Episode 45 - Review: Wolfman (2025)

Remember back in 2017 when Universal tried launching their Monsters Universe of movies with “The Mummy” starring Tom Cruise? Even with the attempt to sneak in Russell Crowe as Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, that movie became an epic mess. “Wolf Man” is a second bite at the apple for Universal, with Leigh Whannell (“Saw” writer and “Upgrade”, “The Invisible Man” director) directing and horror king Jason Blum (Blumhouse Productions) producing this film.

What this film has going for it is its strong use of storytelling. The movie explores themes of parents, their kids, and the effort not to pass on mistakes from one generation to the next. It’s a very cool concept that is executed well for both how the starts and ends too. The setting, the actors (an amazing main cast: Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, and Mathilda Firth) all shine. Whannell also brings much of the production crew back together from his hit movie “The Invisible Man” for this movie. The sound design is incredible—easily the most creative aspect of the film.

Can lightning strike twice for Universal's revamped Monsters Universe, with its smaller scale but bigger scares? Does “Wolf Man” deliver the chills and thrills you'd expect from a monster movie? I get into it all here, including surprises with this movie’s budget and its interesting origins, which connect to director Derek Cianfrance and actor Ryan Gosling (both of whom previously teamed up on the excellent 2013 film “The Place Beyond the Pines”).

“Wolf Man” is now playing in theaters.

We have a great year of movies, shows, reviews, and recommendations ahead. Please be sure to leave a review—it helps the podcast!

Have a great time at the movies, and thanks for listening.