This super-stylized French action/monster flick takes a plot that has been used since Beowulf and every vampire and monster story since. It’s based on an 18th Century French legend, in which a giant beast plagues a village, hunting its citizens. The king dispatches Fronsac, a naturalist/explorer/all-around badass, along with his trusty Iroquois sidekick, to hunt the Beast.

Despite the lush production design, some stylish cinematography and fight scenes, the film makes a fun premise surprisingly dull. The director’s cut restores 10 minutes to the already sluggish pace. Director Christophe Gans, who has since gone on to adapt video games, doesn’t have the touch needed to successfully weave the action, mystery and soap opera-esque melodrama.

Grade: C

Brotherhood of the Wolf – Director’s Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition) is currently available.