Middling 80s fare (Teen Wolf (DVD))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Teen Wolf (DVD)
Date:	20/07/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Michael J Fox

Disadvantages: Too tame and not very clever

80s films are generally revered for their charm and very recognisable aesthetic. Whilst this is true of films such as The Warriors, and certainly Michael J Fox's own Back to the Future series, there are a few duds, chiefly such as his star vehicle Teen Wolf, released in 1985.

High school student Scott Howard is encountering some very odd changes in his life - after losing a basketball game, he begins to notice some bodily changes, such as hair growing on his palms, and his voice deepening. Soon enough, he transforms into a fully fledged werewolf, and has to contend with juggling his school life with his werewolf life. However, Scott manages to use his condition to gain popularity at school, such as attaining favour with the girl of his dreams, and getting revenge on those who have bullied him.

It's a saucy, fun concept, but sadly, it's just lacking in the bite or wit that would make it a staple of 80s American cinema. It plays everything too safe, and his transformation into the wolf could very well have been a potent allegory for any given number of things, such as puberty and maturity. Also, it's just too safe and PG-rated for a film about a werewolf - I think had Scott have to contend with his animalistic desire to devour the Jock douchebags at his school, this film could have had a very memorable dark humour to it.

A decent premise is marred by a soft-edged, inoffensive approach that makes merely tepid reference to the shallow nature of the high school experience, whilst being mostly happy to pile on the cheese and laundry list of cliches.

Summary: A nice concept but poor delivery