Review of The Howling (1981) by Timothy S — 06 Aug 2012

"The Howling" was, and remains today, a nifty horror film with touches of humor and loads of cameos and inside jokes for die hard movie buffs to enjoy. It just had the misfortune of being released in the same year as John Landis' landmark "An American Werewolf in London", and this worthy companion film somehow got lost in the shuffle.

Rob Bottin lost the first ever make-up Oscar to Rick Baker for his superior work in the Landis film, but his work here is impressive as well. The transformation scenes are somewhat repetitious but completely convincing. They also looked a whole lot less painful. Screenwriter John Sayles doesn't specialize in horror films, but he brings a real sense of maturity to the proceedings. He's also very funny in one of the film's numerous cameos.

The primary cast is all very good as well, with Dee Wallace Stone holding her own in her first starring role opposite such notables as Kevin McCarthy. Still, the biggest scene stealer is Dick Miller in a small role, a perpetual favorite of director Joe Dante. Another of his regulars, Robert Picardo, is also very memorable as menacing Eddie Quist. The film left a definite mark on me as a teenager, and that has stayed with me for a long time, and Picardo is surely a large part of that.

There are images from this that have stayed with me for nearly thirty years, and it's just as scary today as it was then. "The Howling" avoids the gore that was the norm at the time in exchange for style, mood and genuine chills. It may not be the definitive werewolf movie of its time, but it sure makes a name for itself.