Happy October everyone! For some of you, I started this month out with a review of the 1931 classic 'Dracula'. I have decided that reviewing each of these Universal Classic Monsters flicks would feel a bit too repetitive for you as much of my thoughts on them are pretty interchangeable. So instead, I have forgone that earlier review and instead I present to you lovely readers of mine a ranking of my least favorite to favorite of the Universal Monsters. Note that I said least favorite as this will be a first for me and will contain no real negative or terrible entry as with other franchise countdowns. I will be ranking each film merely how often I would choose to go back and re-watch each entry. So without further ado, the Halloween season has officially begun and so shall we...
8. The Mummy (1932)
The original 'Mummy' sadly falls into last (but not at all least) on the list. Boris Karloff got to really show off his acting chops in the role of the titular mummy and gets to speak a great deal of dialogue this time around. The movie's main issue and why it tends to not be in my replay bin often is its similarities to 'Dracula'. The film tells the story of an ancient undead creature that rises from the grave and seeks the love of a mortal woman, and you even have the same actor who played Van Helsing as the man who tries to defeat the monster. The film is really saved by its beautiful cinematography and as I said this is one of Karloff's best roles of the series. I feel that ultimately many fans of the modern films will be disappointed by the slow pace and lack of any true action while monster fans will love Karloff but find the similarities to 'Dracula' tiring.
7. Phantom of the Opera (1943)
One of the first technicolor horror films, this adaptation of the Gaston Leroux is far from the first, but it is the most solid entry since the 1925 Lon Chaney classic. Claude Rains stars as the Phantom and this version gives us a detailed background to his character and overall attempts to flesh out the story more than previous versions. The film is gorgeous with bright colors and that huge glamor of Hollywood's golden age to boost it up the list a little. The issues come down to the characters including the Phantom himself. Claude Rains is an excellent actor mind you, and for a role such as this he appropriately hams it up but his motivations are less sympathetic and more vengeful making him a bit more villainous than the story originally intended. The other characters are also pretty forgetful and you couldn't ask me on a good day to remember their names. Still, 'Phantom' is quick, beautiful to look at, and acted well enough to enjoy.
6. Frankenstein (1931)
Yes. The original 'Frankenstein' but only due to 'Bride' also being on this list which in many ways is the rare case of surpassing the original. Not to say there isn't anything special about the original and for many hardcore horror fans, they will likely enjoy this one over 'Bride' due to more of a focus on dark Gothic environments and straight scares whereas its sequel plays with macabre comedy. And it's that darker look and tone that makes the original so great to watch. I would say 'Frankenstein' & 'Wolf Man' epitimize the Universal Monsters look perfectly: Dark cemeteries, creeping fog, and old rotting castles. This film just oozes misery out of every inch of celluloid and is what I'd consider the most bleak of the series. Boris Karloff's role doesn't need anymore praise at this point he was made for the role and brought both sympathy and menace to the creature that could have ruined the whole movie if done wrong. This is where the list will have the films I feel are perfect one way or another and the film never gets old for me.
5. The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Yes, I am one of those who doesn't mind the comedy within 'Bride of Frankenstein'. I personally think it makes the film overall more enjoyable in some ways but it's the surprising depth of this sequel that makes it so superior. For a movie they could have just rushed together for a quick buck, the story goes into the character development even further, showing the consequences and inner conflicts Dr. Frankenstein has created after the fallout of his creation's rampage. Karloff of course returns and does his usual brilliant job. He is closer to the novel's version but unlike the novel's creature Karloff he retians the sympathetic and sad nature of the first movie though sadly he loses any kind of menace/horror. The stand out here though is Dr. Pretorious who is one of the funniest characters in a horror film. He is just so proud of how insane he is and he makes me chuckle each time. The only real negative here is the titular Bride. How she became an icon of horror I will never understand as she really does nothing but scream. As a whole though, it doesn't take away any of the brilliance this film has. Always one on my marathon list during the season.
4. Dracula (1931)
The one that started the sound era of horror movies and the first one I saw as a kid late one Halloween night, it's just a classic any way you slice it. But it isn't necessarily the best of the bunch as it can feel padded in the middle and some of the acting is over the top and hammy. But the mood this film sets is so perfect and always gets me in the mood for Halloween. The film does not have a musical score so there's just this eerie silence throughout along with these long sweeping shots that just make the viewer feel like they're in some other world. It's one of the creepier Universal movies and a highly recommended first choice.
3. The Invisible Man (1933)
The first horror movie I ever owned, I remember my father bringing this home to me after one of his trips and it still holds a high spot to this day. Now to be fair, it's not the traditional horror others on this list provide, but you can't underestimate just how much of an achievement this film was for its time. For a movie in 1933 to create an invisible man and make it look real was unheard of. So much so that when the sequel arrived, the Academy Awards presented it an Oscar for Best Special Effects. The film is the third on this list directed by James Whale and as expected, lots of morbid comedy is abound. This is easily the funniest movie of the Universal Monsters series and makes it one of the most rewatchable. Claude Rains once again stars and brings his usual theatricality to the role and just fits the role of a maniacal invisible scientist like a glove. This one I would say is the most accessible of the list.
2. The Wolf Man (1941)
The film that has everything you're looking for when it comes to that classic monster movie. Fog, dark forest, a monster stalking and killing off its prey like a slasher movie, and anything else you can think of (except a full moon oddly enough). The most interesting aspect of 'Wolf Man' is that the film almost has a more psychological thriller feel than a flat out monster movie. You really don't know for a while if Lawrence Talbot is truly what he fears he is or if its just a delusion in his mind and it toys with this for a while. It does become a traditional werewolf movie of course, but the buildup is quite interesting and keeps you engaged in the film. Of the classic era, this is the best one you'll find.
1. Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
My top choice is the latecomer of the group 'Creature from the Black Lagoon' made long after the classic monsters had all but faded. This was the era of the giant monster or science gone wrong but 'Creature' was stubborn and wanted to bring one more classic monster to the table and they succeeded. My all time favorite monster, the Gill-Man would go on to inspire many films of every genre, including last year's Best Picture 'The Shape of Water'. The film just has this energy you'd find in a classic serial or the 'Indiana Jones' flicks and it makes for the most entertaining of the group. The film is also surprisingly violent and heavy on action for a 50's horror flick making it stand out even more. It also came out in 3D! How cool would that have been to see?
And that'll do it for today folks. The reviews, lists, and other little Halloween tidbits will be coming steadily. Even if I can't do something every day, I'll enjoy making content for you fine readers so thank you for your views and I'll catch ya later. Happy October folks. Let the festivities begin.
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