TEEN WOLF (1985)
Scott Howard (played by Michael J Fox) is a high school student on a basketball team that just flat out sucks. He has a cool friend named Boof (played by Susan Ursitti), but he totally blows her off regarding a relationship, because teenagers are idiots (including me, when I was a teenager). He likes another girl who doesn't care for him at all, until he begins turning into a wolf. Because as we all know, werewolves are hot (sarcasm). Now Scott has to sort of self-realize with the help of Boof. His werewolf side is either part of him, or it’s taking him over, and turning him into not just a dumb teenager, but a jerk as well. Having said that, few if any, of the actors and actresses in the film were actually teenagers when the movie was shot. Michael J Fox was already 23.
This is another role that suits Michael J Fox perfectly but apparently hated doing it, because he refused to return for the sequel. It also probably didn’t help that the make-up took 4 hours to apply. Overall werewolf comedies were still pretty rare, so back in 1985 this movie was pretty well received. I do think a lot of people just rented it after its theatrical run, because everyone seems to remember it, but the box office wasn’t amazing. Writing wise there are a few pretty iffy moments and the story itself feels disjointed at times. So in this one, you are kind of looking for the humor to hold up, and it does to an extent.
What does make this film good is Boof being a voice of reason, and Scott’s dad, but I didn’t find myself identifying or even rooting for Scott. The antagonist in this movie are also strong and do add to the challenges presented in the movie. We also get a pretty solid 80’s soundtrack, specifically in the final sequence. The ending is also heartwarming, but abrupt, and I am fine with that. Effects wise with this being a comedy, the werewolf make up is serviceable on Scott, but looks pretty goofy on his father. It’s almost like you want to play fetch with him, or take him for a walk, he’s looks so much like a dog.
Overall I have to give TEEN WOLF a 3 out of 7. While this movie is enjoyable, it’s not a go to flick and even the nostalgia isn’t enough to make this a “Win In The End”.
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