Over-rated and Far too Silly
Werewolves need rehab too.
For some reason, this flick has a multitude of devotees – and that’s perfectly fine. If you love horror and werewolves, definitely check it out.
Unfortunately, there was far too much tongue-in-cheekiness for me – and absolutely no scares. More important, I was disappointed that renowned writer/ director John Sayles’ story wasn’t executed better on-screen. The concept was wonderful, but it fell flat due to overly long scenes in some cases and outrageously short ones at other times. Worst still, I hate lengthy werewolf transformations while a frightened character stands by to watch the entire (ho-hum) process before they become dinner. Ludicrous. I’d be running for the nearest set of silver cutlery.
Rob Bottin’s special effects were fantastic, however, though some of the “bubbling” was over-the-top. Luckily, he completely nailed all that down when he helped deliver the far more darker – and utterly brilliant – THE THING a year later for John Carpenter.
Other recommendations: The best two lycanthropic experiences are GINGER SNAPS (2000 Canada) and DOG SOLDIERS (2002 UK/Luxembourg/UK), followed by AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON (1981 UK/USA) and BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF (2001 France).
1.5 out of 5 stars