Nearly 200 years after the publication of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, her infamous monster returns in a whole new story. In the movie I, Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein’s creation is still alive, and the fate of humanity hangs in his hands.

If action-packed science fiction movies are your thing, this is a movie you might want to check out. Here’s what you need to know ahead of time.

Good against Evil

In Shelley’s original story, scientist Victor Frankenstein assembles a body out of gathered parts and brings it to life. Now, two centuries after his creation, Frankenstein’s monster, now known as Adam, is still alive. He’s caught the attention of a demon horde, who wants to learn from him the secret to creating life. If they can make more beings like him, they can possess them and gain control of the world.

As in all good versus evil films, however, there’s another side to this story. Opposing the demons are a group of gargoyles, who can take both human and gargoyle form. The were created by an angel and serve on God’s side in this battle.

Stuck in the middle is Adam, who is trying to figure out his purpose and place in the world. The demons want to capture him, then use him in their plans for raising an unholy army. On the other hand, the gargoyles aren’t sure what to make of him, but they can see the potential for more than evil in him.

Another piece of the puzzle is Terra, a scientist who works on the side of the demons. Adam befriends her in an attempt to thwart the demons’ plans, and their friendship helps Adam discover his true potential to choose who he wants to be and to save humanity.

Mixed Messages

Good versus evil is a common theme in storytelling, and this movie is no exception. There are positive messages here about good triumphing over evil and doing your part on the side of what’s right. Adam has a choice to make, and he lands on the side of saving the world, rather than destroying it.

Religious elements abound in this story, but not all of them are biblically sound. Sure, the movie is correct that evil exists and seeks to destroy God’s creation. As 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

However, the spirituality of this movie doesn’t stop there. For example, the gargoyles are the creation of the Michael the archangel, and Adam gains a soul through the choices he makes over the course of the movie. These elements of the story are purely fictional and not based in biblical teaching.

Also, in this movie, those on the side of good aren’t always good. The gargoyles have their moments of lying and disobedience, and they spend a fair amount of time trying to kill Adam.

Is It Right For Your Family?

Focus on the Family’s Plugged In gives I, Frankenstein a rating of 2.5 out of 5 for family-friendliness. They caution that it’s not a movie for kids, nor is it entirely appropriate for all teens. Questionable spiritual elements, plenty of violence and occasional language issues all contribute to this rating.

However, there’s not much in this film by way of drug use or sexuality, and Plugged In advises that I, Frankenstein is generally acceptable for adults. Parental supervision might be a good idea for teen viewers, and the moral and religious themes present in this movie could serve as a good springboard for family discussions about biblical truth and right versus wrong.

Final Details

I, Frankenstein stars Aaron Eckhart as Adam and Yvonne Strahovski as Terra. Additional cast members include Miranda Otto, Bill Nighy and Jai Courtney.

This Lionsgate film was written and directed by Stuart Beattie. The story is based on the graphic novel of the same name, written by Kevin Grevioux and released by Darkstorm Studios.

I, Frankenstein is rated PG-13 for violence and fantasy action. 93 minutes long, it was released in theaters on January 24, 2014