‘Renfield’ delivers great over-the-top fun

Dracula (a.k.a. The Prince of Darkness) has been the main focus on numerous films over the past several decades. Since the 1931 film, the Prince of Darkness has scared audiences everywhere and became one of the most popular characters in both film and literary history.

Now, Dracula is back on the big screen. Only this time around, the main focus is on his loyal servant, Renfield.

In this modern monster tale of Dracula’s loyal servant, Renfield is the tortured aid to history’s most narcissistic boss Dracula.

Renfield is forced to procure his master’s prey and do his every bidding, no matter how debased.

But now, after centuries of servitude, Renfield is ready to see if there’s a life outside the shadow of The Prince of Darkness. If only he can figure out how to end his co-dependency.

Now, if you’re looking for a horror comedy that delivers a lot of campy fun, some very over-the-top bloody moments and an awesome Dracula performance from the one and only Nicolas Cage, then ‘Renfield’ is the movie for you.

‘Renfield’ can be an absolutely good time on the big screen. There are several moments in the movie that can be slightly over-the-top, which I expected from watching the trailers. And, this is one of those rare movies where the over-the-top segments actually work for the movie.

Some of the action segments are really fun to watch, especially when there are several people going after Renfield. And, all that action can lead to some really bloody moments, which is where the over-the-top parts come into play. ‘Renfield’ also delivers some humorous bits scattered throughout and the scenes featuring Dracula and Renfield are really great.

Speaking of Dracula, Nic Cage’s performance as The Prince of Darkness is the main highlight of this movie. The zaniness and eccentric acting you usually see from Cage makes his Dracula both memorable and highly entertaining. It’s really rare to have a character steal the show from the titular character and he does it perfectly. Nicholas Hoult, who has appeared in a few of the ‘X-Men’ movies and last year’s amazing film ‘The Menu’, also does an incredible job as the loyal servant.

Overall, ‘Renfield’ is a fun time at the theater. Indeed, there are quite a few campy moments, yet the campiness works really well. The computer graphics used for some of the over-the-top moments could’ve been a little better, but definitely won’t distract you from the fun you will have watching this movie. Plus, it’s good to see Cage on the big screen again.

The cast: Nicholas Hoult as Renfield; Awkwafina as Rebecca Quincy; Ben Schwartz as Teddy; Adrian Marinex as Chris; Shohreh Aghdashloo as Bellafrancesca Lobo; Brandon Scott James as Mark Jenna Kanell as Carol; James Moses Black as Captain Browning and the one and only Nicolas Cage as the legendary Dracula.

‘Renfield’ is written by Ryan Ridley (who has written a few episodes of ‘Rick & Morty’) and directed by Chris McKay (The Tomorrow War; The Lego Batman Movie).

‘Renfield’ is rated R for bloody violence, some gore, language throughout and some drug use and has a running time of 93 minutes.

Make sure to keep checking my Wyoming County Press Examiner reviews page on Facebook to see what upcoming films I will be checking out during the Spring Film Festival that begins Friday.

https://youtu.be/ICydLkeXq3w