Title: The HowlingDirector: Joe Dante
Starring: Dee Wallace, Patrick Macnee, Belinda Balaski
Runtime: 91 minutes
Year: 1981
Source: AMC/cable
If you want to watch a really rad werewolf transformation then this is for you. If you care to see a werewolf serial killer... then why haven't you seen this yet? The Howling has been on my list of movies to watch for a while, just haven't got around to actually picking it up.
Starts out with an anchorwoman meeting up with a serial killer, only to suffer amnesia afterwards. Her doctor, obviously on the crack pipe, then sends her out to a relaxation resort [that happens to have more than a handful of werewolves calling the place home].
Overall, this is just a really strong werewolf story, with good characters, decent enough effects, and a werewolf sex scene to boot. How could you not love it? The gore level isn't high up there and at times the movie is a bit slow, but really, it all comes together quite well. A few of the supporting actors really need to re-think their mission in life, as acting is obviously not it, but I guess that's why they are supporting and I can't even think of another film they are in?
Don't care to give out anymore details, but go pick this up, even just for the werewovles themselves. Don't tell anyone, but I'm pretty certain they even creeped me out a wee bit.
Recommended.
j.
4 comments:
Yes, the first Howling is a classic. I wouldn't bother with any of the sequels though.
Seriously.
I caught some of this on cable around Halloween last year. Been wanting to finish it. See how much of a procrastinator I can be?! Didn't see the werewolf sex scene, but hearing there is one gets me anxious to finish the film again. Ha.
I feel really old realizing I saw this in the theater. I was only 6 (Very Cool Mother), but still. Great movie, though; always been one of my favorites. That was 1981 when "American Werewolf" came out as well. I'm racking my brain trying to think of another great werewolf movie that has come out since then. Ginger Snaps? Not a lot of great wolf movies.
Thanks for the heads-up on the sequels, Karswell. I was actually going to pick them up this weekend. I'll better use the time. :)
Oh CG, get on this! Go rent it already, sheesh. Even just to watch the werewolf sex scene a few times. ;)
Jonathan - Your mom rules. As does Ginger Snaps, but yeah, I'm kind of scratching my head trying to think of top notch werewolf films. Hmm. I think they are lacking, we need a few more, or I need to get out more, either or.