Review: Werewolves is a fun, not so serious horror-action movie

As a seasoned connoisseur of the supernatural, having spent countless nights huddled around campfires listening to ghost stories and watching every creature feature that graced the silver screen, I must say that “Werewolves” has managed to scratch an itch I didn’t know I had. The film harkens back to a time when practical effects reigned supreme and plot holes were as common as full moons – a delightful throwback to the ’80s classics like “The Howling” and “Wolfen”.

As a movie enthusiast, I must confess I approached Werewolves with modest anticipation based solely on the trailer. However, what piqued my interest was the authenticity of the werewolf design. They seemed less digital and more practical, reminiscent of animatronic monsters straight out of an ’80s production. Frankly, I appreciate that approach.

The portrayal of werewolves in this movie is similar to that in films like “The Howling” and “Wolfen”, maintaining a level of campiness and plot inconsistencies. However, it’s quite entertaining. Unlike the more impressive werewolves in the 2010 film “The Wolfman” starring Anthony Hopkins and Benecio Del Toro, or Josh Harnett’s werewolf in “Penny Dreadful” TV series, these creatures are as I expected, with their growls, drool, and large teeth. We occasionally learn about their past through personal items like dog tags and a vest labeled ‘wolf killer’. The action is faster and more technologically advanced at times, such as when the scientists wear protective suits equipped with electronic helmets. The lighting could be improved in certain scenes, but overall, I found “Werewolves” enjoyable from start to finish.

The premise

In this film, set just before a supermoon event, people are preparing to endure the night as rumors swirl that such moons can spontaneously turn humans into werewolves, without any need for bites.

A team of researchers is busy creating a solution. They’ve developed a spray that supposedly functions much like sunscreen to shield against moonlight’s influence. They have several test subjects, individuals who transformed during the last supermoon phase, for testing this on. I was initially unaware that the lead scientist was Lou Diamond Phillips, famous for his roles in movies such as ‘La Bamba’ and ‘Stand and Deliver’.

Absolutely, even well-laid plans can unravel and chaos ensues. You might witness numerous individuals being removed from the scene, heads detached, and an abundance of blood. Is this surprising? These were not mere beasts; they knew how to circumvent certain safeguards – bypass electric fences, disable cameras, for instance. Frank Grillo delivers a convincing performance as the protagonist stepping into his deceased brother’s role. His transformation offers an attractive spectacle.

If you find it entertaining, don’t miss out on the movie titled “Werewolves”. It’s currently showing in some cinemas. I personally found it quite engaging for an hour and forty minutes.

2024-12-10 01:41