Loups-Garous

When I sat down to watch "Werewolves Within", I must admit that I hadn't even heard about the movie, nor seen a trailer or anything, so I wasn't really sure what I was in for here. Yeah, of course the title does sell the concept of this being a werewolf movie, but aside from that, then I only knew this was a horror comedy.

So with that clean slate, I sat down to watch the movie, so writer Mishna Wolff - and boy what a coincidence with that surname and the concept of movie, huh? - had every opportunity to win me over.

And I will admit that the movie was actually quite interesting. Sure, the werewolf aspect of the movie was there, but there wasn't a whole lot of actual showcasing the lycanthrope itself in the movie. So if you sit down to watch it for that, which I had hoped it would be, then the movie might be a bit disappointing for you.

The storyline was interesting, as it managed to combine a handful of different elements and genres in a rather fulfilling and entertaining manner. Director Josh Ruben definitely managed to put the script and storyline to life on the screen in a pleasing way.

"Werewolves Within" is actually a who did it murder mystery with a supernatural twist to it. So yeah, this wasn't exactly your average werewolf creature feature.

It should be said that the acting in the movie is rather good. Although I was not overly familiar with actor Sam Richardson, then I will say that he definitely was well-cast for this movie.

My rating of "Werewolves Within" lands on a six out of ten stars.

This is a weird, character driven, small town who done it murder mystery dealio. Super quirky supporting characters that are played over the top by the actors (overacting). Sam Richardson is amazing. Nice seeing him as a lead, he really needs some buddy comedy movie that will take him over the top. Overall super fun renter if you like those oddball comedy films. If you are looking for horror or werewolves this is not for you. Oh and it has the most realistic snowfall I have ever seen in a movie:)

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.

It felt at times i was about to see something amazing happen but never happens. I was left disappointed with wanting more. The movie is well done and the cast is solid but it's just ok funny, never really crosses over the line to being really funny. It's worth a watch but not going to be a movie you watch again.

The premise is great, I love the tone, it's pretty funny, and I was generally amused. Everything in the setup intrigued me. But as an overall movie, I feel like it just missed the mark of being something memorable and rewatchable. And while the mystery aspect was well-done, they completely give it away at one point. I'm glad I watched it, but it missed the cut. (1 viewing, 2/3/2022)