 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Stars: David Naughton, Griffin Dunne, Jenny Agutter
Director: John Landis
Rated: R
Stars: 9.5/10 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Two young American tourists are back-packing through the countryside in Europe. One dark foggy evening, they decide to stop for a drink at a tavern called "The Slaughtered Lamb". The local townsfolk aren't very friendly, there's a pentagram drawn on the wall. They aren't just supersticious, they know something the boys don't, and perhaps the name of the tavern seems appropriate enough since nobody wants to give explanation nor stop the two young men from going back out into the dark. A few give heed: "Stay on the road, beware the moors, beware the moon." What do these locals know? Yeah, screw the roads! |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
David and Jack get the hell out of there, the whole idea gives them the creeps and a few laughs. Giddy, cold and a little freaked out, they walk along talking when the fog rolls in and they realize they've strayed from the road. Lost, cold, and a little uneasy, they hear something just near them. Howling, pacing, circling it's prey. |
|
|
|
|
|
As far as werewolf movies go, this is probably among the best. The effects aren't computer-generated and by the horrid sequel "An american werewolf in Paris" we can see why that should have never been done. John Landis kept the image of the actual werewolf for the most part, unseen. Gnashing of teeth, glint of the eye, lots of blood. More of the wolf is shown as the film progresses, and we even get to see the complete metamorphasis!
Jack is killed and David is wounded by the werewolf...who is shot and killed by the locals. David finds himself in the hospital with all sorts of questions, mainly why his dead best friend is visiting him. Jack returns as the undead, doomed to walk forever as a victim of the werewolf. Only david can see him of course, and Jack is insistant that David kill himself in order to save lives, for you see...David is about to change. He has received a bite that will be his curse. In the meantime a hot nurse takes him in since he has no place to go. She dosen't seem to mind, he's a cute american so what's the harm? |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
There is alot of dark humor, mixed with horror, suspense and special effects. Most of the humor derives from David's growing list of victims who hang out together, discussing methods of suicide. They seem matter of fact about the situation and quite polite, after all..they're English? |
|
|
|
|
|
The film won itself an Oscar for makeup and has established itself as a horror classic. The transformation scene has become the most talked about, and even as the climactic ending scene plays out the song "Blue Moon" blasts in 'tongue in cheek'. The fact of the werewolf is probably the meanest face I've seen yet, and there is just a wonderful mix of comedy and horror. It's one of those films that doesn't have big name actors but has quality acting. It's remained one of my favorites for years, and I still remember how much it scared me the first time I saw it. One scene has David waking up naked in a zoo with no clue how he got there or how to get home. "A naked american man stole my balloons." And when the werewolf is pacing through the city streets you can't help but cringe!
For anyone who had the misfortune of seeing the sequel: "An American Werewolf in Paris", this film was an abomination. It demonstrates how the overuse of CGI deflates the impact of a horror movie, and how some people need to leave a classic alone! If you have not seen the "London" version it is a must, and if you have you know it's one worth revisiting. |
|
|
|
The DVD has been given high praise among horror fans. The anniversary DVD offers more than the first, with pretty cool extras. Commentary by the two lead actors; Griffin Dunne and David Naughton. A behind the scenes featurette, interviews, outtakes, theatrical trailer, and production stills and storyboards. This is a great film! |
|
|
|
CLICK HERE for our new list of Horror movies you shouldn't miss |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|