Frankenstein

Frankenstein (Guiklermo del Toro, 2025)

IMDB film information

Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can’t Get Enough

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

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Horror, Fantasy, Psychological, Adaptation

Synopsis: Dr. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist, brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.

Everyone knows the story of Frankenstein because it is so engrained in pop culture. There have been so many film and television and other adaptations over the years. It’s not my favorite story, but I find it intriguing how the major themes and the big question of what it means to be human can be tackled in so many ways. Guillermo del Toro’s version is splendid. It perfectly blends horror and beauty, power and weakness, light and dark. Marvelous acting by Oscar Isaac and Christoph Waltz. And Jacob Elordi as the creature is vivid and inspiring.

Train Dreams

Train Dreams (Clint Bentley, 2025)

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Rating: Q=8, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

Philosophical, Period (19th and early 20th century), Lumberjack, Complex Relationships

"There were once passageways to the old world; strange trails, hidden paths. You'd turn a corner and suddenly find yourself face-to-face with the great mystery, the foundation of all things. And even though that old world is gone now, even though it's been rolled up like a scroll and put somewhere, you can still feel the echo of it."

These opening words are perfect. Train Dreams is truly the story of the life cycle--birth, change, death, rebirth. It shines a light on one man's cycle and all the sorrow and joy and confusion in it. The film is a quiet and exceptionally beautiful reflection of the human experience. I cried more than once. I appreciated the simple and somber tone and emphasis on visuals. Few words speak volumes. I hope, like the narrator says, that this old world isn't completely gone. We need to hear and see the stories of regular folks in the past to appreciate and cherish what we have and what we, as human beings, always will be.

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