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Lunch » Tags » Movies » Reviews » The Howling

The Howling

5 Ratings: 4.0

A 1981 horror film directed by Joe Dante.

The Howling is a tongue-in-cheek horror film directed by Joe Dante and stars Dee Wallace.

Tags: Movies, Horror Movies, The Howling Series

Cast: Dee Wallace

Director: Joe Dante

Genre: Horror

Release Date: 1981

MPAA Rating: R

1 review about The Howling

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You can't tame what's meant to be wild doc, it ain't natural.

May 14, 2009

by Captain_Couth

Rating:

The Howling is a horror "classic" that's responsible for burying the werewolf genre. Oh yes, during the early 80's the werewolf was nearing the end of being a staple in horror films. The films of Jacinto Molina (Paul Naschy) marked a long run and a renaissance of werewolf films from the late 60's until it's demise during the early 80's. When Senor Molina had a hard time getting a werewolf film off the ground, the writing was on the wall. But in Hollywood, the love fest with werewolf movies hadn't run it's course. Films like this one and American Werewolf in London redefined this dying genre incorporating state of the art f/x's (courtesy of Rob Bottin and Rick Baker). Instead of a rebirth, the genre died a slow death thanks to the many cheaply made and badly executed films that came out after this one (I dare not speak of the horrible films that followed this one bearing the name Howling).

The Howling tried something different but the results are a mixed bag. I would rate this movie highly except it's responsible for making a half dozen sequels which range from mediocre to down right unwatchable. The effects are remarkable and the film is full of familiar faces and cameos from people in the biz. It's perfect as a stand alone film. If you love this movie please stay away from the sequels. You'll never forgive yourself if you watched them. Trust me, I wished I never did. I fell on the sword so none of you have to witness the horror. I have seen them all and I wouldn't wish that upon my biggest and nastiest foe.

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