It’s taken multiple viewings for me to enjoy what’s good about The Howling. The first time, I got hung up on the werewolf transformations happening in front of people who just stand there for several minutes. The effects in An American Werewolf in London or even the original Wolf Man don’t appear to slow down the films because the person is alone and we can watch in awe at what is happening. By having a witness in the room it points out that the film is stopping for an effects show.
Also, the story is very goofy, starting as a serial killer film before becoming a schlock satire on New Age retreats. The story loses our female lead and starts following another woman on the same trail for an unusually long time. Meanwhile, the screen fills with either character actors from the time or people with limited credits who look like they got their first job away from porn sets. (I’m talking about the husband and his stache and the dark-haired vixen.) Overall, the film is junk, but it’s quite well-made and has the familiar quirks of the guy who would go on to direct Gremlins and The ‘Burbs.
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