Teen Wolf (1985)

the audience applauded

Absolutely Brilliant!

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

It's 1985-an era of big hair, break dancing and synthesizers. Michael J. Fox was one of the biggest actors on the scene and between Family Ties and his movies he could do no wrong. Teen Wolf was one of his gems.I haven't watched every movie dealing with werewolves but to my knowledge there wasn't a werewolf movie before or after Teen Wolf that was a comedy (excluding Teen Wolf Too). Teen Wolf explored the idea of a wolf man being hip, cool and the life of the party. Michael J. Fox and company nailed it. They took a menacing creature and made it fun and lovable. If only vampires, mummies, zombies and others could come out from the shadows and show their party side.

I'm a kid from the 80's decade and this film is another childhood gem. I always loved the werewolf sub genre in films and this film was literally my first werewolf film, I had a lot of fun with it then and I still do now.What I really like about the film was how unique it was for it's time. It not just brought the werewolf subgenere to the teen audience but it also made it lighthearted which is something that hasn't really been done before or much. Let alone the fact this film is also kinda a sports movie as it's kinda about Basketball but with werewolves.I do like the effects and design of the wolf, it's a unique design because the wolf is non threatening and actually pleasant looking. The soundtrack is very good, there are a lot of memorable songs. Two of the ones that stick out are "Win in the End" which was a fun but encouraging song. But my favorite one of all is "Shooting for the Moon" which I thought was just beautiful because it really had a romantic tone but most importantly a great and inspiring message which correlates with the theme of the film.The comedy is solid, like that whole motto surf concept which was a trend at the time. And I even like the basketball sequences, mainly that final game which was a lot of fun.And of course the story is solid, it's the typical underdog rising up but it's done right. I really like the characters from Boof whom I think is cute and she has the persona to boot. The chemistry between both Scott and her is solid. It's basically a developing romance between the two, you already know that Boof and Scott are right for each other, it makes perfect sense since both of them have a long history together. The way it's handled feels a bit realistic as we see it slowly develop as Scott is feeling more toward her begins to see her different.Styles is just great, I really love how he is just this ball of energy. He's sort of an underdog as well, despite not being popular or even coming close to getting there he never lets that get him down as he just want to simply have fun, do his thing, and express himself not caring what other people think. I really love how he always has this different colorful graphic tees which are always funny as each of them has a colorful message which perfectly reflects the kind of character he is. He's also sort of a business man as we see him making a business out of Scott's werewolf fame which I thought was kinda funny but also clever, why not.And of course Scott is great (played by one of my favorite actors Michael J Fox) I really love how he's a sympathetic optimistic underdog we all can relate and sympathize with. He's not really on the high end of things, as he love for the sport isn't quite translating to a winning streak. But in certain points in time his luck will soon change in a big way. Even like how he reacts at first to the whole wolf change which seems normal for anyone, honestly how would you react. Basically the whole Werewolf transformation is metaphor for the common bodily changes all teenagers go through which can be both a wonderful and scary thing.Most importantly I like how the film has a good theme about the importance of being and believing in yourself.The whole Werewolf transformation thing is also metaphor for the image Scott is hiding behind just to get the popularity and empowerment he craves. From the abilities the Werewolf powers have given him as they made him perform physically better at Basketball, and the attention he's getting he feels that this is the person he should be. However he learns that living life though an image is a shallow and lonely existence because Scott isn't being himself, and he of course begins to learn the flip side of the coin of his powers that it not just produces consequences but also he's starting to become what he doesn't want to be.And of course I really like how he comes through in the end, which just goes to show that all you really need to be to achieve good and great things is yourself.Teen Wolf is howling fun.Rating: 3 stars

Teen Wolf is my favorite of Michael J Fox's movies. There is no doubt Back To The Future is a higher quality and better crafted film, but there is a special place in my heart for the crazier, more outrageous classic Teen Wolf. Michael J Fox is a fairly normal teenage dude that is bored with being average. He soon goes through some changes that make him the talk of the town. Once he confesses to his friend Styles that he is a werewolf, Styles then sets a campaign for maximum coolness instantly making him the most popular guy in school. Styles also makes a killing selling Teen Wolf merchandise. Much like every 80's teen movie, our hero has the hots for the stuck up beauty that won't give him the time of day. That is until it becomes fashionable to do so. However, he has a lot of interest from the girl next door, Boof who also looks great but is mad cool as well. This film is grounded by James Hampton(The Longest Yard) who gives a great performance as Michael J Fox's laid back, but caring dad. The father and son chemistry is perfect and without it and without James Hampton, the film would be too silly and not work. Michael J Fox also shows he has some dope moves on the basketball court. His team, The Beavers also has Francis from Pee Wee Herman's Big Adventure as one of his team mates, Chubby. He also has a super laid back coach that does not care about anything and gives horrible advice on life. He also has a lot of fun with his crazy buddy Styles. Teen Wolf is a great movie that is very funny but also moves along the story well with good performances and memorable characters.

The tragic story of a simple minded adolescent boy with a rare disease that turns him into a wolf at inappropriate times. Scott is small for his age and has suspect banter which makes him an easy target for bullies and practical jokers. While shaving one morning Scott suddenly turns into a wolf, a painful and humiliating ordeal which fills Scott with an inner steel and a taste for blood. A member of the school basketball team Scott is determined to be accepted as a wolf with or without his glasses on and tries to prove that wolves aren't just big dogs. Sadly for Scott, though more impressive physically and certainly hairier his suspect banter and high pitched teenage voice remain a constant source of anguish. Scott must decide whether to remain as a wolf, stronger, hairier but ultimately less human and therefore an animal or undergo extensive surgery returning him to an awkward teen with average basketball skills and poor eye sight. Scott's father Harold also suffers from the rare disease but has made his choice long ago choosing to stay in during the day and come out at night though always wearing a balaclava and boiler suit.