The Prometheus Project (2010)

A group of researchers conducting illegal stem cell research discover a cell anomaly that has the potential to regenerate dead tissue. Unable to conduct legal human trials, the researchers turn to corpses to test their serum.

Director:

Sean Tretta

Writers:

Mary Shelley (novel), Sean Tretta (screenplay)

Stars:

Louis Mandylor, Ed Lauter, Maya Stojan

Cast

Credited cast:
Louis Mandylor	...	Marcus
Ed Lauter	...	Dr. Walton
Maya Stojan	...	Dr. Walton's Nurse
Tiffany Shepis	...	Elizabeth Barnes
Scott Anthony Leet	...	David Doyle
Kristina Wayborn	...	Elizabeth's Mother
Patti Tindall	...	Victoria Travelle
Richard Anderson	...	Marquez
Shane Dean	...	Agent Wollstonecraft
David C. Hayes	...	Paul Fitcher
Michael Tassoni	...	Father Ennio
Noah Todd	...	Ira Gorman
Lillie Richardson	...	Ott
Joe Ricci	...	Cyrus
Esther Ellsworth	...	Agent Godwin

Storyline

A group of researchers conducting illegal stem cell research discover a cell anomaly that has the potential to regenerate dead tissue. Unable to conduct legal human trials, the researchers turn to corpses to test their serum.

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Plot Keywords:

gore | back from the dead | frankenstein | science runs amok

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Taglines:

The end justifies the means.

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Genres:

Horror | Sci-Fi

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2010 (USA)

Also Known As:

Frankenstein Syndrome

Company Credits

Production Co:

NWR Productions, Ominous Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The character names "Agent Wollstonecraft" and "Agent Godwin" are direct references to the original author of the novel "Frankenstein" - Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Shelley.

User Reviews

Solid Movie of the Frankenstein story

Frankenstein, or variations on the original Mary Shelley novel, have been told and retold again and again on film since Edison Studios produced the first Frankenstein film in 1910. From Van Helsing to Young Frankenstein to Re-Animator to Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, there are arguably hundreds of titles to choose from that have adapted ideas from Shelley's original text. The latest of such is The Frankenstein Syndrome, a new film starring Ed Lauter, Tiffany Shepis, Louis Mandylor and Scott Anthony Leet.

The premise is interesting in its modern day approach. A group of researchers, which recently brought aboard scientist Elizabeth Barnes (Shepis) into the fold, are conducting illegal stem cell research in a secret location. Their research runs the risk of the doctors and scientists being ostracized and even prosecuted harshly by law if their research methods were made public. However, with the notion of being able to regenerate dead tissue and its impact to the medical profession, the scientists are willing to waive some ethical notions for what they consider to be the better good.

We begin to get an idea of just how eagerly twisted the project engulfs when we learn of vagrants and runaways that are locked away and used for the cultivation of human stem cells. But things take a more serious turn when they begin human trials and more specifically with a test subject by the name of David Doyle. David is a beast of a man to begin with and works as part of the labs security team. But when an accident leads to Doyle's attempts to sue to establishment, he is instantly murdered and used in the team's experiments.

The stem cell serum works better than any could have predicted and Doyle regains full consciousness. But they soon learn that he has other powers as well. Doyle is able to read minds and can move things telepathically. Add in his psychosis and treatment as a captive and you have the basis for grizzly behavior.

Doyle soon takes revenge on the team (except for his 'mother' Victoria played by Patti Tindall) and you can expect blood and pain to be part of his reprisal.

The Frankenstein Syndrome is played in flashback as the film opens with the Shepis character (wearing a mask and occupying a wheelchair for reasons to be revealed in the final chapter) giving a deposition as to events that occurred in the lab. Director Sean Tretta (The Greatest American Snuff Film) does a good job of developing characters and allowing the audience to connect to the cast.

There is violence in The Frankenstein Syndrome, but unlike most direct-to-DVD horrors it doesn't trump the story or engulf the characters. The screenplay (also by Sean Tretta) can take credit for most of the films triumphs. The dialogue is genuine and, at times, intelligent and helps propel the film from the ordinariness of its peers.

The Frankenstein Syndrome might not go down as one of the top 10 Frankenstein films of all-time, but it is a worthy entry. And one that definitely entertains its audience of Igors.

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