Renfield

Renfield is a lot of fun, a fast paced 90 minute horror comedy that's diversions from its core idea are still funny and never on screen long enough to derail it. Underneath all the unapologetically over the top gore is a really heartwarming story about understanding and appreciating your own self worth.

Nicholas Hoult cements his skills at comedy with another really funny performance and Renfield's lack of confidence and journey to find it is just really endearing. Awkwafina is obviously equally strong when it comes to comedy and this role also offers a few dramatic moments as well.

Ben Schwartz adds another funny supporting performance to his resume, having definitely made up for Sonic 2 now. The best performance and strongest aspect of the whole film is easily Nicolas Cage as Dracula. He brings the Cage elements you expect whilst still having an intimidating presence. Even though he gets enough screen time, more Dracula would've been appreciated.

Chris McKay's direction is really good, the film may lack an overall style but he makes sure the film is generally stylish with well implemented slow motion, energetic and well shot fight scenes and the odd montage. Also, this and 2020s The Invisible Man prove the Dark Universe being cancelled before it could get off the ground was the best thing as these films are way more unique and interesting.

This film had every good thing going for it to be a surprisingly entertaining and fun popcorn flick. The comedy was spot on, the gore effects were nice and extreme, and all the casting and performances were excellent, especially Cage, who was perfect for the role. I wasn't sure about casting Awkwafina, but her chemistry and character were a great compliment to Nicholas Hoult's character. But the best part of this film, was the nice twist on the over-done Dracula/vampire genre. It was a refreshing and unique twist on a story we've seen done so many times before. My only complaint is that I wanted to see more of Cage in this film. Not sure if it's doable, but this could be a fun new film franchise if they can come up with more films using the same characters - and hopefully see more of Cage at his best.

I wasn't necessarily expecting exceedingly high quality from Renfield, but I was expecting a lot of fun, and that's exactly what I got.

The plot is thoroughly entertaining, with great pacing and a fun set of characters. It's nothing particularly complex or mind blowing, but it has some creative ideas that are nice and engaging. The tone is all very tongue in cheek, which makes it actually decently funny, which I wasn't necessarily expecting so that was a treat.

The cast are superb. Nick Cage as Dracula, need I say anymore? He is obviously a triumph in the role. Nicholas Hoult is a great lead, and supporting roles from Awkwafina and Ben Schwartz are great fun.

Overall I think that word sums up the film perfectly. It's just a whole lot of fun.

Renfield. 2023. Comedy horror,featuring Nicholas Hoult as Renfield, Count Dracula's trusty familiar. Dracula played by and I hadn't realised that I really like Nick Cage. It's a enjoyable romp, think "What We Do In The Shadows" but with more gore and fighting. Similar to Shadows in that it's the everyday mundane stuff which makes the film, along with gory fight scenes with use of dismembered limbs as weapons which is nice and lots of bugs which will please the hungry among us. The subplot with the drug barons is a bit pointless but the counselling group which Renfield joins is great fun. It's worth seeing horror fans 8/10.

Cage was born for this role. He's not in the movie as much as I would've liked though. I was expecting him to go full Nic Cage mode here, but he takes a slightly different approach and it works pretty well.

The gore is amazing with some really spectacular dismemberments and blood effects. They're really fun to watch. Only issue I had with it is the CGI blood doesn't stain clothes, walls, and floors etc so it kinda gave an unfinished look.

Then there's Awkwafina. She can't act at all. Her line delivery is terrible. I have no idea why she keeps being cast in so many movies. She plays a cop but I didn't buy a second of it. If her role was switched with the woman that plays her sister the movie would been better.