Clayface

I typically am not attracted to 'comic book ' films, however when I saw my first trailer for "Clayface" I felt that this would be a doable film, and I was correct. This, as opposed to most other of the comic book films, turns out to be more cutting edge then that of their counterparts. It gives a one two punch in the stomach that keeps its audience glued.

This story unravels one man's horrifying descent from rising Hollywood star to revenge-filled monster in a story that explores the loss of one's identity and humanity, corrosive love, and the dark underbelly of scientific ambition. Matt Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries) is attacked by a mob boss, Markos Szabo (David Dencik) by attacking Matt's face and ends Matt's career and life since being an actor is all about looks. Matt is shunned by all, so he accidentally comes across a scientist, Dr. Caitlyn Corr (Naomi Ackie) to help him. Since her specialty is in cell regeneration, he was healed. As with anything that is new, there are potential side-effects to contend with and these side-effects in this case are practically otherworldly. 

Others to round out the cast are Eddie Marsden as Frank Fitzpatrick, Max Minghella as John Borrelli, Dr. Corr's fiance, Sam Hazeldine as Chris, Daniel Betts as Carmine Junior, Nancy Carroll as Hildie Love, Matt's agent, Wil Coban as Bones,and Joshua James as Corey Bowery.

This film was directed with grit and with a cutting edge approach by James Watkins ("Eden Lake" '08, "The Woman in Black" '12,"The Take" '16, "Speak No Evil" '24) plus TV. Unlike other 'comic book' films, this movie was more slickly handled where its editing, photography and even visuals and prosthetics were treated with a more realistic way as compared to a typical comic book way. He certainly stays within his comfort zone which is how he stays fresh in his genre. It was creatively written by Mike Flanagan ("Makebelieve" 2000, "Still Life" '01, "Ghosts of Hamilton Street" '03, "Absentia" '11, "Oculus" '13, "Hush" '16, "Before I Wake" '16, "Ouija: Origin of Evil" '16, "Gerald's Game" '17, "Doctor Sleep" '19, "The Life of Chuck" '24, "V/H/S/Beyond" '24) plus TV and a short, and Hossein Amini ("Jude" '96, "The Wings of the Dove" '97, "The Four Feathers" '02, "Killshot" '08, "Shanghai" '10, "Drive" '11, "Snow White and the Huntsman" '12, "47 Ronin" '13, "The Two Faces of January" '14, "Our Kind of Traitor" '16, "The Snowman" '17, "Obi-Wan Kenobi: The Patterson Cut" '23) plus TV movies, TV and a short, based on a story by Mike Flanagan. With the culmination of these two screenwriter's experience, it's no surprise this film was written in this cutting edge and dark way since their resumes are a who's who of these type of films. The film was sequenced well and other than a couple of small places of inconsistencies in script, this story was spot on. The acting by both Tom Rhys Harries and Naomi Ackie were very believable and executed well and the prosthetic makeup effects by Legacy Effects were seamlessly designed and excelled well.

If you like 'comic book' films, you'll love this, but if not, like me, you'll enjoy the way this story was handled. And, as long as this film makes a truck load of money, there will be a sequel. I know, what a shock! A comic book film with a sequel--unheard of! It's a fun flick to enjoy for a couple of hours. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                       Rated: R                                           108mins.