The Wolf of Snow Hollow

A police officer wrestles with his AA meetings and the paranoia that grips his small mountain town as bodies turn up after each full moon.

Imagine a werewolf themed film with the tongue and cheek of Lake Placid. Jim Cummings direction and writing is impressive. But it doesn't stop there he even stars, leading the formidable cast as the main investigating Officer. The late great Robert Forster is notable lending his Twin Peaks-persona Sheriff presence but it's Riki Lindhome's Julia that steals the show.

The on location snow setting sets it apart from most other Werewolf films, the script is witty and sharp and never takes itself too seriously. Cummings also manages to deliver on the creature feature staged mayhem.

With surprise deaths and a cracking twist while not played as serious as the likes of Dog Soldiers or dramatic as The American Werewolf in London if you buy into the sly, ironic take on the genre you're in for a howling ride.

I usually really dislike horror/comedies for the simple fact that they usually fail at doing both. Meaning, they are never really funny are are often never scary. This movie, however, does both equally well, and works as either simply just a scary comedy or a funny horror film. I didn't expect to laugh out loud so often, especially hearing some of the tirades that the main character shouted throughout most of the movie. It really tells you a lot about an actor when they can be both serious and comedic without resorting to cheap, cliched one-liners.

The best part about this movie is that everything is unexpected. You think you know where the story is headed but in the end, every element just comes together without the need for a lengthy exposition by some background character. The story just builds organically, and you are left satisfied and longing for more.

I enjoyed every second of this film.

I hadn't heard of Jim Cummings before, actually the prolific Robert Forster was the only person I recognized, so I was pretty sure this movie would be crap. I also don't really like mindless and gory horror, or dark "comedy" that misses its mark, the former making me queasy, and the latter making me uneasy. Well I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. After writing a pretty tight script, with simple plot-points, character driven, decent banter in everyman speak, that gives even minor characters their own identity. Jim then hops up to the director's chair and pulls it all together, whilst also turning in a solid main performance. Again I must point out... He is playing an unlikeable character... It is not BAD acting... He is portraying an ex-jock, ex-military, alcoholic, divorced deputy in a small town, with an estranged daughter and a stubborn aging father/ boss. He feels his life is passing him by, he's surrounded by incompetent coworkers, overbearing constituents, and is making promises he seemingly can't deliver on... I thought he brought that right to the table steaming hot. The rest of the cast, particularly Riki and Chloe really assisted in fleshing-out his downward spiral. Is it a comedy? is it a horror? is it a... Who cares... it's a great story with chills, thrills, heartache, scares, shouting, laughing, crying, lying, and dying... You know... People stuff... Plus the wolf was great too.

Yes its slow, yes its quirky yes its a fantastic yarn. If you want Lycan action watch Underworld dont poo poo it because a trailer mislead you and then cry wolf in your review. Watch for over the top characters reacting to ott horror, perfect little Halloween treat.

An up-and-coming Sheriff (Jim Cummings) wants to prove himself when horrific murders suddenly grip his remote town near Christmas time. Is it an animal, a human or something... else? Robert Forster plays the soon-to-retire dad and Riki Lindhome a subordinate officer. Manly Jimmy Tatro is also on hand.

"The Wolf of Snow Hollow" (2020) is a mystery/thriller with horror elements and a zippy sense of black humor. It has the setting of "Donner Pass" (2011), "Snowbeast" (2011) and "Silent Night" (2012), but a different threat mixed with clever amusement.

This is a solid piece of full moon entertainment by writer/director/star Jim Cummings. I loved the snowy locations and Chloe East is a highlight on the feminine front, along with Amanda Brown in a small role. Meanwhile the humor is amusing. Yet the flick's a little too frenetic for its own good. Cummings coulda reigned things in for some more mood, but it's his movie, not mine.

The film runs 1 hour, 25 minutes, and was shot in Kamas, Utah, which is a about 25 miles east of Salt Lake City, on the other side of the mountain range.

GRADE: B-/B.