The Frankenstein Syndrome

Horror

MTI Home Video

R1 DVD

Supposedly based on Mary Shelley’s classic story of the mad doctor trying to reanimate human flesh, this film updates the concept to a group of scientists doing illegal stem cell research to find a universal healing compound. The project’s ruthless manager. Marcus, is using people from off the streets as his test subjects. The team is joined by a brilliant stem cell researcher, Elizabeth Barnes, who is quick to see where the problem with the serum might be. With a new batch of serum she is ready to proceed. The test subject responds but then dies in great pain. One of the security guards was in love with her and she was carrying his unborn child.

He tries to gouge money out of Marcus but the completely amoral Marcus simply shoots him in the head and he becomes the latest test subject. They feel if the serum can repair him, he will be childlike because most of his brain was blown away. The serum repairs his brain and brings back his memories and he becomes a bloodthirsty monster who hates the project and its people. The serum has not only repaired his brain, it has enhanced bits that would be best left alone. He shows his disapproval by ripping their faces off.

As the project runs out of control with homicidal maniacs on the loose, Marcus is ordered to shut down the building and dispose of all the evidence. This will include the scientists, who are now caught between Marcus and the monster they have created.

The story raises once again the question of man acting as God, creating or destroying life. If the dead are reanimated, what will they be like? Will they be calm and rational or will they be monsters bent of revenge for the pain of their death and rejuvenation?

The film is tense and fast moving. The blood and gore is a bit excessive but at least it is not used to make up for a weak plot. It’s quite a good film of its kind and better than average.

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