Horror-comedy with a heart

bazza-4

Despite this being one of many sequels to an acclaimed original, don't let this fact put you off from watching this under-acknowledged film. "Howling III - The Marsupials" is a surprisingly good werewolf spoof with a twist; set in Australia (and let's face it, an Aussie horror movie is a rarity - only "Body Melt" and "Razorback" spring to mind), it deals with the plight of a dwindling pack of marsupial werewolves who are in danger of becoming extinct.

The movie focuses its attention more on character development and emotion rather than the usual random slashings that prevail in such similar movies. The premise is novel and therefore makes for some interesting watching and genuine involvement.  Horror fans need not dismay, as there is also a fair share of scares and realistic (if a little corny) human-to-wolf metamorphosis sequences.  Some nice welcome comic touches are present, including a Hitchcockian horror movie director played by Frank Thring, relishing every moment of the role.  Barry Otto is likeable as the anthropologist who joins the werewolf clan to help save them.  And let's not forget the exquisite Imogen Annesley as Jerboa, who shines as a beautiful young human marsupial, escaping from her abusive stepfather and running off to the big city (Sydney) where she finds fame and romance (no, she's not Joan Collins).

The movie comes off quite well on the whole, and has a very moralistic and humane message, dealing with the preservation of dying species.

score 8/10

bazza-4 3 January 1999

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw0245535/