Werewolves Within

We all know the history of video game to movie adaptations. Middling at best, eye-rolling so bad its good time killers. I'm not rating it based on the game - I'm rating the movie itself. If you're looking for a small-town, quirky Fargo-esque whodunit with some small moments of humor mixed in with even smaller moments of horror and weird small-town, narrow minded personalities represented, then this is it. If you're looking for a heavy dose of any one genre or sub-genre you're going to be somewhat disappointed with this hybrid film.

The lead is an up an coming actor with a great range - (see him in The Tomorrow War w/Chris Pratt) - other than him, the rest of the cast is middling. It feels like a missed opportunity with the supporting cast, dialogue - and given that they skimped on red herring moments and great kills (or lack of) - I would give this movie a 5/10. The lead, setting/atmosphere, score are 9/10 and elevate the overall package. It is a perfect introduction to horror for the younger crowd.

I'd rank this as a better film than Howl, Late Phases and Wer but it does not stand out for its time like Ginger Snaps. An American Werewolf in London will never seemingly be toppled for a horror comedy and remains the platinum standard in the werewolf sub-genre, with The Howling close behind for transformation and overall horror.

The film effectively promotes itself as a lighthearted werewolf flick, but doesn't fully convey the "And Then There Were None" style murder mystery at it's core. The three styles do work well together, though they all come across slightly diluted. The comedy is dry but likeable, coming more from quirky character traits than slapstick punchlines. The horror is very minimal, nearly all coming from off screen implication. The whodunit is the central focus really, and for the most part effective, though some details and backstory border on tedious. If you can accept the three styles without asking too much of one, it's all the kind of light fun you can expect from a movie with "werewolf" in the title.

Could have been better. Funny enough but they should have made it more scarey too. Can do both. Milana... everything she does is cute. I hope to see her in more movies.

Beautifully blending & balancing the elements of comedy, horror & whodunnit mystery into a howling gem, Werewolves Within is more amusing than scary yet manages to be captivating from start to finish. Packed with a colourful set of characters whose interplay injects a fresh quality to its witty & kinetic story, this indie comedy horror is one of the better delights of the year.

Directed by Josh Ruben, the picture comes sprinkled with lycanthropic flavours but it is at its most interesting when dissecting the small-town community and highlighting their prejudices & tendencies to paint a fascinating milieu of our own society, all without sacrificing the genre thrills, fun vibe or entertainment value. And by not acquainting us too well with its characters, Ruben keeps everyone under suspicion.

The tone is lighthearted but there is a lot brewing under the surface. However, since the story never sidelines its comedic touches, the suspenseful moments don't pack the same punch as the funny ones and it is almost devoid of tension & terror. Performances are excellent from all. Sam Richardson leads from the front & is a likeable protagonist. Milana Vayntrub also stands out with her affable input. And the rest play their roles responsibly.

Overall, Werewolves Within makes for a delicious cinematic offering of its video game source and is a confidently crafted & intelligently narrated effort. The comedy comes from the script while remote setting, wintry surroundings & polished camerawork function in tandem to bring the horror aspects into play. Sharp in humour, scathing in commentary & snappy in execution, Josh Ruben's sophomore feature is a much welcome surprise that's worth your time & money.

Werewolves is not a good monster movie. It's not trying to be. It's trying to be a comedy and a twisty who done it. I think it succeeds at both it kept me guessing and kept me laughing. The two leads are both great, especially the ranger with wholesome attitude. I liked it enough to write this review.