An odd but frothily entertaining genre cocktail, which coasts on the charisma of its two biggest names and keeps things just fun enough to forgive its considerable lapses in narrative.
That’s a wrap: Universal’s monsters are back from the grave and up and running (what do you expect – it’s a Tom Cruise movie). Uneven, but plenty of fun.
Framed as more of a superhero origin movie than ancient curse mystery, a messy plot unravels fast.
A confusing and over-determined plot is barely rescued by first-rate visual effects and Tom Cruise’s classic grin.
Tom Cruise fails to use any of his star power in this dull start to the Dark Universe.
Stunningly bad.
Even A-listers Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe – as Dr Jekyll no less – can’t bring this corpse back to life.
Instead of wrapping things up neatly, reams of deadening exposition also diminish any interest in future instalments, unravelling plans for the Dark Universe like a cartoon mummy spun free from its bandages.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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