Frankenstein vs. The Mummy (2015)

       The best type of monster movies are the ones that pits one against the other. Like many monster-vs-monster films before it, who doesn't like a good battle royale? Frankenstein vs. The Mummy is horror's newest addition to these types of horror films. The film pits two classical characters, Frankenstein's Monster and the Mummy; in a whole new twisted way never before seen on screen. Unlike most of the negative criticism aimed toward this film, I for one enjoyed every second of it.  The main reason why I purchased Frankenstein vs. The Mummy was due to the involvement of the Mummy. Mummies in horror films are hard to come by since their popularity isn't as strong like werewolves or vampires. I for one look forward to mummy horror but, after watching this film; my mindset may have changed. Frankenstein vs. The Mummy features an all-new insane Victor Frankenstein (Max Rhyser) trying to find a way to create life. At the same time, an Egyptologist (Ashton Leigh) has just uncovered a cursed mummy. After the grotesque creation and the reawakening, they both go into a brutal brawl to the death.

     I actually enjoyed the casting in the film. Max Rhyser (Dr. Victor Frankenstein) was truly unique in his performance. As Frankenstein, he surely captured the doctor's descent into madness and dedication for bringing his creation to life. There are points in the film that you either felt sorry or you pitied him. Ashton Leigh (Naihla Khalil) on the other hand brings beauty and innocence into the story. She has to face many dangerous foes including her beloved Victor. The relationship between the two is like watching a Romeo and Juliet-type story but, with vicious monsters (both personal and actual) embedded within. Robert MacNaughton portrayed Victor's sleazy paid henchman, Carter, who goes around stealing (or killing for) body parts for Victor's experiments. While at the same time, Professor Walton (Boomer Tibbs) acted as the Mummy's personal servant, who picks out the victims for his cruel undead master. The mummy Userkara was portrayed by Brandon deSpain (Day of the Mummy), and the Monster was played by Constantin Tripes. Both were amazingly outdone in appearance and their acting proved that they're truly monstrous in nature. Secondary characters, limited but shouldn't be overlooked; were Stefanie Merola (first film role; Lenora), Rahul Rai (Detective Brynner), Daniel Rodas (William), Sean Rogers (Trevor), and Martin Pfefferkorn as the unfortunate homeless man murdered by Carter.

     The gore and blood was used superbly while at the same time making you sick to your stomach. There is a sex scene but, unlike other horror films; it wasn't blown out of proportions and was used properly in my opinion. Though the setting is strictly confined (either in a practice nursing room or a filthy laboratory), the atmosphere had an amazing effect on the storyline. Suspense was wisely used alongside gory fear tactics such as ripping a man's bottom jaw off or removing facial features. The acting was great alongside good character development throughout.

     The scenes that consisted the Monster were probably my favorite. The Mummy scared the living crud out of me the first I watched this film (and continues to do so). Most of the scenes with him laying on the table really gave me goosebumps. The reason why I go against the Mummy in the film is that new mummy horror involves them acting more like zombies (i.e. Userkara eats Lenora's heart). Older mummy films had these undead pharaohs/priests basically strangle their victims to death. I'm not saying that mummies eating hearts isn't monster-like but, I feel as though they got rid of the one key component that separates the factions of the undead. For example in Dawn of the Mummy, though clearly all were mummies; you could always tell apart the two types. The main one who came from the tomb was a prime example of a classical mummy from older films while the ones appearing from underneath the sand ate flesh. In Frankenstein vs. The Mummy I enjoyed the Mummy in the film but, my money went to the Monster. First off his voice was truly horrifying gold, and the appearance really went for the literature essence. His personality was greatly feared and admiring. If I had to choose one scene though, I would have to go with the fight scene starting with their aggressive meeting to the Monster's brutal victory.

     My rating for Frankenstein vs. The Mummy is a definite 5 out of 5. The film had a perfect balance between horror and suspense. It had an amazing flow to the storyline as well as great acting. The sex scene wasn't too graphic or out-of-place like today's new horror films. The atmosphere played true to the creepiness of the film while the gore/blood effects were quite believable. Characters, namely the monsters; were quite entertaining in their murderous moments. Even though the fight scene didn't last long, it was cleverly played out and the waiting surely was worth it. Overall a perfect monster-vs-monster horror film to start out 2015. I recommend Frankenstein vs. The Mummy to everybody. If you haven't seen it already, please watch it. You're missing out completely because it offers everything a horror film should have.

"What the f---?"

Interesting Thought:

                               I would like to see Damien Leone make spin-off sequels similar to this film. Why not have The Wolfman face off the Creature from the Black Lagoon, or Dracula fight the Invisible Man?