THE HOWLING OVERRATED?

[SteveSzyk]

YES! I recently saw it for the first time, and it was nothing like I expected. It wasn't scary, and the monster was so stupid! I really didn't like the film to much!

C+ (5/10)

[ParileseMonster]

Oh well, I thought it was cool, must be the times man. I have the laser disc which features extras the DVD wont have, isnt that something? So glad I kept my lasers and player! I dont get this overrated term, actually I hate the term. It just depends on your likes/dislikes, your age etc. I saw it when it first came out so you have to think that back then movies around didnt have all this technology we do now and you know people who see movies when they first come out have memories of how exciting and different it was and maybe those memories are what keep us from liking the movie even as it ages and it gets lost amoung the current thing. You really can not help but praise something that meant something to you and maybe to some who do not understand to them its overrated but to us it is a fond memory we cannot help but recall fondly and with much admiration. Does this make sense? By the way so there isnt any confusion I am not putting you down for thinking what you do, I am just trying to put in perspective what may be going on in the minds of those who praise any movie and regard it very highly.

[This message has been edited by ParileseMonster (edited 10-03-2001).]

[Hans, wihout Franz]

Gets points for makup(awsome) and homages but wasn't the best one out there.

[Antonio]

THE HOWLING (1981) Directed by Joe Dante. The all-star cast includes Dee Wallace and her late real-life husband Christopher Stone, as well as Dennis Dugan, Belinda Balaski, Patrick Macnee, Kevin McCarthy, John Carradine, Slim Pickens, Elisabeth Brooks and Dante staple Dick Miller. The story centers around Wallace’s TV reporter character, who escapes a brutal attack by a werewolf in L.A., only to realize that the mountain retreat that she and her husband (Stone) are seeking refuge in are crawling with ‘em! Great FX by Rob Bottin, and a steamy sex scene between Stone and she-wolf Brooks are highlights, and the twist ending is unforgettable. My grade: B+

[Dehydrator]

THE HOWLING, overrated? Maybe a bit.

I always considered American Werwolf the best werwolf movie ever made ( and the best horror movie too ) and I admit I was a little disappointed when I finally saw HOWLING. There's no doubt that this is a very good movie but compared American Werwolf in London in pales IMO. That's not the movie's fault. I'm sure HOWLING would have blown me from the edge of my seat when I watched it BEFORE American Werwolf in London. But as it is, I can't say that it blew me out of my seat. However, I love HOWLING III ( told ya ).

[zib]

Monster hit the nail on the head i think.

[Irish13]

Parilese, I could`nt agree more!

[Headbangerzombie]

No way is this movie overrated the best werewolf movie, ever, and one of my fav flicks of all time, the Howling is a loving, fun, ass kicking tribute to the genre. The FX are flawless and the acting great. there are things that genre fans can catch and watch over and over agian as in varoius in-jokes. a marvolous movie, far better than the uneven, episodic, though still goodn American Werewolf in London. Joe Dante's best flick, ever.

[!MorganOnyx!]

I hate this movie. The effects and shit were cool, but the story, script, acting etc was wack. It was barely watchable and very boring when people weren't dying. Piss poor. Check out SILVER BULLET if you want a good werewolf movie with a story. Sure, the wolf isn't that good, but with a cast acting their asses off, it's way more realistic and overall, alot more enjoyable.

[The Claw]

the howling isnt all that great, its pretty overrated, but it was okay. i liked the sequels more

[malaria]

Parilese is right. Those of us who grew up reading the EC comics probably appreciate it more. The film was done very much in this style - as was the likes of Creepshow, and The Fog. This will probably be lost on those who didn't have that instilled in them at an early age. These films hold a special charm for us partly because they reawaken that child in us.
I thought the creature on the filing cabinet was an excellent werewolf design again very comic-book style and that particular scene scares the crap outta me.
I myself have become very hardened to the style (or lack of) of current horror films. They are made in a glossy - always well lit way and tend to lean to the belief that the only way to scare someone is through giving them a quick jolt.
Much more unnerving and longer-lasting is a sustained atmosphere and sense of dread which the Howling masterfully manages IMO.

[ParileseMonster]

Malaria I give you three cheers! http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

[malaria]

Thanks!

[Green]

If anything I would say it is underrated, always in the shadow of An American Werewolf. I love that transformation scene and the ending in the barn. Dee Wallace is perfect in the role.

[Cujo108]

The Howling is NOT overrated at all in my opinion. It is a better film than An American Werewolf in London and the lovely Dee Wallace Stone is great in everything she does. The werewolves are awesome too, and I love their pointy ears. Plus, I like the idea of a colony of werewolves. Awesome ending as well!

[jim varney]

personolly i felt let down when i rented it. I liked it, but i was expecting perfection. The only part of the plot that wasn't predictable was when slim pickens got killed. Who would think I guy who rode on a nucleur bomb into russia in one flick is merly shot with silver bullets in another, movies truley are a fourth demention.

[Stefan]

I LOVED this film as a little kid! Some sixteen years ago when I found out this flick was gonna be on t.v., I was excited about it for days! On the night it came on I was so ANXIOUSLY excited about it ALL DAY! Nowadays, I wouldn't mind seeing it again. There is a good scene when Dee Wallace is in a darkened movie theater. That had some good suspense and tension there. I thought it had a nice story I think still could stand on it's own. I give it an A-. Sadly none of the sequels have come close to the good quality of the first "Howling" in the franchise. They should really end the franchise as far as I am concerned. But the first one still kicks butt! After "E.T." that was Dee Wallace Stone's acting career down the tubes after that. Now she is in "Invisible Mom II." No B.S. folks!

[ParileseMonster]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Stefan:
After "E.T." that was Dee Wallace Stone's acting career down the tubes after that. Now she is in "Invisible Mom II." No B.S. folks!</font>

Go to www.imdb.com (http://www.imdb.com) and you will see that her acting career since "E.T." is anything but down the tubes. She has been in other horror movies since The Howling as well. Her acting credits make up quite a long list and who the hell cares if she was in Invisible Mom 2?(hell Brinke Stevens is in the first one also and I won't hold it against her) http://www.joblo.com/ubb/tongue.gif Nothing wrong with being in a family movie every now and again, shoot if you feel that way you should have stopped watching her when she did that Lassie show. http://www.joblo.com/ubb/tongue.gif

[Salamar]

Howling is very entertaining and the ending is HILARIOUS, Joe Dante kicks ass and did a better job than Landis in Werewolf In London!!!

[Cyclonus]

I know some people would lynch me for saying this, but I can't lie. I thought it was one of the most boring movies I ever saw. Now you guys know I can appreciate a good horror movie. Hell, I'm willing to defend Day of the Dead and Alien 3, despite their flaws. I don't get it. Is this movie just not on my wavelength? I really hope there's nothing wrong with me. http://www.joblo.com/ubb/frown.gif

PS: I sincerly apologize for starting a duplicate topic.

[This message has been edited by Cyclonus (edited 03-25-2002).]

[Romero&Juliet]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Cyclonus:
Hell, I'm willing to defend Day of the Dead and Alien 3, despite their flaws.


[This message has been edited by Cyclonus (edited 03-25-2002).]</font>

....People DONT like Day of the Dead????

[Romero&Juliet]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Cyclonus:
Hell, I'm willing to defend Day of the Dead and Alien 3, despite their flaws.


[This message has been edited by Cyclonus (edited 03-25-2002).]</font>

....People DONT like Day of the Dead????
*Rolling up my sleeves*

[Romero&Juliet]

oops-y.....I posted twice...
I didn't do that to emphisize My contempt for people who dont like Day Of the Dead....I swear it. http://www.joblo.com/ubb/wink.gif

[Cyclonus]

Well, a lot of people found it a bit of a letdown after Dawn of the Dead, and it was a box-office bomb!

[Romero&Juliet]

WOW. It bombed at the box-office....huge surise, eh?? LOL....well it aint The way we Were, that's for freakin sure!!
(that rhymed!)

[Guts In My Face]

I never really liked THE HOWLING. It has its moments, but overall it put me to sleep.
The sequels....well...let's not go there!

[bowieee]

Did the howling suck.......

Hell No!.
I had my doubt at the start of the movie but the ending cleared that all up for me. Sure its no American Werewolf in London and the bubbling werewolf effects are cheesy as hell but its tons of fun dripping with cheese. 8.5/10

[Mr. Movie Man]

Yeah, this movie is pretty overated. I have to agree with Steve.