Initially, I found that idea exciting and fun, but after watching the latest film from director Steven C. Miller, I quickly dismissed that feeling. I understand this new movie had a limited budget, but that does not excuse the ridiculous and nonsensical writing that derails the overall experience. Though refreshingly unseasonable, Werewolves is one of the worst films I have watched this year.
The backstory for this film is such. A year ago, a supermoon triggered a global metamorphosis. People turn into ravenous werewolves who attack anyone in their way. The movie picks up a year after the world has “prepared” for the supermoon’s return. A group of American scientists have developed a possible cure for this problem, hoping their work and research have succeeded. Unfortunately, the formula they developed is only temporary.
As a result, the scientists must deal with the test subjects turning into werewolves and, despite their security measures, become targets for the werewolves. Frank Grillo stars as Wesley Marshall, one of the scientists developing the cure. He and his colleague, Dr. Amy Chen (Katrina Law), manage to escape their facility but must find their way to Wesley’s family, who are bunkered in their, hopefully safe house.
Written by Matthew Kennedy, Steven C. Miller’s Werewolves is ridiculous, laughable, and frustrating. Though I was amused and entertained briefly, nothing in this film makes sense. There needs to be a better explanation of what is happening or the actual rules of this situation. In addition, the creature effects are terrible, the action sequences are poorly executed, and the entire affair is impossible to take seriously. On top of all of this, the acting could be better.
Though I like Frank Grillo and what he usually brings to his roles, he comes across as miscast and sadly underused. Had this film been presented as a horror spoof, it might have worked better. Still, pulling that off would have taken much more creativity. I do not, whatsoever, recommend Werewolves. It is a huge mess and a miss getting released theatrically at a very odd time.