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I first saw this in the early 90s on a vhs.

Revisited it recently.

This is the sixth entry in the Howling series.

While this movie doesn't have sufficient werewolf action or kills, this one is much better than the last four parts.

The villain/vampire (Bruce Payne) in this one looks more like Thoth-Amon (man beast) from Conan the Destroyer.

This one has an offscreen sex scene n a nudity consisting of one boob, thereby taunting Total Recall's three boobs.

Supremely strange sequel has an interesting premise (werewolf vs. vampire) but with a very weird execution. A young drifter drifts into town, just as a traveling circus arrives. Carnival barker (named Harker) is kidnapping "freaks" to use in his circus, and has his sights set on the young drifter who, just happens, is a werewolf. Big problem with this film is that it seems like there are too many genres played with: character study of the werewolf drifter, character study of the smalltown's people, love story between werewolf drifter and preacher's daughter, werewolf movie, vampire movie, werewolf vs. vampire movie all confusingly rolled up into one movie.

While the film does have some decent effects, as the drifter transforms into the werewolf during the full moon, what it doesn't have is a decent pacing, and a sense of humour. It also doesn't even have the benefit of on-location photography that the previous sequels had, and how in the bloody hell is any of this "based on the novels The Howling I, II, and III by Gary Brandner"?

Admittedly not to everyone's taste, but HOWLING VI: THE FREAKS blows the previous four sequels out of the water. Absolutely no one appears to have noticed, but Brendan Hughes here has simply re-invented himself as a reluctant werewolf carrying on pretty much where he left off as the stylish but caring Vlad Tepisch in TO DIE FOR..one of the best vampire films ever made!

Quirky this may be, hammily directed admittedly and with a musical score that sucks at times, there is still enough in this tale of a shabbily-treated gaggle of sideshow freaks to warrant a second viewing. Bruce Payne in the film before his cool-hijacker role in PASSENGER 57 plays the literate but somewhat inhumane carny-owner who just might know more about Brendan Hughes "condition" than he is letting on.

Several touching scenes and for the most part anything but a horror movie, one's enjoyment of this film is fully dependent on an inclination to listen, having a sense of compassion and a degree of awareness that not too many have.

Its NOT a great film by a long shot - its an interesting failure if anything but I for one, can find plenty to like about it. The cat scene for one thing propelled the film to a 6 to start with.

Oh boy...this is definitely one to bury in the back yard. I For those who are not fans of the Howling series...this will not win you over. From a boring, far from scary story to a werewolf that look like a cross between Centaur and a sheepdog, this moving has nothing that would make me think about recommending it.

At times you wonder if you are watching a Howling flick or a poor, poor remake of the classic movie "Freaks". Either way, the filmmakers fail to present anything new, exciting, scary, or entertaining.

There are a lot more movies at there worth your time. There are a lot more Wolf flicks that will scare you more than this one. And if it's freaks you want to see, watch the original. Throw this one out with the trash.

Howling VI: The Freaks absolutely sucks. For starters, the only reason I own this DVD was because Artisan came out with a double feature DVD of this, along with Howling V: The Rebirth. I needed to have the fifth installment in my horror library, it's a good one. I did post a review on Howling V, so if you are interested check that one out. Now, back to Howling VI, this movie is set at a carnival freak show with some hideous creatures, and the premise is between a vampire and a werewolf drifter. One would think that this would be an epic battle, but it's totally below expectations. This unsatisfactory film lacks any sort of highlighted special effects or a decent plot. They could have done a lot more with this and they didn't. I remember watching this movie late one night at my Grandparents house when I was a kid. I didn't like it then, and after viewing it again, I haven't grown to appreciate it now. I don't want to go on and on about this sorry picture, so I will stop. There is nothing here.

A villainous carnival owner (Bruce Payne) captures a young werewolf and adds the man into his traveling sideshow of human oddities and (as the title says) freaks.

Leonard Maltin said the film is "Intelligentally written, especially for this series, but pretentious with vague Ray Bradburyesque undertones". That may be fair. I would not have even thrown in the "intelligently written" part, but within the context of the series... sure.

The DVD & Video Guide 2004 noted that "Special effects that leave a lot to be desired diminish this really strange entry in the long-running werewolf series". Fair, and to put this in context, there are not all that many special effects.

Another reviewer stated that "H. B. Harker played by Bruce Payne is the one thing that makes this film watchable. His unrepentantly evil Harker is wonderful, aristocratic, neither over or underplayed." I will agree that Payne is the strongest actor in the film, with the strongest character. I actually found the film as a whole very watchable, though it has less horror and less werewolf than you might want from a "Howling" film.

This definitely falls under the category of "straight to video" - wooden acting, unbelievable plot line, and the picture is all kind-of "fluffy", showing a cinematographer who hasn't been to cinematographer school. This came out at the time when it was cool to have a couple of British actors in your cast - perhaps the US government relaxed the work visa situation in light of Anthony Hopkins's win for best actor in Silence of the Lambs. Anyway, back to this movie, and the reason I gave it a category 2 instead of 1 was the only redeeming factor, an unusually generous performance by Bruce Payne, for a change, not attempting to be the center of attention. What next? Howling 25, starring a has-been McAuley Culkin as the sheriff who saves a high school from a rabid caretaker? Give me a break!!

The first 'The Howling' film is by far the best of the franchise, while it had imperfections there was a lot to like about it at the same time and for me it's the only one to be good. As a franchise, generally 'The Howling' series is not a particularly good one and the sequels were way off the quality of the original. The following three sequels especially were true to this, only the fourth film attempted any fidelity and even then it took itself too seriously while 2 and 3 were cheap overloads of camp.

'Howling V: The Rebirth' still wasn't particularly good but it was surprisingly watchable and the best of the series up to then and the best possibly of the sequels. Actually take back saying that it was the only 'The Howling' sequel to rise above mediocre at best. This film, 'Howling VI: The Freaks', also just about does rise above being that standard, after rewatching it, while also being wildly uneven and less than great. This is still nowhere near close to the quality of the first film, but like 'Howling V: The Rebirth' compared to the previous three sequels there are improvements here and fewer issues compared to the previous sequels (not as big quality-wise too).

Although not looking incredible as such, 'Howling VI: The Freaks' is still one of the better looking sequels. There is some stylishness and the setting is suitably eerie. The standout on the visual front is the really quite terrific make-up, the best since the first film, which was both inventive and creepy. The church transformation scene is one of the best transformation sequences of the franchise in my mind too, the film's most creative moment. The music is haunting and doesn't compromise the mood or is not used predictably.

One improvement over the previous sequels, and this is including 'Howling V: The Rebirth' is the acting. Found the acting ranging from subpar to awful in the previous sequels and it was not always a strength even in the first film. Here it is better than average, with the best performance coming from a menacing Bruce Payne, clearly enjoying every second playing the film's most interesting character without going over-the-top. Found myself interested in the characters and not being bored or annoyed by them. There are some unsettling and atmospheric moments with the film boasting the most original concept of the franchise, some of the script is thought-provoking and like the fifth film it isn't as aimless or as padded as the previous three sequels, it does feel like something is happening. The clash of the werewolf and freaks scenes are staged reasonably well, with a fun climax, at least there wasn't any goofiness.

Limitations do show in the budget though. The special effects are occasionally decent but on the most part they are pretty shoddy, with an odd looking werewolf. Due to very unimaginative and sometimes static direction, apparent in some dull stretches and the camera work not being as expansive or varied as it could have been, some of the film has a drab look. The script has moments but could have had more personality injected into it, a little wit would have helped so that it didn't come over as overly-serious.

Because that was a problem here in 'Howling VI: The Freaks'. Did appreciate that it didn't get excessive on the campiness or silliness like the second and third films did, but like the fourth film it took itself too seriously, even for a film that had a more serious subject. Some of the pace could have done with more tightening and the tension and suspense could have come more consistently. The film could have done with trying a little less too hard, some great ideas here but also too many and not all fully realised. Also with doing more with the basic concept, with more werewolf and a little less focus on the freaks despite them being well characterised, it's all to do with balance, more freshness and surprises wouldn't have gone amiss because a lot of the storytelling is pretty ordinary and predictable considering the concept.

In conclusion, could have been better but by 'The Howling' sequel standards like the fifth film this was watchable. 5/10

I really enjoyed this film.Normally I don't like werewolf movies but this one is very entertaining.It might not be scary enough,but it has really good characters.The werewolf is a good guy which is something,unlike other people,I enjoy!The real star of the film though is Bruce Payne who is once again amazing to watch as the bad guy.The fight scenes between werewolf and vampire are reasonably well executed.I don't like most of the other sequels to the original howling(especially that awful 3rd film)but this turned out to be much better than I had hoped.

Travelling circuses and freak shows have always had a part in the history of horror and in this sequel we get a good dose of just that. Led by the evil Harker, he wants to capture and exhibit his fellow Brit in the wandering Ian, who turns into a werewolf when the moon is full. There is also a love interest in preacher's daughter Elizabeth. As a werewolf movie it is pretty unremarkable. But it's the freaks side of this film that I liked, especially as Antonio Fargas is among them! Acting is good enough and it is an interesting storyline which also involves another classic monster, the vampire! One of the better Howling sequels, though that doesn't really say much!

Why ever did some fool follow up this werewolf series with a film that had nothing to do with werewolves. He had obviously seen the film 'Freaks' and thought he was on to a winner. He was not! Because the film that he made was the sequel to a werewolf franchise, which usually means there should be copious amounts of WEREWOLVES! In this final there was a lead character with a German Shepherd inspired transformation, from which nothing exciting or fun developed from. To some it all up, worst werewolf film ever!. Can anybody please tell me why some idiot made this film? Why they thought it necessary to continue this hopelessly lost franchise? and why oh why we are considering Hellraiser II to be an adequate cure for our eyes?!?

Only 5 minutes into the movie and the boom operator makes sure that his microphone can be seen in the picture. You know what you will get, trash. And being another entry in the Howling franchise this makes you wonder, is this going to be the worst. So far Howling III was the worst.

What I was wondering before I started was the effects used. Jason Barnett worked for the Todd Masters (Twilight, True Blood, Fringe,...)company before he went on his own. This is his first flick before he did the effects for Hellraiser Bloodline together with Kevin Yagher. He went further to MIB, Sucker Punch and so many other blockbusters.

But does it shows here that we had two masters at work? Not really, the transformation into a werewolf wasn't the best I have seen. Maybe they had more work to make the freaks. Here and there they show their abilities...

But what a terrible flick this is, country music as score...stupid script, especially the first 15 minutes. That until the freaks come in, a carnival of weirdos. Guess who joins them, yes, the werewolf. But even then it's more about painting a church and the carnival itself. One well known face to see, Antonio Fargas (Bellamy). He is in the carnival. This is really a boring flick with freaks to show and that's all. O yes, there was a werewolf, but not worth mentioning. Almost no red stuff or even gore to see.

Gore 0,5/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 2/5 Story 2/5 Comedy 0/5

Right, firstly let me say the general premise of this film is actually quite good: If you are strange or unusual in any way, the world will not accept you for what you are, no matter what you do.

Other than that it fails miserably in everything else that it tries to do.

The basic plot is a drifter called Ian comes into a town, looking for work. The local preacher gives him a room and food provided he helps him 'do up the church', which he does. Whilst he is in the town a travelling 'carny' (as the sheriff likes to call it) arrives, which is actually a freak show. Ian is a werewolf, hopefully you are starting to get the picture by now.

Harker, the carnival owner (who we discover is a vampire) knows of Ian, and sends one of his flunkies to find out about him, and he sees him changing. Right now what can I say about the transformation. At first it looks promising as it starts, but then it just does not measure up, and the final result, if you can imagine, is Worf from Star Trek: The Next Generation, with extra hair, and looking like he has had a rough night on the alcohol. It is frankly laughable. It is a shame as they could have done so much more with this. Harker kidnaps Ian and puts him in the freak show as he knows a special chant which will change him at any time and also means he can pin some murders on him that he has been doing in the town.

There are a couple of strong points, they are Harker , the macabre carnival owner is played well (although the quality of this actor is wasted in this film), although I cannot understand why anyone would want to make a blue vampire whose coffin is the inside of a settee with a lift up seat, oh yes it is!!!!! Oh and you simply musn't miss the werewolfs' amazing bendy cage!!!! The way the freaks are portrayed is also a plus aspect of the film.

Apart from that there is nothing good to say about the film, even down to the final sequence which should have been the biggie fight sequence between a vampire and a werewolf, um, needless to say it was poor to say the least. However if you want a bit of a giggle (I know I did), and to watch a film which is not going to scare you, then go for it, just keep your mind well and truly open, and accept the film for what it is. A low budget effort at something which could have been so much better.

Years after I saw the Original Howling movie, I spend my time watching the entire series of sequels to this movie.

The second one was crap, the third one was a monster and the fourth one was one of the worst flicks I have ever seen.

So I think you can understand my surprise after seeing this fifth sequel, well... it was actually good!

The story has been told by other reviewers, so I won't do that.

The atmosphere in this one is more like a sunday afternoon movie, with not to much gore, but with sympathetic characters, and a innovative storyline, about a carnival director who in real life is a vampire.

I enjoyed everything about this movie, allthough it cannot be seen as a masterpiece or real good horror movie. Despite of that, I give it a 6 out of 10, because it's soooo much better than all the other parts in this bad, bad series.

First howling was a gem of a horror movie. The transformation scene was a thing of beauty. This... Not so much. I mean it's by far the best sequel out of the lot but this still by far isn't a good film. Think of it like this. The other sequels are like a kick in the dick... And this is a punch in the throat. But it still isn't much better.

The sixth, surprisingly robust instalment of the fecund lycanthrope franchise actively maintains a loyal following due to it being executed with more class than one might initially expect! Rolling ostentatiously into town not long after the arrival of moody, taciturn loner, Ian (Brendan Hughes), the flamboyant carnival radiates an irresistible fascination to the goodly folk of Canton Bluff. This garish cavalcade of genetic curiosities is managed by the theatrical, darkly charismatic R. B Harker (Bruce Payne). His movable feast of fabulous freaks charms the locals, the noisome ballyhoo obscures, Harker's monstrous secret! When locals inexplicably vanish, anxious sheriff, Fuller (Gary Cervantes) disturbingly discovers that the urbane, Harker regularly moonlights as a spectacularly sinister-looking vampire!

The kooky carny atmosphere is energetically complemented by its amusingly eccentric characters, with devilishly erudite, Bruce Payne essaying one of his more mesmerizing villains. Hope Perello clearly has an affinity for off-beat horror tropes, and his 'Howling VI: The Freaks' bounds along amenably at a cracking pace, and the fabulously fang-tastic practical FX are very special indeed. The toothsome Vampire Vs. Werewolf climax should make any avid monster maniac salivate! Fans of indie horror hero, Charles Band should appreciate the lurid lycanthropic lunacy of, Perello's lusty B-horror gem 'Howling VI: The Freaks'. Frankly, as modestly budgeted Part 6's to increasingly long in the tooth fright franchises go, this one 'aint the howler you might expect it to be!

The film is boring, but the scenes of the circus of horrors, for the bizarre, was simply divine, adorable... I liked the transformation, and as I am against it, I liked the look of this werewolf more than the first, I felt the "nervous" man alligator...

A mysterious young man named Ian makes his home in a small town, where he falls in love with Elisabeth, a preacher's daughter. All is well. But wait! A creepy traveling circus visits town, and its leader Harper has some shady business going on. There seems to be a connection between Ian and Harper - a connection that threatens to cause turmoil in the peaceful town.

The never-ending Howling series is back, this time with Part VI: "The Freaks". Like its precursor "Howling V", this movie is alright, but nothing to write home about. The story is okay and the characters are likable enough. At least they gave them some defined features, which is a rarity in the Howling franchise. The circus atmosphere is kinda creepy and the transformation scenes are cool. The editing does a better job than the special effects, though. This wouldn't be the Howling without some blunders. I counted two boom mics hanging in the screen, maybe there are more. Classic.

"Howling VI" doesn't have too many horror scenes: There's a nicely timed jump scare, three transformation scenes, a bloody corpse and that's basically it. This movie is more about the conflict between Ian and Harper. The script raises an interesting question: What does it mean to be a "freak" and a social outcast? But it doesn't provide satisfying answers. Instead, it backtracks into a generic love story. Still, it's nice that they even touched a topic like that. The acting is fairly decent this time around. Brendan Hughes as Ian is sympathetic, and Bruce Payne as the evil Harker hams it up delightfully. Michele Matheson's voice is a bit annoying, but she does a good job as the love interest Elisabeth.

"Howling VI" made me care about the characters, which is a novelty. But this movie won't transform the Howling franchise into a prestigious horror series. A zealous plot featuring likable characters doesn't make a suspenseful horror flick, after all. The execution is as subpar as ever. It's one of the more proficient Howling movies. But that doesn't mean it's worthy of your time.