‘Werewolves’ Review: Frank Grillo in an Extremely Basic Lean-and-Mean Werewolf-as-Zombie Movie

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As a die-hard fan of B-movies, practical effects, and anything that combines werewolves with dystopian action, “Werewolves” has me howling with delight! Frank Grillo‘s performance as a ripped, brainy bruiser who just happens to be a molecular biologist is a testament to his versatility. It’s like watching Charles Bronson with a PhD!

“Moonstruck Mayhem

What’s the status of your werewolves? They have a charmingly cheesy vibe, reminiscent of self-aware antiquity or perhaps just overly worn. Nowadays, people often appreciate practical effects with a hint of nostalgic wonder, despite the fact that at one point in time, these effects truly felt revolutionary compared to digital technology. This is because many of those effects were spectacularly unpractical.

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but marvel at the unique storytelling of werewolf films. “The Wolfman” from 1941 left me spellbound during its transformation sequences, as if it was shouting, “Forget the ordinary plot, witness this!” The tormented face of Lon Chaney Jr., writhing in pain as hair sprouted all over it due to the wonders of dissolves, was simply mesmerizing.

However, while watching “Werewolves”, you might find yourself questioning, “Has the quality of visual effects started to deteriorate?” The monstrous creatures are towering and agile, boasting devilish ears and animatronic snouts that snap like miniature crocodile jaws. These beasts move swiftly and cause extensive damage with their ripping actions. Yet, as crafted by Alex Gillis and Tom Woodruff Jr., they seem more akin to papier-mâché creations adorned with costume hair rather than convincing creatures. From certain perspectives, they resemble the wolf one might expect in a “Little Red Riding Hood” adaptation produced by the creators of “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey”.

Dr. Wesley Marshall from Grllo’s team is employed by the CDC, investigating and seeking a cure for the werewolf transformation, developing a substance called “moonscreen” that’s sprayed on affected individuals. Volunteers, or guinea pigs, are used in this study, transforming when they gaze at the moon. However, the tense laboratory environment filled with scientific experimentation swiftly takes a back seat, making way for more intriguing events.

In this reimagined scenario, Wesley, now responsible for his late brother’s wife Ilfenesh Hadera and daughter Kamdynn Gary, finds himself in a perilous situation when a werewolf outbreak occurs, resembling a zombie apocalypse. The question arises: Who will transform into a werewolf next, as barricades are set up with slats over windows to fend off the monstrous intruders. One of the werewolves is Wesley’s eccentric neighbor, a boastful survivalist who readies for the supermoon night by daubing his face with patriotic war paint. His subsequent transformation into what appears to be the first werewolf seen since the events of January 6 (with the QAnon Shaman as a possible earlier example) only adds to the chaos and uncertainty.

The film was helmed by Steven C. Miller, a director known for his unique and specialized fanbase in the realm of indie-B movies. They appreciate his occasional bursts of action creativity alongside his unpretentious approach. However, Miller isn’t particularly known for subtle themes. The movie features an exceptionally dramatic synthesizer score that evokes ominous clouds of sound, one of the most intense I’ve encountered. The film’s best moment comes at the end, when Grillo has to gaze into the moon to protect his loved ones. Lon Chaney Jr., if he were still around, would undoubtedly approve with a howl.

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2024-12-07 07:46