The movie is interesting, involving many flashbacks Ian McKellen has from his medication and memories that are conjured up from conversations with Brendan Fraser. Ian McKellen is great as James Whale, but Brendan Fraser could use some work. Granted, this is probably the best work he’s done in a movie, but it’s not convincing. When asked by McKellen about a tattoo, Fraser responds, “I was in the Marines” in a deep, yet slightly unconvincing, voice. Brendan Fraser doesn’t look like a former Marine—part of this can be justified by a confession made later in the movie, but Fraser is hurt by his goofy smile and pleasing demeanor. Also Fraser’s voice varies from deep to normal throughout the movie, hurting his performance with each line.

The best scenes between Ian McKellen and Brendan Fraser are when they argue about Ian’s homosexuality. The power of their lines and the emotion demonstrates Ian’s obvious talent and a glimmer of what Brendan can achieve when attempting to act well. Watch this movie if you like movies full of dialogue or if you want to see a good drama.

I give Gods and Monsters *** out of ****.