This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 91. You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey friends!
So, I just had a blast from the past with the 2020 film, “Werewolf by Night,” directed by the über-talented Michael Giacchino. And let me tell you, it was a ride — and not your standard rollercoaster type. More like a werewolf on a skateboard kind of ride. 😂
But before I dive into the movie, let me tell you about my childhood obsession — the “Werewolf by Night” comic series by Marvel. Man, those comics were my jam! I used to spend hours poring over them, totally mesmerized by the adventures of Jack Russell (our furry hero) and his moonlit escapades. 📖🐺
Fast forward to the present, and there I was, curled up on my couch (with my trusty popcorn, of course), ready to see how my comic book fantasies had been translated onto the big screen. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
The film kicks off in this super moody, almost Gothic setting – perfect for a werewolf showdown. Imagine a stormy night so dark, you could trip over a shadow and blame it on Dracula. Inside a creepy mansion that looks like it was built by Frankenstein’s architect, a secret society of monster hunters gather for a macabre game of “Hunt or Be Hunted.” The prize? A powerful monster hunting artifact .
And we’ve got our main man, Jack Russell, brought to life by the super talented Gael García Bernal. This guy isn’t just your regular Joe; he’s got a hairy little secret (hint: it’s not just a questionable beard). Gael nails the role, giving us this perfect blend of mysterious, broody vibes with just a hint of “I might turn into a terrifying creature at any moment.” But Jack’s not just some moony monster, he’s got a heart of gold (and maybe some silver lining his fur) and he’s determined to protect the innocent monster kid caught in the crossfire. ✨
And then there’s Elsa Bloodstone, portrayed by the awesome Laura Donnelly. She’s tough as nails and has more monster-bashing skills in her little finger than I have in my entire Netflix-bingeing body. The chemistry between her and Jack? It’s like watching firecrackers on the Fourth of July – unpredictable, exciting, and pretty darn hot.
And the visuals! Oh, my goodness, the cinematography is like a love letter to old-school horror movies. The shadows, the eerie lighting – it’s all so deliciously spooky.
Okay, so maybe the plot isn’t exactly rocket science. It’s got its predictable twists and turns, but hey, sometimes you just want a good monster mash without needing a PhD in mythology to follow along. Plus, the action sequences are claws-omely choreographed! Jack’s werewolf transformation is smooth as a full moonlit lake, and the monster mayhem is bloody good fun (in a PG-13 way, of course). 🩸
Did I love everything? Not quite. The ending felt a bit abrupt, like someone yelled “Cut!” right before the big reveal. And some of the side characters were, well, a little cardboard-y. But those are just minor moonbeams in a sky full of spooky stars. ✨
Reflecting on it, “Werewolf by Night” hit me right in the nostalgia feels. It was like seeing my childhood fantasies come alive. The film captures the spirit of the comics while adding its own unique flair. It’s a love letter to the fans, and as a long-time follower, I felt every bit of that dedication and passion.
But here’s the kicker – and I’m not just howling at the moon here – the film does a fantastic job of blending different genres. It’s not just a horror flick; it’s got elements of adventure, a dash of mystery, and even a sprinkle of heart. It’s like a cinematic stew, and every ingredient adds something special.
In my humble, popcorn-covered opinion, “Werewolf by Night” is a howling good time. It’s got everything – suspense, humor, a touch of romance, and enough werewolf action to make you wary of the next full moon. So if you’re in the mood for something that’s a little bit spooky and a whole lot of fun, this is your go-to movie. Plus, who can resist a good werewolf story? I mean, it’s like the ultimate party animal tale, right? 🎉
Stay spooky and fun,
Roger