Friday, October 12, 2012
Michael Allen
Writers: Michael Tabb, Catherine Cyran, and Louis Morneau.
Cast: Nia Peeples, Steven Bauer, Stephen Rea, Ed Quinn, Ana Ularu, Rachel DiPillo, Adam Croasdell and Guy Wilson.
Universal Pictures has been making werewolf themed thrillers since the early '40s and you would think that they would have perfected this genre by now. Their latest production, Werewolf: The Best Among Us, is definitely not perfect and possibly even mediocre. From the abysmal film Joy Ride 2, director Louis Morneau is no stranger to the direct-to-video style of filmaking. As well, Universal's newest production arm, Universal 1440 Entertainment, is also very familiar with DTV releases. However, Werewolf: The Beast Among Us is unable to step away from film cliches and the title here seems like a re-imaged Van Helsing (2004). All the characters and situations seem artificial.
The story, as it is, follows a group of werewolf hunters in Eastern Europe. A local town has experienced death after death by moonlight. Townsfolk talk of a hairy beast. And, a local boy is anxious to help the hunters (or, cover his tracks?). This is no ordinary beast, however.
The creature is able to turn into a ferocious animal at whim. And, if he is able to control his murderous urges, is he really a threat? This viewer would say yes, but the killer is left to continue his haunts. This seems like a strange decision by the hunters.
The one making the decisions here is a Van Helsing look-a-like played by Ed Quinn. He has the hat, the duster, the profession and the personality. And, it becomes difficult to see this film as original with Universal Pictures reimaging this character in an only slightly different genre. From vampires to werewolves, Van Helsing, or his look-a-like has the monsters in hand.
Only one question remains: does the production crew have this film in hand? Many of the film elements in this picture are well done. Yet, the many night shoots are not handled well. Again, darkness hampers another production. Fire is one lighting source that could have helped here. Otherwise, the final fight between the hero and this hairy beast is difficult to see. When in doubt, keep it bright even if light threatens to dissolve believability. It is best that the viewer can see events rather than simply hear them. The acting across the board is decent. But, the material here is simple as Werewolf: The Beast Among Us is really just an action-adventure. Things turn out happily ever after and none of the actors are put to task.
Werewolf: The Beast Among Us is a spin-off of its poorly received The Wolfman (2010) and Universal Pictures knows how to pull off a creature feature; but, they no longer know how to do it well, or with style. This direct-to-video release is not going to create much controversy in the genre, nor is it going to create many memories. This is a simple action-adventure film best seen by adolescents who are themselves turning into hairy beasts at this age.
Overall: 6.5 out of 10 (standard fair, paint by numbers storyline, predictable and unbelievable ending, characters are somewhat endearing despite the cliches, costumes and sets are done well).
*filmed in modern day Transylvania (Romania).
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