|
|
A ferocious werewolf terrorizes the sleepy small town of Tarker's Mills. Spunky 13-year-old cripple Marty Coslaw (a fine and appealing performance by Corey Haim) finds himself in considerable danger and enlists the assistance of lovably reckless and irresponsible alcoholic ne'er-do-well Uncle Red (an excellent and energetic performance by the incomparable Gary Busey) after he figures out the lycanthrope's identity. Director Daniel Attias relates the enjoyable story at a brisk pace, presents a flavorsome evocation of the quiet rural hamlet setting, generates a fair share of spooky atmosphere and real tension, and offers a generous sprinkling of grisly gore. Stephen King's compact script spices things up with inspired touches of amusing lowbrow dark humor. Moreover, Attias and King deserve extra points for having the guts to kill both a little boy and a pregnant woman. The sound acting by the capable cast helps a lot, with especially stand-out contributions from Everett McGill as the sinister Reverend Lowe, Megan Follows as Marty's bitter and snippy sister Jane, Terry O'Quinn as the earnest, but ineffectual Sheriff Joe Haller, and Bill Simitrovich as hot-tempered troublemaker Andy Fairton. Popping up in nifty small parts are legendary touch guy thespian Lawrence Tierney as gruff bar owner Owen Knopfler and familiar character actor James Gammon as the werewolf's drunken first victim Arnie Westrum. Tovah Feldshuh's narration radiates a winningly folksy charm. Armando Nannuzzi's glossy widescreen cinematography provides an impressive polished look. Jay Chattaway's spirited shuddery score hits the stirring shivery spot. Only Carlo Rambaldi's hokey werewolf leaves something to be desired. Immensely fun fright fare.
score 8/10
Woodyanders 30 September 2013
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2878756/ |
|
30-11-2019 01:46:46
