Review It Yourself

We wanted to love Guillermo Del Toro's Frankenstein—here's why we didn't.

Guillermo Del Toro's Frankenstein (2025) has been one of the most anticipated horror films in years—but did it live up to the hype? Join Sean and Sarah as they dive deep into this bold adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, exploring its stunning visuals, performances, themes, and where they believe the film ultimately falls short.

Despite impressive production values, practical effects, and an emotionally compelling performance from the Creature, this adaptation left us wanting more. We discuss whether the film captures the heart of Shelley's novel, if Oscar Isaac's Victor Frankenstein works, how Jacob Elordi fares as the Creature, and why Guillermo Del Toro's storytelling choices may divide audiences.

Expect an honest, spoiler-filled conversation covering the film's pacing, adaptation choices, character motivations, body horror, gothic atmosphere, and whether this version deserves its growing reputation among horror fans.

In this episode:
Our spoiler review of Guillermo Del Toro's Frankenstein (2025)
How faithfully it adapts Mary Shelley's classic novel
Oscar Isaac's portrayal of Victor Frankenstein
Jacob Elordi's performance as the Creature
The film's visuals, practical effects and gothic horror aesthetic
Why we think the Creature's story is the strongest part of the film
The pacing, runtime and storytelling choices
Whether this adaptation improves upon classic Frankenstein films
Our final verdict and rating

Whether you're a lifelong fan of Frankenstein, a lover of gothic horror, or simply curious about Guillermo Del Toro's latest film, this episode offers an in-depth discussion packed with analysis, criticism, and appreciation for one of horror's most enduring stories.

If you enjoy the episode, please follow, subscribe, and leave a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen. It really helps more people discover Review It Yourself and supports the podcast.

Follow Review It Yourself
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reviewityourselfpodcast2021
🐦 X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/YourselfReview
🦋 BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/reviewityourself.bsky.social
🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.net/@reviewityourselfpodcast2021
📧 Email: reviewityourselfpodcast@gmail.com

Support the Podcast
The best way to support Review It Yourself is to:

Follow the podcast on your favourite podcast app.
Leave a rating and written review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Share this episode with fellow film and horror fans.
Join the conversation on social media and let us know your thoughts on Guillermo Del Toro's Frankenstein (2025).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From classic werewolves to Dancing Wolfeman—Rick London reveals all in this interview.

What happens when classic werewolf mythology meets dancing, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling? In this episode of Review It Yourself, Sean is joined by author Rick London (Ricardo Cotto) to discuss his entertaining novel The Dancing Wolfeman: Volume One, the enduring appeal of werewolf fiction, and why monster stories continue to capture readers' imaginations.

From classic Universal monsters to modern werewolf films, Rick shares the inspiration behind his unique Wolfeman character, his writing journey, and the importance of creating stories that entertain while remaining accessible to readers of all ages. The conversation also explores favourite werewolf movies, practical effects in horror cinema, publishing, book marketing, and why reviews matter so much for independent authors.

Whether you're a fan of werewolf books, horror films, monster fiction, or simply enjoy hearing authors discuss their creative process, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and plenty of laughs.

In this episode:
The inspiration behind The Dancing Wolfeman
Rick London's lifelong love of storytelling
Why werewolves remain one of horror's most enduring monsters
Favourite werewolf movies and classic monster cinema
Writing memorable characters and accessible fiction
Independent publishing and reaching new readers
Why reader reviews make such a huge difference for authors
Sean's recommendations for essential werewolf films—including Dog Soldiers and An American Werewolf in London.

About Rick London
Rick London (Ricardo Cotto) is the author of The Dancing Wolfeman series, blending humour, adventure and classic monster storytelling into an original family-friendly horror experience.

Find Rick London online:
Website: https://dancingwolfeman.com/
Book: The Dancing Wolfeman: Volume One (available through Amazon and major online book retailers)

Follow Review It Yourself
If you enjoy honest reviews, interviews with authors and filmmakers, horror, cult cinema, books and pop culture discussions, make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reviewityourselfpodcast2021
X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/YourselfReview
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/reviewityourself.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@reviewityourselfpodcast2021
Email: reviewityourselfpodcast@gmail.com

Support the Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, here are the ways to support Review It Yourself:
Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform.
Leave a 5-star rating and written review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Share this episode with fellow horror fans, book lovers and werewolf enthusiasts.
Recommend the podcast on social media to help more listeners discover independent creators.

Every rating, review and share genuinely helps the podcast reach a wider audience.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does Daredevil's Director's Cut redeem one of Marvel's most divisive superhero movies?

In this episode of Review It Yourself, Sean is joined by Stew from Stew World Order to revisit Ben Affleck's take on Marvel's Man Without Fear and find out whether this early superhero film deserves a second chance.

We discuss the differences between the Director's Cut and the theatrical release, Michael Clarke Duncan's unforgettable Kingpin, Colin Farrell's wonderfully unhinged Bullseye, Jennifer Garner's Elektra, and whether this darker version improves on the original.

We also explore Daredevil's place in the history of Marvel movies before the MCU, how it compares with modern comic book adaptations, and whether nostalgia has changed the way audiences view it over twenty years later.

If you've ever wondered whether Daredevil (2003) is an underrated superhero movie, a misunderstood cult favourite, or simply a relic of early 2000s comic book cinema, this episode has you covered.

In this episode, we discuss:

Daredevil (2003) Director's Cut vs theatrical version
Ben Affleck as Matt Murdock/Daredevil
Marvel films before the MCU
Michael Clarke Duncan's Kingpin
Colin Farrell's Bullseye performance
Jennifer Garner's Elektra
Early 2000s superhero movie trends
Comic book movie nostalgia
Does Daredevil deserve a reappraisal?

If you enjoy honest film reviews without the faff, subscribe to Review It Yourself and never miss an episode.

Follow Review It Yourself:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reviewityourselfpodcast2021
X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/YourselfReview
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/reviewityourself.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@reviewityourselfpodcast2021
Email: reviewityourselfpodcast@gmail.com

Support the podcast
If you enjoy the show, the best way to support Review It Yourself is to:

Follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Share your favourite episodes with friends and fellow film fans.
Recommend guests, films, or TV shows you'd like us to review by getting in touch via social media or email.

Thanks for listening to Review It Yourself – Film Reviews Without the Faff.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can reading minds really save a relationship, or destroy one forever?

In this episode of Review It Yourself, we’re joined by Lou from Pods Like Us to revisit the 2000 romantic fantasy comedy What Women Want, starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt. More than two decades after its release, does this blockbuster still entertain, or have changing attitudes left it feeling like a relic of its time?

We dive into the film’s unique premise, memorable performances, standout supporting cast, comedy, romance and the themes that made it one of the biggest hits of its era.
Along the way, we discuss whether What Women Want still works for modern audiences, how it compares with other romantic comedies of the early 2000s, and why it continues to spark conversation years later.

Whether you're a lifelong fan, discovering the film for the first time, or simply love movie reviews and film discussion podcasts, this episode has plenty to enjoy.
In this episode we discuss:
-What Women Want (2000) retrospective review
-Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt's performances
-The film's supporting cast and memorable characters
-Comedy versus romance – does the balance still work?
-How well the film has aged
-Themes, humour and changing audience expectations
-Final ratings and recommendations
If you enjoy honest, entertaining film reviews with plenty of discussion and humour, be sure to subscribe to Review It Yourself so you never miss an episode.
Follow Review It Yourself:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reviewityourselfpodcast2021
-X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/YourselfReview
-BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/reviewityourself.bsky.social
-Threads: https://www.threads.net/@reviewityourselfpodcast2021
-Email: reviewityourselfpodcast@gmail.com

Support the podcast:
If you enjoy the show, the best way to support Review It Yourself is by subscribing, leaving a 5-star rating and review on your favourite podcast app, sharing episodes with fellow film fans, and recommending the podcast on social media. Every review, rating and recommendation helps more listeners discover the show.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How historically accurate is Cromwell (1970)? A historian gives the definitive verdict.

Step into the English Civil War with historian Dr. Erica Canela as she joins Sean of Review It Yourself to explore the 1970 historical epic Cromwell, starring Richard Harris as Oliver Cromwell and Alec Guinness as King Charles I.

Is Cromwell (1970) an overlooked classic, or does it sacrifice history for Hollywood? We dive into the film's historical accuracy, the real political and religious tensions of 17th-century England, the performances, the battle scenes, and why this ambitious historical drama still sparks debate more than 50 years after its release.

Whether you're fascinated by British history, historical films, Oliver Cromwell, the English Civil War, or simply enjoy discovering forgotten cinema, this episode offers an entertaining discussion packed with insight, humour, and plenty of historical tangents.

In this episode:
A review of Cromwell (1970)
Richard Harris as Oliver Cromwell
Alec Guinness as King Charles I
How historically accurate is Cromwell?
The English Civil War explained through cinema
Politics, religion and power in 17th-century England
Why the film deserves another look
Historical context from Dr. Erica Canela
Favourite performances, memorable scenes and lasting legacy
Plenty of lively conversation and unexpected detours
If you enjoy film reviews with expert guests, historical analysis, classic cinema, and relaxed conversations, subscribe to Review It Yourself on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Leaving a five-star review helps more people discover the show.

Follow Review It Yourself
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reviewityourselfpodcast2021
X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/YourselfReview
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/reviewityourself.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@reviewityourselfpodcast2021
Email: reviewityourselfpodcast@gmail.com
Support the podcast
If you enjoy the show, the best ways to support Review It Yourself are:

Follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Share your favourite episodes with friends, family, and fellow film fans.
Recommend the podcast on social media to help more listeners discover it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.