Renfield Blu-ray Review
Not even Nicolas Cage can save “Renfield.”
Based on a story by “The Walking Dead” creator Robert Kirkman, “Renfield” is an action-horror-comedy that revolves around the titular lawyer turned familiar/servant to Count Dracula who does his bidding and is granted super powers when he consumes bugs (did you get all that?). Renfield is in a rut and has grown tired of his abusive and toxic relationship with his boss. He has no life of his own and even attends group therapy to work through his issues. To make a long story short, eventually a non-corrupt police officer (Rebecca) and the Lobo crime family (led by Bellafrancesca and her son Teddy) get roped into the story when Rebecca encounters Renfield and the Lobo family make a pact with Dracula. Can Renfield break away from Dracula or is he doomed?
Directed by Chris McKay (best known for the highly underrated “The Lego Batman Movie”) and written by Ryan Ridley, “Renfield” is the type of movie that thinks it is more clever than it really is. More often than not, it feels like a one-note SNL sketch with Renfield analyzing his dynamic with Dracula and coming to terms with his abusive relationship, but it doesn’t have much else to offer. McKay and company attempt to kill the time with over-the-top gore filled action that wears thin almost immediately. Sure, the practical effects and make-up work by Tinsley Studio are excellent, but that doesn’t make up for the mindless assault on the senses.
Where “Renfield” falls short is with the gangster element that feels like an out of place disposable 90’s movie plot. Not only does it detract from both Renfield and Dracula (which should be the main focus), but it serves no real purpose here other than to provide another villain/threat. You have Dracula, you don’t need another villain. The fact that Dracula would ever consider teaming with others does a disservice to the character.
Speaking of Dracula, the movie is in dire need of MORE Dracula. Whenever Nicolas Cage is on screen, the movie grabs your attention, but that’s not nearly enough. Cage does his best to carry the movie on his shoulders, but the script lets him down. Still, it’s great to see Cage in the role and he’s clearly having a blast here chewing the scenery and being a downright vicious vampire. The B&W homage scene to Bela Lugosi was also a hoot.
The rest of the cast is loaded with talented players like Nicholas Hoult, Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz (who seems to be in everything these days) and Shoreh Aghdashloo. With the exception of Schwartz who is miscast (and frankly annoying), everyone turns in fine work here. It’s just a shame they aren’t surrounded by a better movie.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? The Joel Schumacher Batman esque color scheme shines in hi-def.
Audio Track: 7.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 7.1 track doesn’t bite and really comes to live during the action scenes.
Extras:
* DVD copy
* Digital copy
* Crew commentary by producer Samantha Nisenboim, writer Ryan Ridley, post-production editor Noah Cody, supervising sound editor Nancy Nugent-Title, supervising sound editor John Marquis, supervising digital colorist David Cole, visual effects supervisor James Price, and makeup effects artist Christien Tinsley.
* 8 deleted/extended scenes.
* 3 minutes of alternate takes
* “Dracula Uncaged”- Cage and other cast/crew members talk about the iconic monster and the interpretation of Dracula in “Renfield.”
* “Monsters And Men: Behind The Scenes Of Renfield”- A standard making of featurette with film clips, set footage, cast and crew interviews, etc.
* “Stages Of Rejuvenation”- A look at Dracula’s physical transformations throughout the film.
* “Flesh And Blood”- A look at the practical effects.
* “Fighting Dirty”- A behind-the-scenes featurette on the fight sequences.
* “The Making Of A Deleted Scene: Renfield’s Dance”- The title says it all.
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