Rating: 
Summary: a masterful character study
Review: Truly worthwhile viewing. Superbly written and acted portrait-of-the-artist as both manipulator and victim. McKellan is a wonder--swinging from lechery to tristesse almost within the same frame. And Fraser is his match, playing an apparently simple hunk with unexpected depth and sensitivity. This is a film that is in turn melancholy, funny, wicked, and finally, uplifting. Pounce.
Rating: 
Summary: I know I was supposed to be impressed, but....
Review: This movie just didn't grab me, at any point. I am usually a tremendous fan of McKellan's work, and like Fraser's style. However, neither really clinched it in this film. The scene stealer in this blasé film has to be Redgrave, playing McKellan's Hungarian housekeeper. The film covers the recollections of the director of the original Frankenstein film. McKellen finds a confidante in Fraser, the yard/pool boy. While the recollections could have been riveting, somehow the delivery is flat, and you find yourself saying "who cares?" most of the time, without forming any affinity for either character's plight. Yes, McKellen is an openly gay actor, and yes, Fraser does a bit of a nude scene, but that's no reason to run out and buy this film. Rent it on a slow Saturday afternoon. It's watchable, but you won't want to re-watch it.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful and Touching Performances
Review: This film tells a fictitious story about legendary director, James Whales, in later years of his life. The story is told from an interesting angle. While I don't think that the stoty itself is fantastic, the performances by Frasier and Redgrave are definitelly worth watching. I must confess that I love Brendan Frasier, but even I was impressed by what he's accomplished in this film.There is this one scene with McKellen and Frasier in the middle, the climax, which the film was building up to. It is absolutely amazing. If there is ever a collection of most amazing scenes in the history of cinema, this scene should be one of them! If you like Hollywood's history, Whales' films, or simply creative cinema, you will really like this one. If you are a bit on the homophobic side, then, truth to be told, this film will not be easy for you to digest.
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Summary: Gods and Monsters on DVD
Review: Gods and Monsters is a modern masterpiece, and definitely one of my favorite films of all times. Gods and Monsters tells a fictional account of the last few weeks of acclaimed, openly gay, director James Whale's(Ian McKellan) life, centering around his friendship with his yardman, Clayton Boone(Brendan Frasier) and his maid, Hanna(Lynn Redgrave). Though all around the performances are top notch, Redgrave stands out as the comic relief. The film is beautifully shot, which is represented well on the DVD through letterbox. Also included on the DVD is a short documentry entitled "The World of Gods and Monsters: A Journey with James Whale", which first tells about the life and times of the real Whale, and then moves on, giving details about the film "Gods and Monsters". The highlight of this DVD is really Bill Condon's director commentary, which is one of the best commentaries I have ever heard.
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Summary: A sweet and sensitive film
Review: Those who complain that the movie is slow have a point - you should watch it when you are in the mood for a character-driven rather than a plot-driven film. It is helpful though not strictly necessary to have at least a passing familiarity with Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein - Whale's best known works are heavily used for metaphorical effect throughout. And an appreciation for good acting is a must. McKellen is excellent as a brilliant, proud man facing the deterioration of age and ill-health in a world where he is very much alone: even his loyal housekeeper of many years believes that he is going to Hell. His acting does much to prevent the movie from toppling over into melodrama (though a few scenes teeter on the edge.) My only real complaint with the film was that some of the minor characters included for comic effect seemed slightly heavy-handed, especially the young interviewer at the beginning. However, this is overall a very good movie about a man who is not remembered nearly as well as he should be.
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Summary: EXCELLENT ON ALL COUNTS
Review: The story and script, performances and sheer artistry of this unusual movie are superb. The subject matter, compelling to say the least, brings to vivid life James Whale during his final days, along with his housekeeper and the garden boy who serves as his model, and object of desire. The screenplay has that ring of truth and poetry rarely heard in movies today; it is both fresh and classic. Lynn Redgrave is nearly unrecognizable, and brilliant, as the housekeeper; Brendan Fraser does an amazingly sympathic job with a character who both grows internally and who grows on you; and Ian McKellen is simply beautiful to watch in a glinting, fascinating performance that deserved an Oscar. Period scenic and costume details, along with well-crafted black/white images from Whale's classic horror films add flavor, spice and a dream-like quality to this very human movie, which will remain in your mind long after the tape is over.
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Summary: A wonderful acheivement
Review: "An ultimate heartache movie for gay men," this intimate slice of James Whale's story can be appreciated by many audiences. The acting is nothing short of superb. Featuring Lynn Redgrave's hilarious turn as an ultra-religious housekeeper (for which she deserved the Supporting Actress Oscar). Ian McKellen's work is more complex--stirring so many emotions in such a sensitive & understated way. A compelling film which executes the feelings of longing & the dismal facade of old Hollywood glamour.
Rating:
Summary: sensitive portrait
Review: This film is a reconstruction of director James Whale's last days and thoughts. It is taken from Christopher Bram's speculative novel, "The Father of Frankenstein". Most famous for the two original films about the creation of life (seen as 'monsters'), Whale was found floating in his swimming pool. Officially called a suicide, the circumstances were questionable. Whale was gay in a time when Hollywood, at its most image-conscious and hypocritical, shunned any association with a lifestyle that suffused the industry. "Gods and Monsters" is a sensitive and substantial portrait of two men. Jim, played with elegance, poignancy, and humor by Ian McKellan, has had a stroke and is suffering the indignities of impaired functions and mental state. It is anathema for the formerly vigorous and humorous man to contemplate a future of declining health and increasing dependence. Jim befriends his hunky gardener, Clay Boone. Brendan Fraser is outstanding, as well as sweet and desireable, in the role. The roughly handsome young man models for Jim, preferably shirtless, and they talk. Lonely individualists with secret heartaches, the two men form an intimate, affectionate, and combative bond. Whale wistfully and painfully remembers, in haunting flashbacks, his youth, career, and tragic love for a young soldier in the ghastly trenches of WWI (learning first-hand the 'gallows' humor he brought to his films). These memories become increasingly mixed up with his relationship to Clay, who he begins to confuse with his 'monster'. The younger man, with honor and compassion, sticks by Whale till the end, and remembers his friend in a touching epilogue. This is a loving tribute to a man who contributed to, profited from, and was ultimately "killed" by a heartless studio system.
Rating:
Summary: Ian McKellen shines hauntingly.....
Review: What a movie. I was so tremendously moved by the characters, both haunted by their past, tortured by the present and yet still eager to experience, learn and enjoy life..... an affirmation for living a life that's full and making your mental baggage work for you. Loved it !
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Summary: And he can act, too!
Review: The first time I watched this film on video I was completely drawn in. I found Ian McClellan as James Whale both sinister and appealing in a strange way. His "stalking" of Clay Boone, the gardener, made me extremely uneasy and the revelation of his actual plans for Boone appalled me - he was so unconcerned with what might happen to anyone other than himself. After a second viewing, I realised that this was primarily a movie about loneliness and the unlikely attachments between these three main characters. It's possible to watch this film on several levels and get a lot out of it - very thought provoking, and beautifully shot. McClellan and Redford are consistently wonderful - Fraser finally gets to turn in a non-comic performance with some heft to it. Anyone who has seen "School Ties" knows that Brendan Fraser can act - unfortunately, up until Gods & Monsters he's mostly been tapped for his comic timing. His role in G&M should have given his dramatic career some impetus, although it doesn't seem to have done so just yet. This movie is ultimately about the struggle to connect with others and make sense of our lives. If you feel up to thinking after a movie, get this one!
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