Reblogged on: https://itsastampede.com/2025/11/14/movie-reviews-2025-the-running-man-being-eddie-frankenstein/#like-78693
By Alex Wiggan
It’s alive. It’s alive. It’s aliiiiiiiiiive! Or words to that effect.
Yes, this week’s edition of Movie Reviews 2025 includes a review for the latest iteration of Frankenstein. This new one comes courtesy of Netflix and filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who have teamed up to revive and resurrect Frankenstein’s monster.
And speaking of revivals and resurrections, this week’s big screen review is reserved for The Running Man, which has also been brought back to life. Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the original movie back in 1987, while Glen Powell takes over running duties for this new version, as director Edgar Wright aims to rejuvenate Stephen King‘s story for a new generation.
In addition to all this, Eddie Murphy’s life and career is given the once-over in the documentary film, Being Eddie, and there’s love in the air in the Danish romantic drama, Mango. And all of this adds up to a rather packed edition of Movie Reviews 2025, so we had best get started!
Now streaming…
Frankenstein (2025)
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First up this week is writer/director Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. Based on Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, the film stars Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Charles Dance, David Bradley, and Christoph Waltz, and tells the story of a scientist who can regenerate the dead.
In the movie, the year is 1857, and Baron Victor Frankenstein is being chased through the North Pole by a mysterious and seemingly unstoppable creature. After meeting with the crew of a Danish ship, Victor is given a brief respite on board the vessel, as the creature appears to become trapped under the ice.
With the ship’s captain confused about what has transpired, Victor begins to tell his story, explaining who he is and how he is connected to the creature. As he rewinds the clock back to his childhood and beyond, Victor recounts a fascinating tale about his experiences, his experiments, and his exploits in reanimating the dead.
Now, you’re probably wondering why in the world there’s yet another adaptation of Shelley’s Frankenstein story? Between TV, the theatre, comics, and of course film, this story has been told, re-told, and then told again, to the point where surely everyone and their nan knows it inside out.
Well, the reason this story keeps getting adapted is because it is a stone cold classic, which not only inspires, but deserves to be updated and/or repackaged for generations to come. The best way to maintain a classic story is to continually re-tell it, because if we stop then it may fall by the wayside.
The important thing is to ensure each new take on the material is worth the time and effort to tell it. I’m pleased to say, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein certainly falls into this category.
This is one of the best adaptations of Frankenstein to date. The movie is an enthralling, visually stunning, Gothic epic, ideal for the dark, cold nights.
First and foremost, the level of creativity and splendour on display in Frankenstein is high. del Toro has carefully considered every shot, every angle, every shadow and beam of light to keep the eyes continually entertained, and the detail on offer from del Toro and director of photography Dan Laustsen is insane.
The production design by Tamara Deverell is also wonderful, as are the costumes from Kate Hawley, and as are the performances from the cast. Elordi’s creature is a true stand-out in the film, while Isaac’s Victor is brilliantly macabre.
del Toro understands the importance of both characters in the story, and gives the actors the space and opportunity to bring them to life. He then surrounds his leads with an excellent supporting cast who give the film the gravitas it deserves.
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If Frankenstein has flaws, they appear occasionally in the pacing which drops a couple of times here and there, and also in the brief sight of some CGI wolves which look a bit naff when compared to all of the wonderful practical effects. But these are minor quibbles, and Frankenstein remains top tier stuff regardless.
This is a lavish production, but not a stuffy, self-indulgent one. del Toro has worked his magic and pulled off a film which will hopefully become the default Frankenstein movie for years to come.
Should you wish to check it out, Frankenstein is now streaming on Netflix. Although, you may want to save this one for the forthcoming Christmas holidays, as it would go lovely with a crackling fire, a chilled glass of Baileys, and a big box of choccies.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
WILDsound Festival 