bmoviep Telling an old story in a new way is a colossal task that many undertake, but few succeed in. Creating an original story, while staying true to the underlying themes and structure of the original is a difficult balance to maintain. However, The 1931 film adaption of "Frankenstein" is possibly the greatest example of a reimagined classic story told right cinematic history. The underlying themes of Mary Shelley's tale regarding whether scientific inquiry can go to far and the what makes someone a monster are preserved and relayed brilliantly through out this movie, while also forming an identity of it's own. It's because of this film that the depiction of Frankenstein's monster as dead eyed, flat headed behemoth has been the default image of horror for generations. Frankenstein is a timeless tale warning about what happens to those who fly too close to the sun, and the 1931 film adaptation more than lives up to its title.

Ian (Flash Review)This effort is what kicked off several sequels and other spin offs. The plot in a nutshell for those unfamiliar is Frankenstein is actually a scientist who has been experimenting to see if he can bring life to dead things. After small animal tests, he feels he is now ready to resurrect a human so he and his partner Fritz search a graveyard for a worthy body and parts. As everyone knows, his experiment works and his monster awakens much to his ecstatic enthusiasm. The monster can't speak yet manages to convey many emotions. So well in fact that during the story, you kind of care for the old lug. The film is rather simple and while not as scary today as it was in the early 30's, it is neat to see the pure frightening idea shine. Unfortunately, due to a brain mix-up, his actions are clumsy and imposing. Will the monster be able to blend into society? Special mention to the set creators as Frankenstein's mansion/castle was very dramatically haunting.

m-krajeski The 1931 Frankenstein is a classic that impresses many to this day. There are many themes, moods and lessons in this story. The moral and political questions that are raised give quite a look on the society reflected in the movie. Although technology and effects were not up to today's standards, the atmosphere and props were convincing. Acting was well read if not a little too theatrical. Coming into a new era of "talkies", it is understandable that the cast made sure that the audience clearly understood how they felt through their actions throughout the film. There are a few inconsistencies throughout the film but unless you are a hardcore film buff, you probably wouldn't notice it anyway. All and all, Frankenstein is a definite watch to know where Hollywood spread its wings coming into a new benchmark in film making!

tylergee005 I try and keep my modern biases out of my movie going, but I feel this film is so dated, that it's almost unenjoyable. Not to say that I haven't enjoyed films even older than this one, but I feel that in what it's trying to do, scare, horrify, terrorize, it's not so effective anymore. To explain further, it's a bit boring, and drones on in certain instances, and doesn't do a satisfying job at being a horror film. On this basis I can't rate it as good since In fact we are viewing this in the modern era, and I can't say it will be a good film to watch. However I do appreciate it as an historical piece which is why I chose to watch it, and for that it interests me, but not entertains.