Bad Moon DVD with Mariel Hemingway, Michael Parï¿½, Mason Gamble (R) +Movie Reviews

Tree Hugging Werewolf

Ryan Costantino | Nowhere, Special | 11/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie right here is one of the overlooked gems of the often forgettable 1990's so called "horror" genre. A very quick film (under 80 minutes!) that doesn't bloat itself with too much back story and keeps the action pretty much centered on Ted (the werewolf) and Thor (the protective German Shepherd)focusing on their standoff (which is well shot, save for the obviously "stuffed" Thor for some over the shoulder thrashing). Really well acted (Michael Pare as Ted really stands out)and the idea of having a werewolf film that is about 70% based on a dog's point of view is quite original. Some terrific creature design and gore help with the intensity. The actual transformation scene seems a little dated but this movie wasn't exactly big budget fare and besides any horror fan should know that most of the really good flicks come from genuine heart in the production, not deep pockets. All in all this is one of my favorite werewolf movies, it's short, sweet, and to the point. It probably doesn't hurt that I've owned two German Shepherds in my lifetime either. If you like horror or werewolf movies check this one out."All of a sudden you've got a 200 lb. wolf at the door.""

I love this movie!

Ryan Costantino | 02/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, there are a couple of things that stink about this movie, so let's get that out of the way first. (1) Mariel Hemingway's acting sucks, (2) the cute blond kid's acting sucks, (3) Michael Pare's acting sucks slightly less, (4) the big transformation scene REALLY sucks--CGI at its sloppiest, and (5) some inane leaps in logic, like: Is Uncle Ted really so stupid that he thinks "family love" will cure him?
But I still gave it five stars. Why? Two main reasons: One, I love the idea of presenting the plot largely through the eyes of the dog, Thor. Thor acts circles around his human costars, and if, by the end of the movie, you aren't cheering him on as he races home to confront the werewolf, you must have a heart of stone. Two, the werewolf costume is fantastic. It is easily the best-looking, least-fakey werewolf I have ever seen. Despite the idiotic transformation scene, this werewolf looks ten times more impressive--and scary!--than any other. (Okay, the one in the big attack scene in the doctor's office in "The Howling" is a close second.)
Yes, you will groan at some of the dialogue. Yes, you will want the werewolf to rip off the cute blond kid's head. Yes, you will laugh heartily as you watch Ms. Hemingway struggle with the proverbial paper bag. Yes, there is an obligatory "final scare" which is totally stupid. But if you're in the mood for a fun little horror flick with some gore, an awesome monster, and a heroic dog, look no more! Need any more encouragement? This movie was written and directed by Eric Red, the genius who also gave us possibly the best vampire movie of all time, "Near Dark.""

A horror film with heart.

Ryan Costantino | 01/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A scary, action-packed werewolf picture, with refreshing attention to its well-developed characters. The story is a unique twist on the genre, where a German Shepherd dog struggles to protect his family from a relative only he (and the audience) knows is a werewolf. Hemingway gives one of her best performances ever as a loving mother and sister, and is a welcome and sympathetic change from the standard horror movie female victim. Pare is excellent as the bad guy, in a believable and realistic portrayal of a werewolf, a good man schizophrenically becoming a violent danger to the family members he really loves. The dog is a movingly primal and protective force defending his family from an evil only he senses. Typically stylish and dynamic direction from Eric Red. I'm surprised this picture didn't receive much more attention when released."

You better hide because the big bad wolf is on the prowl

- Kasia S. | New York City | 05/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I adore werewolf books and movies gobbling up anything with the monstrum theme in it and I must say that this movie was excellent! I had the pleasure of watching it today for the second time and hours later it's still running though my mind so I had to put my two cents in and write about it. I would also like to mention that my favorite werewolf movie is Dog Soldiers, a movie that works because a main stream production company was not involved in the making of it, sparing it as a flick for kids and those who really only want eye candy.

Bad Moon is a sweet movie because it's quite short and the werewolf looks wicked! There is also a transformation scene, quite unusual but it really shows the whole deal, so that was nice to see for once. Short and to the point, the movie starts with an expedition gone wrong in Nepal. A whole scientific team gets shredded to pieces by a very vicious wolf like creature that gives Ted a big scratch before he defends himself with a gun, changing him forever. Back at the Pacific Northwest Ted reluctantly visits his sister Janet played by Mariel Hemingway and her ten year old son Brett. From the beginning the viewer can sense that she is on her own with the child, no man is taking care of them and their only furry companion and protects is Thor, an adorable yet stern German shepherd. The viewer gets an unsettling feeling that Ted is her brother but the experience in Nepal has left him with a changed heart. His keen senses and cold staring eyes betray hints of an animal kept deep inside as everyone is glad to see him except for the family dog. Now the dog is always present in this movie making it quite obvious that he is playing a big part. I was even joking to my boyfriend when we watched it that Thor was the main hero of the movie and we both ended up rooting for him not only because we love animals but because the werewolf and the dog were enemies form the start and the movie depicted the play on that perfectly.

As Thor follows Ted's every step he encounters a scary experience in the woods one night, witnessing his master's brother in his full fangs and claws get up and runs back home to warn the family. I wouldn't dare spoil the movie and what happens next but thrills and chills are on all the time. Plenty of hikers and people who wandered around for various reasons found themselves as a monster snack and it made Janet and Brett weary but they felt safe since her bother was there, well little did they know.... The werewolf made plenty of appearances and I must say, it was one of the best looking wolves I have ever seen. It made me think that if I lived in a house like Janet, two or three dogs would have to be a must, especially with a beast like this crawling around. I would probably rent a tank to kill it because I wouldn't want my dogs hurt but Thor was a great addition to the film and we were always worried about him as he couldn't resist following Ted and his secrets.

For the fans of the genre this is a sweet treat, and I know that a five star rating for this kind of a movie is hard to explain but I really get a good kick out of it when I see it and it's nearly flawless. This is not a multi million budgeted movie with latest CGI effects and that's why I like it. There is more madness than talking and hiding so I give it two thumbs up.

- Kasia S.

"

A great horror movie.

Miguel Carvajal | Santa Rosa, CA | 07/16/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In my opinion, this is one of the great horror movies that critics blasted off the charts. Yes, it's predictable. Yes, it's gory and full of jump-of-your-seat scenes. But I've always liked werewolf movies and this is one is at the top of my list. The critics treated this movie so badly that when my partner and I went to see it at the theatre, it was empty except for us and we were treated to a private viewing of it. We both enjoyed the great special effects, both visual and sound, plus the beautiful cinematography of the Pacific Northwest woods. We have added Bad Moon to the list of movies we watch on Halloween. This movie is a must-see for all the werewolf movie fans in the world."

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