Teen Wolf
| Directed by: | Rod Daniel |
|---|---|
| Written by: | Jeph Loeb, Matthew Weisman |
| Cast: | Michael J. Fox, James Hampton, Susan Ursitti, Jerry Levine |
| Studio: | Atlantic |
| Genre: | Horror, Comedy |
| Official Site: |
This movie really is quite bad from a technical standpoint. It’s corny, predictable, the premise is ridiculous and the whole thing is pretty fucking stupid. But these things didn’t bother me as a kid, and I’ll be damned if they bother me now because there’s something about this movie that I just love. How could you not love this movie? This is 80’s cheese at some of its best, and I’ve always had a lot of fun with it.
I don’t think this would work at all without Michael J. Fox, which is pretty much the only reason this movie was even released. This flick was made before Back to the Future, but shelved. And after BTTF became such a hit, they decided to release this one to bank on Fox’s name. Which is another cool thing about it. It’s like watching Marty turn into a werewolf. A teen wolf, baby! Using his powers to win over the ladies and score kegs at the liquor store.
The story couldn’t be any more of a cliché. Dorky kid can’t score on the basketball court or with the ladies, ignoring the adorable and understanding girl next door to try to tap the shallow whore, who doesn’t give him the time of day until he suddenly becomes popular. His popularity naturally comes back to bite him when his true friends are shunned and his teammates hate him. Ending with the inevitable moment when he ditches the lime light and learns about the importance of teamwork.
But you throw a hairy Fox in the mix and all these flaws seem oddly forgivable, and become part of the charm. So I have a blast with this wacky flick. And Boof. Oh man did I have a crush on Boof when I was a kid. I’d love to be locked in a closet with her. And I also think it’s funny that the basketball team is called The Beavers. So when Fox turns into the wolf on the court, he’s a……hairy beaver. Hey-oooooooh!
BOTTOM LINE: It’s a good time. It’s ridiculous but a lot of fun for me, and it’s hard not to love Michael J. Fox. Too cute to be considered a horror comedy, working as nothing but a comedy in fact. But it and it’s always on my Halloween watch list. If you’re looking for some 80’s cheesy charm, then you can’t go wrong with this one.
