Review: Frankenstein (2025) Guillaume del Toro

According to Wikipedia, as of April 2026, 480 feature films include some version of Frankenstein’s monster. Not all of these productions are actual Frankenstein movies, mind, as the monster/creature shows up often in other movies, and this includes other versions and interpretations.

But the point here is: There have been a lot of Frankenstein movies.

A lot. And while del Toro is a great director, I’m not sure this one was needed. It is very well made, but it brings nothing new to the story other than vibes. And the vibes are quiet and meditative. Even the violence manages to be quiet and meditative.

His goal was to make a faithful adaptation, and in that he succeeded. It might well be a good introduction to the story to people who are less familiar with it – and having the same actor, Mia Goth, play both Claire Frankenstein and Elizabeth was a creepy touch.

To those who do know the story, though, its flaw might be in its very faithfulness. And the fact that it doesn’t really need to be 2 and a half hours long. Lighting would also have been nice. (On that note, lots of strobe effects during the animation sequence, more than was strictly necessary).

What saves it from being a drag…is not a what at all, but a who. Australian Jacob Elordi really inhabits the Creature. He grew up in theater, but has no issues on the screen, and carries every scene he is in.

It’s actually worth watching just for Elordi’s performance, although overall I found it somewhat wanting. At this point, we simply don’t need another “faithful” Frankenstein film.

I received a copy of the movie for award consideration purposes.

Andor 1.7 "Announcement"

Now we see the reactions to what happened on Aldhani. Some people in the Rebellion want Andor dead. (I suspect they'll settle for recruited).

His elderly adoptive mother has joined the rebellion. Poor Cassian. That wasn't a consequence he intended or wanted, for sure.

(The "announcement" in the title refers to the statement made by the theft).

Various plots are now in motion. And Andor knows he can't stay on Ferrix, but his mother won't leave with him.

Instead, he flees to a tropical island...or rather, a planet named Niamos, which has some nice beaches. He's arrested for no reason and sentenced to six years. So, presumably, we have a jailbreak next.

Wizards of Waverly Place 2.29 "Wizards and Vampires vs. Zombies"

It's prom season, and Justin invites Juliet, with a plan to ask her to go steady with him. (Yes, go steady).

Max gets a ring that removes fear to test. it doesn't work on him because he's already so fearless, but it does help Harper ask Zeke out...to anti-prom, which is zombie themed.

Max also manages to inadvertently invite the local zombie colony to zombie prom. Don't worry. It's all resolved with a dance off.

I think the entire episode was an excuse for a dance number, tbh.

Wizards of Waverly Place 2.30 "Retest"

They're finally addressing just how cruel and evil it is that only one sibling gets to keep their powers. It's...about time. Took how many episodes?

Maybe they had people point it out to them. But they show how it tears families apart as Jerry's sister, Megan, represents.

She's mad, understandably, that Jerry gave his powers to Calbo instead of her. Especially as she was clearly the better suited to have them.

But he had his reasons.

And they still aren't talking and likely never will. I don't personally find family estrangement funny...nobody who's been through it does.

But I'm glad they actually thought about a premise of their world that's just plain...wrong.

Daredevil 1.12 "The Ones We Leave Behind"

Whewf!

Karen is not dealing with what she did and unsurprisingly seeking refuge in a bottle. Matt and Foggy still aren't talking to each other.

Gao makes a strategic retreat after Daredevil shuts down her heroin sweat shop (with blinded workers, of course).

And Ben is fired and then, shall we say, fired again. Fisk takes him out personally. Shame. I really liked that character. (I had a dim memory indicating he wouldn't survive, but...)

Don't mess with the bad guy's mother.