I, Frankentein

If you’ve ever read a story about Frankenstein’s monster, you’ll know he carries a fatal flaw. He doesn’t have a soul.

Unfortunately, neither does “I, Frankenstein,” Hollywood’s latest incarnation of the Frankenstein tale.

Since Hollywood released all its best work at the end of 2013, “I, Frankenstein” was the lone new release last weekend.

It flopped at the box office, grossing only $8.6 million, which isn’t too surprising given the barren storyline and lack of twists.

It’s easy to compose the elevator pitch for “I, Frankenstein,” whose eponymous character, Adam, is played by Aaron Eckhart.

He is an abandoned creature holding a key that could destroy the world. And he’s found himself in the middle of the war between two immortal groups — demons and gargoyles.

Adam figures out the meaning of his existence in the world with the help of a scientist (Yvonne Strahovski).

Sounds familiar? Yes, it’s like a reprise of “Underworld,” but instead of Kate Beckinsale holding two guns, it’s Aaron Eckhart holding two knives. Instead of vampires against werewolves, it’s gargoyles against demons.

The entire movie showcases the ability of Stuart Beattie, the screenwriter and director, to transplant.

He transplants Frankenstein to the story template used by “Underworld,” and unfortunately, Beattie is not a good storyteller.

And just like that, an extremely low-rated film is born.

Because of the simmering dullness of the plot, the special effects serve as the film’s wow-factor. The fight scenes are filmed with adequate and compact cuts. The film’s tone is relatively dark with full image saturation. Beattie adheres to the typical low-rated science and fantasy ambivalence about plot fulfillment and the overuse of sublime imagery.

You’ll wonder if the director approves when he sees the grisly scars registering on Adam’s face. The characterization is stereotypical, not distinct.

Without a soul, the transplanted organs and skin can only make Frankenstein one of the walking dead. The same rule applies to “I, Frankenstein.”

Without a storyline, the movie is just an empty container relying too heavily on special effects.