Such was the case of me and "Renfield." The trailer looked fun and campy with Nicolas Cage as Dracula chewing up the scenery like it was the world's last bag of barbecue potato chips. This had all the earmarks of a completely fun and spontaneous Saturday night at the flicks.
Um, not so sure. Sadly, "Renfield" didn't deliver the laughs I was expecting. What I wound up with just another CGI-heavy action flick, long on gore and short on comedy. Oh, there were a few scattered comic moments. But, overall, "Renfield" took its self much more seriously than warranted. Indeed, the funniest line was on the theater poster.
"Sucks to be him."
So, this film focuses on Dracula's young assistant/protege named Robert Montague Renfield. He's got some identity issues and is seeking help in a community group. Too bad one of those advisors wasn't a script writer. You don't laugh when you think you should. And you cringe a lot more than you think you would. Nicholas Hoult is certainly serviceable in the title role. If only he had fun with the part. Everything on screen comes off way too serious.
Renfield gets hooked up with a New Orleans detective played by Awkwafina who still plays every role like she's back in "Crazy Rich Asians." They end up chasing down some drug kingpins who you just know will come into contact with Dracula. Again, here's another missed opportunity. You really think Nicolas Cage is going to have some merry fun as Dracula. Nope. It's one misfire after another. And the worst victim is the audience which expected so much more fun.
"Renfield." This is nothing to sink your teeth into.
LEN'S RATING: Two stars.
Dinner last night: Salad.
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