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an+american+werewolf+in+london | Year: 1981 Classification: horror Directed: - John Landis Actors/Actresses: - Jenny Agutter - Griffin Dunne - David Naughton An American Werewolf is reborn This was one of the first 'horror' films I ever saw, and it is by far one of the most memorable films of the genre I have ever seen. From the cold, bleak beginnings with the two young American back-packers wandering into The Slaughtered Lamb, there is a certain ominous and effectivly eirey quality from the word go. The comical naivety and the even-more comically sombre attitude that the locals at the pub engage in is movie entertainment at it's best. It sets the scene for the true rollercoaster of a movie that is yet to come. The gore is gorey, the scares are scarey, the comedy is spot on and the surrealism is baffling and highly disturbing. It has to be said that the setting for the film in London is inspired. Of course, the tolken well-mannered coppers and the ever-so nice doctors and nurses seem to be plucked straight out of the nearest Britsih book of cut-out stereotypes, but I don't think the film could have worked any other way. A lot of people claim that Scream (1996) is the best horror-comedy since this little masterpiece, but how they can even be compared is beyond me. Scream mocks (respectivley) an entire genre of slasher movies that died way before Freddy even hung up his old slasher-glove. An American Werewolf was the only, and still is, the only film in it's 'genre'. Original, profound, desperately enteratining and memorable in every aspect. The soundtrack's great (fantastically ominous title music clashing with hilariously cheesy covers and classics). The acting is also spot-on. Buy this film. Buy this film and then wonder why Michael Jackson's Thriller video isn't shown as often as it should be too.... American Werewolf in London: a 'bloody' comedy Director John Landis (BLUES BROTHERS, BEVERLY HILLS COP III) has a different view as to what a Werewolf should be. His lycanthrope stalks his prey crouched on all fours as opposed to the fuzzy face men of the past. It attacks without any hesitation and fills the crime scene with blood, guts and gore. And he attacks to the strains of "Creedance Clearwater Revival". This, and some great dark comedy is what make this horror film stand out. Additionally, it has what was once the most amazing use of make-up. This film propelled the man to wolf 'transformation' into our movie-going psyche. Today, this film would obviously look different, as the effects technology has grown. But, its mix of comedy and horror has not changed since this film; in fact it has far from improved since this great film. David Naughton (The DR PEPPER guy) does well as the young fellah cursed with an overactive case of the late night munchies. He is practically overshadowed by Griffin Dunne (AFTER HOURS) as his young buddy with the greatest attitude toward his own graphically disfigured body. Sometimes the gore and the comedy go a bit extreme and scenes where ... zombies take over a homestead in an unrelated nightmare just seems excessive. But, this film influenced the creation of the now common horror comedy. The DVD has a fair video transfer, sometimes marred in grainy darks. It has a great DTS sound transfer. It also includes a fun audio commentary by its 2 stars but offer very little interesting information; in fact they get caught up in the film and don't say anything for long stretches. There's also an 18-minute interview with Landis that offers some new insight. (Watch for Landis as a stuntman in Piccadilly Circus). There's also an interview with Oscar winning make-up guru Rick Baker (PLANET OF THE APES, KING KONG) and video diary of some of his work. Finally, there are some deleted scenes (one of which leans toward an "X" rating). Enjoy the AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON. Incidentally, due to potential conflicts, they almost filmed this in France. The title was then going to be AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN PARIS. Of course, they cleared all that up and left that title for the inevitable ridiculous sequel several years later. Classic Horror Flick An American Werewolf in London is basically John Landis' take on The Wolfman. (There's even an Easter Egg preview of the Wolfman on this Special Edition disc.)<BR> Instead of having the wolf walk on two legs Wolfman style, however, Landis hired famed makeup artist Rick Baker to design a werewolf that ran on all fours. The results are much more frightening indeed. While by today's standards the wolf may look tame, the transformation sequences and death scenes are very tense. <BR> And Landis, who dirceted many of the National Lampoon movies, doesn't forget to add in a healthy dose of humor here and there, and it works quite well. The movie is somehow both very scary and very funny.<BR> This special edition disc is loaded with extras, including documentaries on the making of the wolf, behind the scenes, outtakes, interviews with John Landis, and recommendations for further viewing. <BR> It's a great horror film, shot beautifully with good makeup and creature effects. Worth seeing. Buy An American Werewolf In London at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on An American Werewolf In London Search with the Priority Search Engine on An American Werewolf In London This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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