Review of Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning (2004) by Kelly K — 20 Sep 2008

Well, here we are, the last (or first) offering in the Ginger Snaps saga. A well made tale of the macabre that certainly doesn't skip on gore or blood. Two sisters Ginger & Bridgette Fitzgerald are wondering lost in the wild lands of Canada (they were supposed to be with their parents but they drowned in an accident or something), when they stumble upon a small Indian camp that has been wiped out by werewolves. After some cryptic advice from an old Indian woman (who gives them both distinctive necklaces' with birds skulls on them). The girls end up with an Indian Hunter who takes them to yonder fort and things get going.

Characters include the overly-done Religious Priest, the overly-done Macho Soldier, the overly-kindly Commanding Officer etc. Into the midst of those characters are the sisters trying to survive in a place where danger lurks at every turn (from inside and out).

Unfortunately Ginger is bitten by something not quite human and the race is on to brake a spell that'll save Ginger - as compared to dooming her to a furry existence.

The acting honors yet again go to Ms. Isabelle and Ms. Perkins who effortlessly play off each other with a touching and believable chemistry that makes the film(s) work so well. Some of the other actors are also very good (I can't remember their names, sorry!). The FX are fantastic as well, with a slew of lycanthrope nightmares wondering around and snacking off unlucky individuals.

Yes, it does have aspects of Night of the Living Dead, Dog Soldiers and Ravenous, but it's all fun in the end and with this film you might just howl at the end!

Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning: 4/5.

The last camera shot in the film is stunning!