Renfield Review: 5 Ups & 5 Downs

3. Nicholas Hoult's Solid Lead Performance

Nicholas Hoult is a terrifically talented actor in both the dramatic and comedic stakes, and following up his brilliantly snivelling turn in last year's The Menu, he returns with an altogether more sympathetic comedy lead.

Hoult is quite perfectly cast as Dracula's likeable, world-worn familiar, who wishes to escape the abusive clutches of his "boss" and atone for the part he has played in enabling Dracula's murderous existence.

Hoult plays off Cage quite superbly during their interactions - one of the film's easy high points - and also shines during his confessionals at a self-help group for people in unhealthy relationships.

And of course, Hoult is a persuasive ass-kicker: despite his svelte build, we believe it when he leaps around and rips the bad(der) guys limb from limb.