I was tasked by special request to review a decent werewolf film this year, however pickings were slim. Not just slim, but the worst in a genre brimming with horrible films. I can easily count the number of good werewolf films on both hands with leftover digits, which is unfortunate. The werewolf as a cinematic monster seems to be relegated to the dregs of the worst of bad films, and it has been ages since a good werewolf entry, the 2014 Late Phases being the last that comes to mind. With that in mind, devoted myself to the attempt of finding a good werewolf film and failing miserably:
A Werewolf in England (2020)
This is bad, but with a campy horribleness to the sheer levels of bad. I am normally not a huge fan of the concept of ‘its so bad it’s good’, and that is certainly not the case here. This is so bad, it’s bad. But the levels of overacting, the horrible framing, bad direction, hilarious acting, ridiculous dialogue and goofy plot might inspire some to engage with this film, on ‘The Room’ levels or perhaps as a drinking game.
F
High Moon (aka: Howlers) (2018)
I feel the original title is far superior, and wish the film itself could live up to that camp potential. The idea sounds like it should be ridiculously awesome: a pack of western werewolves and their gunslinging nemesis are resurrected in the modern day to continue their feud. Doesn’t that sound like the potential of horrible greatness? The poster itself would indicate a western Wolfcop, which would have been phenomenal. Unfortunately, and confusingly, given the subject matter, this movie takes itself somewhat seriously, despite understanding what a ridiculous concept and limited budget they have, the cast overacts with an earnestness befitting cancer-stricken amnesiacs on a daytime soap-operas. Squandered potential of a ludicrous premise, and punny title, but with some slightly higher production values than would be evidenced.
D
A Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020)
So this is the closest to a decent werewolf movie and still manages to fail on numerous levels including the most basic. More of a methodical, slow paced murder mystery, there’s several fragments of decent films hiding inside this mess, but none of them actually come together decently. Overall, there’s some pretty good humor, acting, production values and execution; however, if this is the best werewolf entry 2020 has to offer, the lycanthrope delegation should certainly protest.