SHULER HENSLEY
REVIEWS
Van Helsing
As classic as Boris Karloff's monster is, Tony Award-winning actor Shuler Hensley is the best Frankenstein monster since Karloff. An articulate, Bible-reading creature, he only looks like a fiend. And there's the rub. Hensley's Frankenstein is the poignant result of circumstances beyond his control. If people didn't judge the monster by his strange and fearsome appearance, they'd see he's actually a gentle giant. (John Wirt, 2theadvocate.com)
The unknown Shuler Hensley truly shines, bringing the right mixture of dignity and pathos to Frankenstein's monster. (Rob Vaux, Flipside Movie Emporium)
Hensley also infuses some complexity into Frankenstein's monster, which closest mirrors the creatures portrayed in the original Universal classics in look and character. He's misunderstood, pained and compassionate, yet could tear you limb-from-limb if he wanted to. (Tim Lammers, IBS Network)
The effects are outstanding, as is the supporting cast, including Shuler Hensley as a Bible-quoting Frankenstein's monster. (Margaret A. McGurk, The Cincinnati Enquirer)
Frank may be square of head but he’s (almost) Mary Shelley eloquent and sympathetic. (The Scotsman)
Character development ranges from zero to nil - except for Shuler Hensley's Frankenstein's monster, a secondary character who shows more depth and charisma than anyone else. Erroneously referred to as Frankenstein at least once in the picture, the well-spoken monster is endowed with a cool green light for a heart, and electricity that cackles from the brain under his removable scalp. (Barry Caine, Alameda Times-Star)
Committed performances by Jackman, Beckinsale and Shuler Hensley as a sympathetic Frankenstein's monster whose exposed mechanical heart pulses with an Absinthe-green liquid. (Judith Egerton, Louisville Courier Journal)
Frankenstein's monster (a sympathetic Shuler Hensley). (Lou Lumenick, New York Post)
Hensley is also excellent as Frankenstein's Monster, capturing some of the wounded rage and empathy of the original ogre. (Nev Pierce, BBC.co.uk)
Frankenstein (perhaps the movie's best character). (Robert Denerstein, Rocky Mountain News)
Frankenstein's Monster, given a dollop of humanity by Shuler Hensley, fares the best of the monster trio. (Christian Toto, Washington Times)
Frankenstein's monster, nicely played by Shuler Hensley, turns out to be the most sensitive and sophisiticated person in the picture. (L.A. Times)
It leaves the drama in the hands of Frankenstein's resurrected monster (Shuler Hensley), who yearns to be released from his freakishness. (Joe Williams, St Louis Post-Dispatch)
The character likely to generate most audience sympathy is Frankenstein's monster (Shuler Hensley). (Philippa Hawker, The Age)
In the middle of all the fights, vampires flying around, and werewolves chasing people, Jackman and Shuler put in good performances that go a long way towards making these characters sequel-worthy. Although it isn't explored enough, Frankenstein's Monster and Van Helsing form an interesting bond as two outsiders who just want to live. Jackman is equally strong whether delivering the sassy one-liners or doing the "brooding hero" thing, and has enough screen presence to stand up to a character like Dracula, while Shuler understands Frankenstein's Monster's naiveté and the fear he feels after everyone he has ever come into contact with has chased him, wanted to use him, or tried to kill him. It may seem silly that such a huge monster is so frail, but that is the compelling aspect of Frankenstein's Monster throughout literature and in the movies, when it is done correctly. (WaffleMovies.com)
Lightning crackles, fangs are bared and Frankenstein (well played by Shuler Hensley), the final link in this monster chain, asserts himself ..... Wenham jousts with Kevin O'Connor and Hensley's Frankenstein for the best supporting actor title. (Micheal A. Edward, Jamaica Observer)
The monsters are all re-imagined with a great deal of flair, particularly Frankenstein's creation, one of the best of his many screen portrayals. (Nell Minow, Yahoo Movies)
Shuler Hensley comes closer than anyone in the movie to showing his character's soul. (Sean P. Means, The Salt Lake Tribune)
Shuler Hensley adds a strong dose of pathos to his Creature, who only wants to be accepted by mankind, instead of being hunted and exploited. (Bob Bloom, Layfayette Journal and Courier)
Shuler Hensley, heavily made up as the Frankenstein monster, gives a sympathetic performance akin to Peter Boyle in “Young Frankenstein”. (Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews)
Dr. Frankenstein's misbegotten creation is played by soulful Shuler Hensley, a Tony-winner for the "Oklahoma!" revival in which Jackman originally starred. (Carol Cling, Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Shuler's hulking form and brooding intensity may have helped, but you realise his intelligence in bringing a real human side to the role adds plenty, taking us miles from the horror film cliché we've received over the years. (Gareth Gorman, Living Abroad Magazine Online)
Shuler Hensley is a dang good Frankenstein's Monster. (D. K. Holm, Movie Poop Shoot)
Hensley is the only supporting character worth a damn in his good portrayal of Frankenstein's monster. (Andy Patrizio, IGN Insider)
The only exception is Shuler Hensley's Frankenstein's Monster. It is his performance that reminds why these characters were compelling in the first place. His monster is a grotesque with the soul of an angel, allowing him to give some nuance to his character. (C A Wolski, Box Office Mojo)
Shuler Hensley's sensitive performance of
Frankenstein's Monster. (George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal)