Roger Corman (“Attack of the Crab Monsters”, “The Terror”) directs “Frankenstein Unbound” (also known as “Roger Corman’s Frankenstein Unbound”), a surprisingly creative and interesting spin on the classic “Frankenstein” story. The film combines a good cast, some impressive visuals and fun writing.

John Hurt (“The Elephant Man”, “Alien”) stars as Joe Buchanan, a scientist working on a secret weapon for the American government. However, his experiments cause ‘time slides’ as he’s transported from 2031 to 1817’s Switzerland. There he meets Dr. Frankenstein (Raul Julia “The Addams Family”) and his horrifying creation. Can Buchanan repair the damage he has done (or at least will do) to the world?

John Hurt is good as Buchanan. However, I had to laugh because for an intelligent man, he’s very casual about all the time travel stuff. He shows off a digital watch and even a talking car to the folks in the 1800s. Raul Julia is very fun to watch as Frankenstein. Interestingly, we also see Bridget Fonda (“Lake Placid”) as Mary Shelley, the real-life author of “Frankenstein”. She’s very good in the role. Other characters include Lord Byron (Jason Patric “Speed 2: Cruise Control”). Nick Brimble (“A Knight’s Tale”) plays Frankenstein’s Monster. He looks great; the make-up and costume departments should be very proud.

I like the special effects, I like the time travel concept, I particularly enjoyed the performance from Raul Julia and I just love all the ways this movie offered a unique version of the classic story. It’s not the best “Frankenstein” film but it’s certainly a memorable one. This was actually the last film to be directed by Corman, who is known more for producing than directing. Corman has gained a reputation for making schlock but this movie feels more sophisticated than many of his other movies with strong performances and better special effects. Check out “Frankenstein Unbound”.