another wants to hunt and kill the hero/wolfman. The hero's goal is to put an end to all the beastliness, but he can only achieve this through beastly acts: murder and death. In essence, the movie seems to say that if you have the tough luck to unleash your inner beast, too bad, because it's curtains for you.

Role models: Hero Lawrence Talbot shows some positive behavior, even though he turns into a wolf and fillets half of his neighbors. After bouts of horror, disbelief, and self-pity, he gradually accepts his fate and decides to do the right thing, even if it means his own demise. He works to protect Gwen and dedicates himself to stopping the other wolfman, which is still on the loose and killing by choice. Gwen, too, works hard to find a cure for her friend and puts herself at risk to do so.

Violence: Strong but not constant fantasy violence and gore. The wolfmen slice and dice their way through several victims. Viewers see blood spattering, severed body parts, scattered entrails, and organ removal. These are usually accompanied by sudden, swift movements and intense growling and yowling. There's a gory "wound stitching" scene. Also many guns, gunshots, and gunshot victims. Additionally, some scary, shocking nightmare sequences.

Sex: Lawrence and Gwen flirt a little (he teaches her how to skip stones and holds her hand). Later, they share one small kiss.

Language: Minimal uses of words like "damn" and "whore."

Consumerism: Not an issue

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Lawrence drinks often during the first part of the movie, but never to excess. Several scenes take place inside a pub, with locals drinking and smoking in the background.