1 The quintessential werewolf movie and the best of its kind.
John Landis's "An American Werewolf in London" is without a doubt the best werewolf movie ever made. Basically, the plot features David Kesseler and his friend Jack Goodman in England on a trip. While on the moors, they are attacked by a werewolf rendering Jack dead and Kesseler badly wounded. Hence, Jack survived the attack and becomes a werewolf where he is taken to a London hospital. Slowly but surely, Kesseler feels the transformation from a human being into a creature of the night, all of which provides great entertainment for any horror movie audience.
The special effects in this movie are second to none...in fact, the scene where David Kesseler actually transforms into a werewolf is so real looking that it actually hurts the viewer just to watch. Of course, the always funny but undead "Jack" is also brilliantly done in his undead form as he appears numerous times with his neck torn out and his body continues to deteriorate throughout the movie.
Even the dreams of David Kesseler are absolutely horrifying and so well done that the creatures in these dreams, upon a first viewing, appear to the audience like this action is actually taking place in the movie and not just in Kesseler's mind. One of my personal favorite scenes is the dream where Kesseler is in the bed in the woods when Nurse Alex visits David and he turns around with an absolutely harrowing monster face that will scare the pants off of just about anyone. These dreams provide a logical transformation process of David into a werewolf that the audience can actually intellectually grasp and appreciate, which makes this movie that much more effective as a horror movie. The acting in this movie is outstanding as is the directing and production values.
The inserted dark comedy, e.g. Jack in "undead" form and the silly cop, in "An American Werewolf in London" actually meshes quite well with the horror in this movie which is quite rare for horror movies. Nevertheless, "An American Werewolf in London" actually pulls this dark comedy-horror flick off quite well where other horror movies that have tried the same tactic have failed miserably i.e. the comedy actually neutralizes the horror in these second rate flicks relegating the flick to "joke status".
The only real cricism I can come up with "An American Werewolf in London" is actually one of its charms/strengths that make it a great movie. That being said, however, from a "TRUE" and unadulterated horror critic's perspective focusing on the aspect of fear evoked in an audience, the dark comedy actually provides comic relief to said audience where if left out, the audience would be left confronted with this pure and unadulterated horror this movie clearly evokes in any sophisticated horror movie audience...however, if the dark comedy is omitted, one is left to ponder whether the movie would work as well in a general kind of way without this advent of dark comedy.
While I do not think that "An American Werewolf in London" is one of the greatest horror movies of alltime, I do believe it to be a great horror movie and is without a doubt the best werewolf movie of all time and is certainly a must own for any true horror movie fan.
2 Great Ride
This is a scary, funny and quirky movie well worth owning. I love good horror flicks with creative writing and a good plot (not slasher movies), and this is one of the best ever.
3 If only for it being a classic,watch this.
Yes folks,this movie is unfortunately a very overrated one,but it is not horrible. The big problem with this movie is that it just doesn't feel completed when it ends,theres just so much that's not there. The painful part is that they could have done a lot of character development and used the potencial these people had as actors in this movie,through and through you just come out unsatisfied. So,why 3 stars you ask? Well,with all the drawbacks,you can't help but appreciate the classic feel of this movie,theres just something in there that calls for this to be watched,but it's good the first,and that's it. What you have is a movie that knew where it was going,but took a different,and foolishly hazardous.route to get there.
4 I'd rather watch Michael Jacksons' "Thriller"-video...
...a hundred more times instead of wasting another 90 minutes (or so, it felt like a year!) on this garbage. After watching this "legend" of a movie (I have no idea why it is so famous?) I felt confused. Is it supposed to be scary? Or funny? Or both?
"An american werewolf in London" was a disappointing movie-experience -not that "Wolf" (Nicholson, Pfieffer) was that great either, but it sure is much better than this so-called cult-classic!
5 Great !!!
I give this movie 5 stars, its an excellent WereWolf movie. For it being made in the 80's , I believe it was 1980 it has the best Human - werewolf transformation. The action is good the story does not get boring and it will keep you up and on your toes, never bored. the acting is very good the gore is there, not like dawn of the dead 1978 gore but its bloody. It is without a doubt a classic werewolf movie, just a classic in general and worth the buy and especially if you are a fan of horror/cult type of movies its a must to have. To anyone who rates it low if I was you I wouldnt take there but take the word of the people who gave it 4 or 5 stars cause they are not lying. Just an excellent movie.
6 Hilarious!
Okay, so I didn't see this until I was 24, but scary? God no! Funny, irreverent, and well done, though.
Two Americans are wandering along the moors of Wales when they're attacked by a werewolf. Jack (the horny comic relief sidekick) is killed and David (the slightly mature frat boy type) awakens after 6 weeks in a coma in a London hospital, under the care of a hard boiled doc and a sexy nurse.
David begins to lose his mind when Jack shows up in sporadic visits, decomposing as he goes along. As a victim of the werewolf Jack is "undead" as in dead, but unable to rest, just like all the victims of this werewolf's line.
He urges David to kill himself and end the curse, freeing all the victims.
David does not and the first night mauls what appears to be an accountant in a Tube station amongst other victims. He wakes up naked in zoo cage with other wolves. He goes back to the nurse's flat and they have wild monkey love.
The next night he goes nuts and kills more people, including a clueless couple who are quite amiable when they meet him in the afterlife.
The third night undead Jack lures him into a porno theater with the saddest fake prono in the background. David transforms into the ugliest wolf you've ever seen in the theater and after killing everyone in it, escapes into the crowds of Lodnon town. Chased down an alley his only hope for salvation is the quasi-sympathethic London nurse who appears to be using him for sex.
Funny, great soundtrack, cool effects, perfect for the horror buff or the comedy buff. A must see! Think Lon Chaney meets "Animal House".
7 "Dr. Pepper" guy gets nipped
David (David Naughton "Be a Pepper") and Jack are Americans visiting England. Evidently they are not aware of the many werewolf movies. Everyone knows to beware of the moors. Not these two. Yep one gets bit the other ripped. Of course no one believes David when he mentions his hairy dreams and his suspicion that he may be experiencing that change in life. Long before the movie "Six Sense". David also saw dead people.
While in hospital for his bite recovery, a nurse (Jenny Aggutter of "Logan's Run" fame) takes a special interest in him and takes him home like a stray. So is he a bit unbalanced or does he have a nocturnal apatite that includes a lot of dumb people?
There is lots of great and not so great music with a moon motif in the background.
The movie stretches the theme too far. The jokes are just enough off to not be jokes. The pacing is off enough to make your fangs grate. Many opportunities were missed. And the abrupt ending leaves you wondering why?
8 A Good Suspenseful Werewolf Film
This one starts out with the music "Blue Moon." Two ordinary young men are backpacking in England when they are attacked by a werewolf. One is killed and the other is in a London hospital for weeks. In the hospital an attraction develops between the surviving young man, David, and Nurse Price, a very beautiful captivating young woman. David moves in with the nurse. They fall madly in love. However, David was attacked by a werewolf and he is facing a transformation experience at the next full moon .......
9 Worst werewolf movie
I know a lot of people out there love American Werewolf in London but hate American Werewolf in Paris which i don't understand. American Werewolf in London is the worst werewolf movie i have seen if you want to see a proper good werewolf movie you should see the Howling not this. Also they say the movie is funny its not i only got a laugh out of it because of the thought the main female character had had sex with a werewolf besides that its boring. Seriously i love werewolf movies don't get me wrong but the werewolf in this film more looks like an over inflated hairy balloon with legs and a dog mask, it's nearly as bad as the bald, over sized annerixic hampster of a werewolf from Harry Potter 3. In short don't see this film other wise you'll want to watch something else remotely tasteful to wash out the bad taste
10 The Ugly American
John Landis's "An American Werewolf in London" is Red in tooth and claw, and goes to show that even a man who's pure of heart, and says his prayers by night, may turn into a snarling hell-hound that boogies down to Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising" while tearing up yuppies in Kensington and uptight bankers in the London Underground---all when the wolvesbane blooms and the Moon is shining bright, of course.
Made in 1981 (a great year for movie Lycanthropes on both sides of the Atlantic) Landis's "American Werewolf" is for my money the greatest werewolf movie ever made, and coincidentally marks Landis's directorial high-water mark.
While backpacking across the UK, and shortly after a pit stop at the way less than 5-star Inn of the Slaughtered Lamb, American college buddies David Kessler (the underrated David Naughton) and Jack (a cheeky Griffin Dunne)are attacked by a mysterious beast on the moors.
The dimly glimpsed beast tears Jack's throat out and savages David, who is hospitalized and London, cared for by a pretty English nurse (played with sexy restraint by Jenny Agutter). Tormented by increasingly horrific dreams and plagued by ghoulish visions, David soon realizes that he has problems far worse than the cancellation of his summer-long EurailPass.
"An American Werewolf in London" has long been regarded as a comedic horror film, and it's not hard to see why. The title is campy and glib, the film itself has a cocky and sarcastic air about it, and the dialogue between the increasingly Lupine David and his inreasingly ghastly revenant friend Jack is wickedly, blackly funny.
But "American Werewolf in London" is not a funny movie; it is far more of a classic evocation of the black, wild terror you feel when you find that the hungry, uncontrollable beast that stalks the night and slakes its thirst with the blood of innocents---is you. Landis, who had a fine touch for the comedic and strong sarcastic flair, uses funny barbs and witty dialogue to heighten the mounting horror of David's plight.
Landis has created a work of sheer, diabolic genius, channeling the stuff of pure nightmare: think of the stalking scene where a City banker is pursued by something---something too awful for the camera to show, we feel---through the anonymous, antiseptic, endless tube-like passageways of the London Underground. From the moment we hear the snarling, coughing bark coming from the darkened tunnel to the second some brutish thing comes slouching upon its cowering victim, we have left the world of film and entered the world of nightmare.
Rick Baker's special effects are outstanding: the prosthetic and gore effects are so shocking, so gruesome, and so organic that the film (especially on the crisp Special Edition transfer) looks like it could have been made yesterday.
But when all is said and done, the real credit for this masterwork comes back to Landis. Here is the work of a director in the prime of his career, finely balancing comedy with terror, wielding a mean and unsympathetic camera, and willing to take a chance. Those inured to its shocks from having watched the film hundreds of times may not realize what an insidious, subversive little piece of grue this is, but think about it: Landis zigged where a lesser director would have zagged, and the result is the stuff of nightmare. Where did those squealing Nazi pig-soldiers come from, anyway? I don't know, but thanks to Landis they have been regular guests in more of my nightmares than I can remember.
Dreamy, surreal, hysterical and terrifying, modern and classical at once, "An American Werewolf in London" is the greatest werewolf film of all time, and a fitting meditation on the Beast within.
11 John Landis's Horror Classic
There may be a lot of comedy in this film, but it is really horror and tragedy. As soon as one starts watching one can tell that this film will not have a happy ending (unlike Landis's Innocent Blood).
A pair of young Americans are touring the English countryside when they fall afoul of a werewolf. One winds up dead while the other is only wounded. He wakes up three weeks later in a hospital to discover that there is some sort of coverup regarding what happened.
The tending nurse falls for him while the doctor trusts the sincerity and looks into the events. But the full moon quickly rises and all concerned begin to realize that something is very definitely wrong.
The werewolf is a classic tragic monster and this film maintains that tradition. No one asked to be a werewolf and they did not get that way through their own actions. But this is not a typical werewolf film. There is a higher degree of characterization and interaction than is usual.
Landis fans will recognize his signature catch-phrase taken from the title of his "adult" movie attempt. That movie is actually being shown in the theater where one of the film's important meetings takes place.
12 A first-rate horror/comedy. A great viewing experience.
2 American's are attacked by a massive beast one dark, foggy night while back-packing in the English moors. One is killed and the other is sent to the hospital. David- the survivor, is then plagued by disturbing and violent nightmares brought on by his near death experience and his dead friend begins re-appearing (in various stages of decomposition) informing him that they were attacked by a werewolf and if he doesn't kill himself soon, he will become one and will be responsible for many deaths. David does not believe his dead chum and dismisses his claims as rubbish. That is of course until that night when things start to get a little hairy.
Next to THE HOWLING, this werewolf spectacle is one of my favourite all time werewolf movies. The movie is an odd mixture of horror and humour. So even if you hate fright films, you may find something to like here. The film's cast is first rate. It doesn't have any world famous superstars but the actors give good performances throughout. Jenny Agutter, the werewolf's love interest, is lovely to look at while Griffen Dunne is hysterical as the walking dead friend given the difficult task of tormenting his buddy. The lead actor, David Naughton is also excellent. His portrayel of the tormented David is touching. However, despite the film's impressive cast, the real reason to see this film is for it's ingenious makeup effects. No CGI monsters here folks, instead the viewer is rewarded with creative and grotesque imagery. The transformation scene is spellbinding and it qualifies as the greatest werewolf transformation scene ever screened. The beast is not clearly shown until the final frames of the film so during those earlier attack scenes, the camera acts as the beast's eyes and the overall effect is chilling (The subway scene never fails to send chills up my spine). But the film's highlight is it's spectacular climax. Once the beast is unleashed upon the people of London, all hell breaks loose. There are car crashes, bus crashes, people being run over by cars all because the screaming on-lookers are trying to get out of the rampaging creatures path. Then again, the werewolf is so fierce and loathsome, I would of preferred to get hit by a car also.
I don't know which film I like better, this one or THE HOWLING. They're both ingenious but despite the werewolf theme, they are quite different. THE HOWLING takes place in a rural setting while WEREWOLF IN LONDON takes place in an urban one. THE HOWLING is darker and more frightening (in my eyes) and WEREWOLF IN LONDON is funnier but gorier. The transformation scenes also differ. THE HOWLING's is less spectacular but nastier, more bone-chilling and the werewolves look more like wolves and stand upright. The beast in LONDON walks on all fours and looks more like a massive, mutated dog. So I urge the viewer to watch both films and decide which they like better.
AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON is a classic and it's highly recommended. It's tongue and cheek horror done splendidly with one of the fiercest werewolves ever captured on film. Enjoy!
4.5 out of 5.
13 An American Werewolf Tears up the UK
This is my second favorite werewolf film ever made.Actually,its such a close tie between this film&The Howling...it is virtually impossible to choose between the two.This film has just the right ammont of folklore,gore&scares to satisfy anyone,plus it's own added touch of dark comedy.There are a number of good funny bits in it,like waking up in the London zoo naked&stealing a little boy's ballons to make his run for it,or having coversations with his dead,rotting friend in a [...] theater.The special effects are legendary,and nothing out there between this film&The Howling have come close in recent years to my recollection.With the onslaught of cgi effects taking over in the last 10 or so,I'm hoping&waiting someone out there will resort to "the old school" and make something else as memorible as this film.This is a great movie,and if you have never seen it...you won't believe your eyes.This one is a classic,and well worth every penny.
14 special effects galore!
What ever happened to horror movies using good ole special effects instead of fake ass CGI. This film contains some of the best special effects ever in any film, and still stands up being over twenty years old. This film and "The Fly" are my favorite horror films ever. Whats cool about this movie is that it's got it's intense freaky parts as well as being hysterical. When the main character calls his buddy Jack a "walking meatloaf" I laugh my ass off every time. And the mass hysteria and widespread panic that occurs in the end of the film is equally disturbing and funny. I think it is a send up of old slapstick humor actually. It's great when a horror movie can take itself seriously and not take itself seriously at the same time. John Landis is an amazing director who some how did something totally original with this classic retelling of the werewolf tale. It takes balls to walk that fine line between humor and horror, most of the time directors fail at achieving the middle ground between those two things. Buy this one you won't regret it!
15 3.5 Stars! Scary at times and funny!
While this film isn't as good as the "Howling", it does have some great comedy to it. Only the "Howling" has better special effects. The beginning of the film when they're walking through the moors is very scary as is the end, but there is too much goofiness going on in the middle of the film to really call this film effective. It's definitely worth watching and is entertaining, but I thought it could have been better in the middle.
16 Holds well even today
Many of the horror/sci-fi movies of the 80's look outdated today in an age of CGI and non stop action sequences. I'm glad to say that AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON is one of the few films of that era and genre that holds very well even today. At the core of things is the good story: 2 american boys on a hitch hiking holiday across northern Europe where they ultimately find their fate. One thing that stands out is the dialog: it's not some over dramatized sermon; it actually sounds like the type of things two young guys would say given the film's situations. By doing so, some of the scenes come off as "funny", but I wouldn't say this is a "comedy", even though it was directed by comedy maestro John Landis (Blues Brothers, Animal House). When the violence gets going it gets pretty ugly, even by today's standards. The Special FX (by Make Up Guru Rick Baker) earned this film an Academy Award. The movie moves at a nice pace and it never gets boring, something that, sadly enough, did not happen in the "other" werewolf movie, THE HOWLING, who despite this, was another landmark in Special FX.
The DVD contains the vastly superior DTS sound, which will make this a joyride. The DTS mix is loud and proud and makes every tiny detail stand out. Also of mention is the crisp and clear video transfer, a vast improvement over the VHS version.
You will do no wrong in owning this film. Not only it is an important history lesson, but it's also one hell of an entertaining horror film.
17 Way Disapointing, Low Budget Dark Wolf Was Better.
I had always heard so much good about An American Werewolf in London. I had set meself up for a really awesome movie. What a profound disappointment. While the special effects were first rate the rest of the movie was dreck. The acting was totally cardboard and the storyline was like so totally canned and predictable. The director \ story teller could have stopped the dialogue in mid film and just starting saying, AND YOU KNOW, LIKE AND YOU KNOW AND SO TOTALLY NARLY AND WE WOULD ALL KNOWN GOTTEN AND UNDERSTOOD THE LAME TEXT BOOK ENDING! This movie really drags to be a mainstream production. An American Werewolf in London is "The Right Stuff" of Werewolf movie fare boring and numbmingly predictable such that you watch the film thinking will it ever end. Please let it end... PLEASE!
There is another Werewolf movie called Dark Wolf a total low budget B picture if I ever saw one. The script is paper thin, the characters are badly acted, the special effects are just about good as those in American Werewolf in London but one thing makes Dark Wolf different. Dark Wolf does not take itself seriously so while not particularly frightening it is funny. There is enough blood and gore in the movie for any person. The Movie is deservedly rated R because let's say your local Hooters has nothing on Dark Wolf.
The sadest thing is that in a battle of scripts Dark Wolf the solid B movie soundly trounces its mainsteam competition in every category. Besides being the better more engaging if silly story Dark Wolf made up with laughs and visuals what it lacked in star power and location. Amazon sells Dark Wolf if you want a real fun Werewolf buy it. An American Warewolf in London is more a study in Warewolves as Boring High Tone ART! I don't know about you but keep the high tone artsy stuff when I want to see Werewolves I want it down and dirty with none of the sophisticated veiwing pleasure crap thrown in.
18 Nice try -- but not quite.
There's a lot to like about American Werewolf in London -- and just as much that's aggravating and disappointing. Apart from David Naughton's thin performance in the lead role, the acting is solid, with Jenny Agutter the standout as a pretty young nurse who's a sucker for animal magnetism.
The film snaps from comedy (some of which works, some of which doesn't) to fairly realistic gore -- with nightmare scenes that give the entire story a sense of the surreal which is fairly unusual in a mainstream film.
The story is short and highly simplistic -- with little depth; the twists and turns, such as they are, simply don't engage.
I like American Werewolf for its tone, its sense of freshness. It's a flawed film, but likely John Landis' best work.
19 Dynamite Modern Horror Film
"An American Werewolf in London" is an excellent homage to the classic horror films. It is an ambitious combination of scares and dark humor. John Landis, fresh from his successes with "Animal House" and "The Blues Brothers", definitely brought a fresh modern twist to the genre. Primarily, this is a horror film but Landis delivers a dash of black humor usually in the person of the decomposing corpse, Jack, played by an excellent Griffin Dunne. The British cast(Jenny Aggutter, John Woodvine, and Lila Kaye) deliver top-notch support. The make-up effects, particularly the transformation scenes, designed by Rick Baker are still jaw-dropping to this day. David Naughton, of "Dr. Pepper" commercial fame and the TV disco sitcom, "Makin' It", as the title character gives me a little pause. He doesn't give a bad performance, just an average one. The gore, particularly toward the end of the film, was just a tad excessive. Those reservations aside, I highly recommend this film to those with strong stomaches.
20 A Howlingly Good Time
There are a couple of things that have stuck with me over the years since I first saw American Werewolf in London. First, the opening on the moors of Wales ("Keep off the moors ... Stick to the road" has always been good advice, and I can't resist adding "it'sa cold and'a wet out here" at the conclusion of hearing or singing Santa Lucia). [probe] Second, I'd never before seen anything like the werewolf transformation - I don't think I've seen much that rivals it since, either.
The rest of the movie was sketchy in my mind until I got the DVD, so there were still a few good scares and surprises in store for me. The laughs are more amusing than the out-loud laughs of John Landis' Blues Brothers or Animal House movies. Jack (Griffin Dunne's character) absolutely makes the film, being simultaneously very funny and very gross.
The werewolf movie has always been the odd-duck of Hollywood horror films. Dracula is all evil, all the time. Frankenstein's monster is woefully misunderstood. But the werewolf is a combination of the two, and it takes a good storyteller to find the right balance. For the most part, Landis is successful in capturing that duality in American Werewolf in London. Brief scary scenes are intercut with longer character exploration scenes, so moviegoers can really identify with David's (David Naughton's character) plight. The ending is overly brief, but I don't think it could have been extended without becoming maudlin.
As far as the bonus features go, the commentary is a bit weak. While Naughton and Dunne have great chemistry in the film, there are long silences on the commentary track. At times it seems they're caught up in watching the movie and perhaps somebody has to poke them with a stick to keep them on task. The fact that Dunne is absent in about half the film doesn't help matters, since there's less for him to comment upon. If Jenny Agutter or John Landis had been in on the screening I expect the commentary would have been vastly improved.
The rest of the bonuses are fairly good, although the soundtrack-free outtakes and the overlong "casting of the hand" segments are yawners. Some of the interviews "spoil" the scares, so my recommendation would be to watch the movie before the bonuses. The Script-to-Scene DVD-ROM feature is very nice (I had to click "view full screen" and then click on the movie while it was playing to get the feature to work properly; it was well worth the effort, though).
If the werewolf movie is the rarest breed of horror movies, then American Werewolf in London wins best of show (as it has thoroughly ripped the throats out of all competitors). It's scary yet provides a good plot; it's funny without being a spoof or satire. Not a typical Landis film in terms of comedy, but for top-notch movie-making it's among his best.
21 One of the best of horror movies of the 80s..
I first watched this move in 1984 at age of 12, and the comedy elements to this movie were lost on me at the time - it genuinely terrified me to the point of hiding behind pillows. Now after viewing it again 20 years I managed to watch the whole thing. The movie has aged very well and well worth watching. It is still very scary throughout and also will make you laugh out loud.
Plot wise, it is an old fashioned horror move updated to modern times (well updated to the early 1980s !). Its about 2 young guys who get lost on the Yorkshire moors, they stumble into an old English Pub full of suspicious locals who obviously have something to hide. Eventually feeling unwelcome our heroes leave the pub and end up walking across the moor when they hear a wolf howling. Needless to say the wolf attacks and one of the heroes ends up in London where he ultimately learns (and accepts) he is a werewolf.
Some of the special effects are unfortunately a little dated. In particular we only really see parts of the wolf at a time and when we do it more resembles a grey over size sheep than a giant werewolf. No doubt, if done today on a big budget we would have full close ups on a computer generated wolf will a full set of wolfish facial expressions. Nonetheless the transformation scene is very well done, possible the best ever done in the history of werewolf movies - both from a special effect and an acting perspective. All the actor needs to do is scream as one would when becoming a wolf, but he does this well !
The extras on the DVD are well worth watching. The actor's commentary is okay but the interview with John Landis on the themes and inspiration for him making the movie is brilliant and worth the 20 minutes - but watch it after the movie. The interview seems to have been taken 20 or so years after the film and it is interesting to see his pride and still apparent enthusiasm for this move and the genre. He describes a cool story from Yugoslavia which triggered the story as well as going into the background of a few scenes.
While there are laughs, the final movie is pretty gloomy - all werewolves are ultimately doomed (there is nothing that can be done) and our hero is no exception. But the final scene of chaos around Piccadilly Circus is more slapstick that scary.
22 right up there with the original universal wolfman
As a matter of fact, this is actually better. It's in color(I love B&W movies, but color is better), and it is more scary. The atmosphere is amazing, too. I haven't felt that creeped solely by atmosphere since I watched HALLOWEEN. And the werewolf SFX are totally radical. The only movie I have EVER seen that can top that is Rob Bottin's amazing work in John Carpenter's "THE THING." John Carpenter is great, isn't he? Halloween, The Thing, The Fog, Christine, I love that guy. ANYWAY, this movie kicks so much ass, and the humor fits right in. And I must say that nurse is EXTREMELY hot. So go buy this flick, don't waist $5 renting, just buy it, you will be glad you did.
23 Greatest Transformation Scene Ever
What can I say? An instant classic. Great soundtrack, great special effects (minus the initial werewolf attack), great dark humor, great plot, and more than decent acting. I would have to say that the only thing that disappointed me about the whole movie was the werewolf at the end. The entire ending with all of its hilarious carnage; the torn off heads, car wrecks, and cheesy porno were spectacular, however, that grey looking evil dog was a werewolf? Come on....
24 It's a tad bit overrated.
I read all the positive reviews for this movie; I saw a segment of the transformation sequence. So I went out and rented it. Now let's get a few things clear first. I'm a HUGE fan of Werewolf and Horror films, and I think that people should avoid the use of CGI and computer generated effects whenever possible. I also hate the majority of modern bubble gum horror films I.E. Scream I know what you did last summer, Etc. So with the Reviews and Ratings for this classic flick from the 80's and absolutely no CGI, I felt I couldn't pass this one up.
And for what went wrong...
Yes, the Transformation sequence is AMAZING simply put. And the humor put in with the film fits it well. But the thing that drags the movie down to a 2 star rating is that at the end, I felt that very disappointed. Not that it was depressing or anything, but by the end, it felt incomplete, I didn't care and I felt that I could have rented/watched something better. Nothing came out of the experience of watching the movie. I wasn't on the edge of my seat. The acting while good enough, wasn't great and at times is very bland.
And the scene of the first werewolf attack is laughable. It's the head of the dog being maneuvered by 1 guy. And due to the camera angles, (in that scene) it looks cheesy, dark and poorly done. I have seen the behind the scenes footage for this on an HBO special. The werewolf in its final form looks more like a small black pathetic dog than anything else. And what is with the Guy's nightmare with the Nazi (?) werewolves barging into his home, and shooting up the place, etc. My friend and I were laughing so hard at its randomness and stupidity. While the film may have been good at it's time. And it's still worth checking out for the 1 good transformation sequence. It doesn't work as well anymore. If you want to see a Good werewolf movie with good acting and leans towards the Goth side a little more, I suggest renting Ginger Snaps.
25 The greatest Werewolf film ever!
1981 was The Year of the Werewolves...the furry fiends leaped onto movie screens in three major films: "The Howling," "Wolfen," and the classic of the genre, "An American Werewolf in London." There has never been a greater werewolf film, there has never been a better transformation scene, and few horror movies can match the entertaining mixture of humor and scares that writer/direction John Landis ("Animal House," "The Blues Brothers") achieved here.
Although there had been humor in horror films before this movie, "An American Werewolf in London" showed once and for all that having comedy in a horror film didn't mean that the film would lose out in the scare department. Landis makes it clear that the film is NOT a comedy -- the horror scenes are carried with dead-seriousness and shocking impact -- but there is so much quirky humor surrounding these scenes that the film becomes incredibly likable and buoyant. Most of the laughs come from seeing the old movie werewolf premise dropped into the modern day and watching the characters try to deal with it.
Actors Griffin Dunne and David Naughton, neither of whom had been in a movie before, create a wonderful 'ordinary guy' feeling to their characters of two young American boys backpacking through Europe. In rural England, they have a nasty encounter with a legendary monster, and Naughton faces the consequences of being bitten when he returns to London and takes up living with a pretty nurse (Jenny Agutter).
The transformation scene is justly famous and a milestone in visual effects. Make-up wizard Rick Baker lets the viewers watch a real-time twisting of a human body into a wolf shape: limbs stretch, snouts pop, hair grows, the body contorts...it's amazing to watch. (And on DVD, you can watch it over and over and over again). Even computer graphics can't achieve an effect as startling as this one.
This DVD offers some nice extras. The image is good, and the 5.1 Surround Sound is decent (although there's not a lot of back speaker sound). Actors Naughton and Dunne do feature commentary on the film, and provide some interesting information and sound as if they were having a great time reliving the experience. I wish that Landis had been on the commentary as well, but you can hear his thoughts on the film in an 18-minute interview. Landis is an absolute hoot to listen to; the guy is as funny as his movie, and he absolutely bursts with ideas and observations. To go along with the Landis interview is an 11-minute interview with make-up maestro Rick Baker. He provides a fascinating look at crafting what he calls "the coolest werewolf film ever made." Also included is a vintage featurette on the making of the film, although it's only about five minutes long (but you get more of wise-cracking John Landis), ten minutes of archival footage of Baker making a cast of David Naughton's hand, and an assortment of storyboards, outtakes, and production photos.
"An American Werewolf in London" is a major turning point in horror films and visual effects -- and even over twenty years later, it is still one of the most entertaining movies of its decade. It hasn't aged at all, and this DVD lets you experience it the way it should be seen (and in the company of wild-man John Landis!)
26 the best werewolf film ever!!!!!!!
this movie is awsomely cool!!!the transformation scence is way cool.david naughton and griffin dune are hilarious. this is my favorite movie! for werewolf lovers every where this is your movie. don't see it on tv rent it.
27 THE Werewolf Movie to See!
David Kessler and Jack Goodman are two young Americans backpacking through Europe, just trying to have a carefree, good time. On a particularly chilly night, they find themselves wandering across an English countryside and getting pretty desperate for shelter, when they come across a pub called "The Slaughtered Lamb." Not deterred by the graphic advertisement, inside they find the pub is really quite cozy and atmospheric. Fellows are playing darts, having a game of chess, telling politically incorrect yet totally hilarious jokes... Everyone seems a bit disturbed at first sight of the two American travelers, but things warm up once they are accepted as being completely harmless. That is, until Jack asks the forbidden question: "What's that star on the wall for?" The two young men are quickly turned out into the cold without an answer. If only they had known, but the only information they were given was a bit of advice: Beware the moon... and stick to the road. But these are two carefree, American boys just looking for a good time. They're not worried about things like...werewolves! After only walking a short distance, the boys have wandered off the road and onto the moors, and only a few moments later, they are being circled by something horrible! The fog is too thick to see, but before they can react, the beast has attacked! In seconds, Jack Goodman is ripped to shreds! His friend, David, is running in fear! He stops to think for a moment, then runs back to help is already dead friend. Now, David is the one being slashed at, but before the creature can do his worst, a shot rings out and it's all over.
David wakes up to find himself in a London hospital 2 weeks later, desperately searching for his less fortunate best friend. He is cheerfully informed of his situation by the stern but benign Dr. Hirsch, and the short-tempered American representative, Mr. Collins. But when David insists that it was a wolf that attacked him, he is treated less than respectfully. It seems to have been confirmed that it was an escaped lunatic that did the damage to David and Jack, and no one is interested in hearing otherwise. David is frustrated, and his new, animalistic nightmares aren't helping, nor are the ones involving nazi were-creatures, but his mood is lightened as he is distracted by a lovely nurse named Alex Price. Alex is equally infatuated with David, and the two grow closer by the day, despite David's apparent mental state. You see, while having breakfast one morning, David had a visitor: his friend Jack; his DEAD friend Jack. The purpose of his visit was to warn David that he would transform into a werewolf at the next full moon, and if he doesn't want to hurt anyone, he must take his own life. When David is finally released from the hospital, his next stop is Alex's flat. The young pair indulge themselves in each other, but all is not well with David, who is plagued by repeated visits from his increasingly decaying friend. Soon, the full moon is upon him, and David's moment of truth has finally arrived.
In 1981, John Landis put his own spin on Universal's "The Wolf Man," and the result was a new classic for werewolf fanatics everywhere. The story is very familiar. A young American travels to England and gets bitten by a werewolf. He falls in love with a local girl, but their romance is interrupted when he grows convinced that he will become a werewolf himself. He finally transforms, reeks some havoc, and commits some murders. He becomes a sympathetic character as he expresses his fear and guilt over what he has done, but soon he transforms again and is finally killed, the film ending as suddenly as his life. With the brilliant look of its werewolves, Rick Baker's masterful effects (thankfully, CG free), and the genius of John Landis, "An American Werewolf in London" brought a realism to the werewolf genre that is reminiscent of the olde legends and lore. No silver bullets or fully dressed lycanthropes here! Many call this film a horror-comedy. Well, it's definitely more horror than comedy, despite what you might hear. It doesn't have any more comedy than one would find in the real life of an average, young, American male. It's just so honest that it's funny. I was in London last New Year's, and they DID have Dart competitions on TV! As for horror on the other hand, this movie's got it. You may not find the film scary at first, but try taking a lonely, nighttime walk after viewing it. I've always found the subway scene particularly disturbing. And what can one say about the cast? Simply perfection. David Naughton plays the American werewolf superbly, from carefree traveler to suicidal lover. Jenny Agutter is lovely and sympathetic, Griffin Dunne is funny yet convincing, and John Woodvine is the Doctor you hate to love. Brian Glover is disturbingly suspicious, and who can forget the cast of "See You Next Wednesday?" *ahem* It all adds up to one of my favorite motion picture experiences!
A sequel was released in 1997 called "An American Werewolf In Paris." CGI effects, a few confusing plot points, and zombies that were more annoying than funny marred the final product, but overall it was still a highly fun viewing experience, despite all its criticism to the contrary. See it and judge for yourself. Some say it's not a legitimate sequel because the story has nothing to do with the original film. I've heard conflicting theories though. Some sources have stated that the female lead in "AWIP" is supposed to be the daughter of David Kessler and Nurse Alex Price. Intriguing and highly possible, even probable, but it's never stated outright in the film, so I'm still waiting for some official word on that.
28 Morbidly delightful.
There's this scene in An American Werewolf in London where our protagonist is having a conversation with the decomposed corpse of his best friend while watching a pornographic movie in an adult theater. There are others in the screenroom that eventually reveal themselves to be victims of our tragic werewolf. Why are they here? To convince the poor man to commit suicide. "You gotta kill yourself, man. Tonight's another full moon." He then proceeds to change into the beast and terrorizes the movie theater.
I bring this one scene up because it had a profound effect on me when I first saw this at eight years old (I know, I know...an eight year old shouldn't have been watching this). I had never scene anything as twisted before and I've rarely seen anything like it since. That's the most important thing about this film. It has never been successfully imitated.
Two American best friends are backpacking through England when one night on an lonely road out in the old country, they're attacked by a vicious creature. One man dies, the other receives near-fatal injuries. After a brief stay in the hospital, the protagonist is taken in by his lovestruck sympathetis nurse. The visions of his deceased best-friend begin to haunt him delivering a terrifying prophecy: On the night of the first full moon, you'll become the creature that attaked you.
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I recently saw what I consider to be a disaster of a movie...Van Helsing. I bring this up because of the interesting werewolf transformation in the film. The werewolf would convulse and then proceed to rip his flesh from his body revealing the monster underneath. All of this was done photorealistically as CGI. But with all the realsim, it still doesn't have the impact of the first werewolf transformation in An American Werewolf in London. But why? Are we desensitized as movie-goers? Personally, I think it comes down to style. Modern filmakers are too obsessed with how real their effects look that they've become lazy convinced that the realistic CGI will be enough to satisfy the audience. They've forgotten how easy it is to creep someone out. Modern special effects should inhance the atmosphere set by a monster...not replace it.
29 Bad Moon Rising
I'd read that the impetus for AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON started in the former Yugoslovia in 1969. A young John Landis was working on KELLEY'S HEROES and saw a burial at the fork in a road straight out of an old Transylvania movie.
He wrote his werewolf movie, but it went nowhere until Landis hit it big with ANIMAL HOUSE and THE BLUES BROTHERS. He then took out his werewolf script called (as the story goes) AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN PARIS, a take off on the Gene Kelly musical, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS. When the French didn't cooperate with locations, the setting was changed to London.
That's what I'd read.
One of the things that makes this film so special--other than the lean writing and the (at that time) eye-popping special effects--is how it manages to be both funny and scary.
How often do you find that?
I met John Landis at a film festival recently and he's very modest about his films. He shrugs off ANIMAL HOUSE and WEREWOLF, sometimes referring to them as "my dumb little movies." I'm just Joe Schmo Fan but I hope he someday realizes how great those films are. Hollywood is STILL trying to make lightning strike again like it did with ANIMAL HOUSE and how many horror movies can you count that strike such the exquisite balance of AMERICAN WEREWOLF? (If you bring up the RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD movies, then you've already lost the argument).
As far as the extras on the DVD, I was disappointed by the actors' commentary. Too many dead spaces. As much as Landis loves to talk about movies, I'm still wondering why he doesn't do commentaries for ANIMAL HOUSE and AMERICAN WEREWOLF.
He did an excellent commentary for KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE with Jim Abrahams and the Zucker Brothers.
What young American boy, especially the space cadet nerd, didn't have a crush on Jenny Agutter after LOGAN'S RUN and AMERICAN WEREWOLF?
(One last little note: the film also makes great use of London locales. Picadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the London Underground, etc.).
30 "I Will not be threatened by a walking meat loaf!"
This movie is by far the best werewolf movie i have ever seen, Screw an american werewolf in paris. Its all about this one, This werewolf movie is number one! I cant help but tremble with fear at the part were david and jack are walking in the woods then david slips jack comes over and helps david up this was the part in the movie that scared the living daylights out of me i was watching this movie by myself one night when i was alone at home and i thought it wasnt going to be scary a friend of mine said it was really scary so i bought it on dvd and watched it on Dolby Digital 5.1 surrond sound thats what made the movie so realistic. well anyways, all of a sudden a werewolf appears out of nowhere and leaps at jack, tackles jack to the ground and begins ripping jacks chest open that part of the movie will haunt you forever. That scene in the movie was so realistic that u can actually here jacks flesh ripping. Whenever i hear that it just sends chills down my back sheesh. Even thinking about it gives me chills. anywayz i wasnt scared throughout the movie because the movie was funny thats what i like about movies like these. I thought it was stupid though at the end when david gets shot and killed then they play this really lame song when they are showing the credits that was stupid. And the beggininng of the movie when they played the blue moon song i seriously thought that was a stupid song for a opening werewolf movie. The opening scene for an american werewolf in paris was much much better. And The music rocked. well anyways very good movie and i highly reccomend it.
31 Medicore DVD release
The movie is great (4 stars), the extra stuff not.
- documentary: ok, but not too exciting. It more advertises the movie than giving a behind the scene look. A couple of interesting facts, but that's pretty much it.
- 2 interviews: good, but short (15min + 10min). This is the best feature on the DVD. (without these interviews my rating would have been 1 star)
- 3 behind the scenes technical effects: boring, for 10 min we see how to make an armcast.
- 4 commentry: this is the worst commentry, I've ever listened to. Firstly, there is not much talking. Over long stretches, one of the actors may announce the name of an actor we haven't seen beforehand, without giving any further info. And this happens every 5 minutes. Now and than (every 15 min) there is an about 3-4 sentence long communication between both actors, but mostly it's not very interesting. 1/3 of the whole dialog both actors discuss how hot the main actress was. A complete waste of time listening to this...
- 5 extra footage: without sound, and can be given a miss.
- 6 5.1 digital surround sound: Don't expect much difference from the stereo recording.
From a 21st anniverary edition I'd really expect more. If you can find a cheaper non-special release, get that instead. You won't miss any of the bonus features.
32 "Little Ol' Lady Got Mutilated Late Last Night..."
2 american backpackers trek across the moors, unaware of the horror awaiting them. One of them (played by Griffin Dunne) is killed by a hideous beast. His friend is only wounded, escaping with his life. Unbeknownst to him, he's been mauled by a werewolf. In the hospital, he starts having terrible nightmares of senseless violence. He gets together with his nurse (check out the lovemaking scene, done to the tune of Moondance) and everything seems fine. That is until he begins turning into a lycanthropic monster himself in a terrific transformation sequence that shows the bone-bending, muscle-tearing agony of the change in a way never done up to that time! In his human form, he keeps running into his long-dead pal, now moldering before his eyes, with pieces falling off and everything. He's back from the grave and as funny as he is creepy! AAWIL is full of humor and scares. Lots of blood. Some nudity. Watch it as part of a triple feature with Dog Soldiers & The Howling. Highly recommended...
33 ONE OF THE SCARIEST MOVIES EVER MADE!!!
This is one of the few movies that have consistently given me nightmares since I was a child. It is at least a decade ahead of its time. Most of the negative criticisms that I have read use the word "uneven" a lot. Even Roger Ebert, whom I admire, claimed that the humor and the horror were an uneasy mix. This was years before he gave the movie Scream a positive review. Now I LIKE the movie Scream, but there is no way that one can claim that it gets the balance right whereas Werewolf gets it wrong. Scream simply benefits from occurring in the cynical nineties - Werewolf suffers from being avant guard. .
The new DVD has a few good extras on it - especially a new interview with Landis. Even after all these years, the film still holds up. Unlike most films, I see more things in it the more I look. What, for instance, is up with the townsfolk of East Proctor and what is their relationship with the original werewolf? My guess - they brought it on themselves somehow. Maybe one of their own ran over a gypsy and was cursed. Instead of killing the bloke, they all decide to hide beneath the pentangle in The Slaughtered Lamb every full moon.
I am recently returned from England and this movie is listed in Fodor's as one of the films that best showcases London. I heartily agree. I visited the infamous tube stop at Tottenham Court Road and it still looks much the same as when the David made his kill there. And as I walked, alone in the countryside, beneath the light of the full moon, I had to ask myself, "Am I crazy?" Fortunately, I made it to the pub. There I waited, beneath the pentangle, for my friends to walk me home.
34 Amusing horror hokum with some nice touches
John Landis crafts an enjoyable piece of horror hokum, a tongue-in-cheek werewolf thriller that gives an affectionate nod to the old horror movies and also manages to deliver a few scares.
The title says it all: The mainstay of the film's humour, at least for the first half, is the irony of an American finding himself in England. The jokes are as much a poke at American perceptions of England as jabs at Englishmen themselves, from the class-riddled consciences of the native characters (they are all either inferiors or superiors) to the grim, rural northerners ("Don't go out on't'moors" -- and we all know what happens next).
Special effects were pioneering, and still look pretty good today. Naughton transforms spectacularly into an actual wolf, albeit a pretty hefty one, rather than the half-wolf/half-man of an earlier era.
The soundtrack helps with the irony. Watch out for the alluring Jenny Agutter. If Amazon allowed half-stars, I'd have added an extra half to my three. Entertaining, if macabre, stuff.
35 David Naughton is the werewolf! Great 1950's music!
David Naughton and Griffin Dunne are together again for the Audio Commentary of this Collector's Edition of the now-classic An American Werewolf in London (1981). They laugh together as they share their memories about filming the movie and share some interesting tidbits for you. Bonus materials: An original five-minute featurette on the Making of An American Werewolf in London (Behind-the scenes). A new 18-minute interview with John Landis. An 11-minute interview with Academy Award winner Make-up Artist, Rick Baker. Also a very interesting featurette with David Naughton and the make-up crew on the casting and molding of David's hand and arm. The Outtakes are for ADULTS ONLY to see and hear. One outtake is pornographic. Absolutly the best werewolf film ever made. It's scary and made as a comdy too. it gave me the chills in the movie theatre. Goosebumps all over my arms. David Naughton (Dr. Pepper commercials, Makin' It tv-series and song) is perfect in the lead role. Griffin Dunne plays David's friend. jenny Agutter (Logan's Run [1976]) plays David's nurse and soon to be his lover. Lila Kaye plays the barmaid. The special effects in this film were new at the time. No computer imaging in this one because it had not been invented yet. Not for choldren to see. Film includes male frontal nudity, female nudity, pornographic scenes and audio, and very bloody and gory violence. Adults Only!
36 CLASSIC WEREWOLF MOVIE
A YOUNG AMERICAN [DAVID NAUGHTON] AND HIS FRIEND ARE BITTEN BY A WEREWOLF IN THE WOODS OF LONDON. HIS FRIEND DIES, BUT HE SURVIVES. SOON, HE BEGINS TO BECOME A BLOODTHIRSTY WEREWOLF. VERY THRILLING AND VERY FUNNY TOO. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST WEREWOLF MOVIES OF ALL TIME. IF YOU WANNA SEE A HORROR MOVIE THAT ACTUALLY MAKES SOME SENSE, WATCH THIS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE WOLF LOOKS FANTASTIC. FOLLOWED YEARS LATER BY AN IN NAME ONLY SEQUEL.
37 Horror Comedy Need Not Amuse But Cause Wonder
Hollywood werewolves have long been characterized as serious creatures who lope after their victims like an hirsuit Groucho Marx. The image of this loping werewolf was originally etched by Lon Chaney and succeeding generations of actors merely continued his style. But with AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, director John Landis not only pushed the werewolf back down on all fours so it would resemble nothing less than a bristling mobile lycan tank but he also added a much needed touch of humor to force viewers to stand apart momentarily from the gore to contemplate what they had just seen. David Naughton and Griffin Dunne are two Americans backpacking their way through a gloomy English moor right out of Heathcliffe's WUTHERING HEIGHTS. They are attacked by a howling werewolf who kills Dunne but merely bites Naughton before it itself is shot by villagers. This introductory scene in which Naughton and Dunne are banished by an unfriendly group of pub drinkers is an unsettling mixture of creepy fear leavened with biting wit. It is precisely this same melding of horror and humor that suggests that the viewer engage in extremes of emotions that range from laughing to choking, with the viewer sometimes not sure which one to choose.
Jenny Agutter is a much underappreciated actress who shines as a nurse who falls for Naughton, and cannot understand a radical change in his eating habits as he increasingly comes to prefer his meat extra rare. Agutter adds an unexpected dimension to a role that in another and less competent director's hands might have relegated her to little more than a fetching piece of English eye candy. Griffin Dunne supplies visceral humor as a corpse that keeps popping up, like Hamlet's father's ghost, at opportune times to remind Naughton that the price to pay to be free from lycanthropia may be a tad too high. And then there is the music, played in much the same vein as Simon & Garfunkle's lyrics from THE GRADUATE, but here Credence Clearwater Revival's lilting "Bad Moon Rising" punctuates the eye popping transformation scenes that a bad moon leads to bad vibes. Finally, the special effects of Rick Baker are stunning in that you can see bones elongating, fur sprouting, and nostrils stretching as Naughton is seen scaring himself as much as the audience. Ultimately, AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON is a ground breaker in the werewolf genre in that sight and sound combine to present creatures as helpless in their own way as their victims are in their own.
38 great horror and effects
a werewolf movie surely a classic of horror and effects. the transformation of David Naughton turning into the werwold if surely horrific and painful. the chase scene in the subway is great and at the end with the adult theater is electric. the beginning with the vast land and the nice touchs with the rain are highlights
39 classic
award winning movie for the wolf transition , done before digital effects , a landmark film of sorts , stars the dr.pepper guy "I`m a pepper" , his victims [ corpses ] haunt him through the movie [ see American Werewolf in Paris ] good if you are a fan of classic horror.. but ,not as scary as :The Thing
40 An enjoyable horror thriller.
I wasn't really looking forward to watching An American Werewolf in London, but the film has gained a strong cult reputation over the past two decades, and that was enough for me to give it a shot. For the most part, the film is deserving of its rep. Werewolf movies are pretty rare these days, finding a good one is even rarer. And even though AWIL wouldn't overall qualify as a great film, the fact that it's among the best of its subgenre is a good implication of the lack of quality evident in movies based around lycanthropes.
David Kessler and Jack Goodman (David Naughton and Griffin Dunne) are two American friends on vacation in the hills of England. One dark and foggy night, they're attacked by a werewolf, Jack is eviscerated while David is only injured. He awakens in a hospital, put under the care of pretty nurse Alex Price (Jenny Agutter), whom he quickly finds himself attracted to (and vice versa). But the day he's to be discharged, he's met by the undead spirit of Jack, who informs David that he will turn into a werewolf during the next full moon, and will proceed to go on a killing spree. The only way he can end his torment is to die, an option David is not willing to accept.
The opening scenes, set in the hills of England, display a quietly creepy atmosphere (which would be evident throughout all of Dog Soldiers, the best werewolf movie ever made) that gets the film rolling to a good start. Surprisingly, once the movie settles into its London setting, it doesn't lose momentum. This is thanks mostly to the budding romance between Naughton and Agutter, which is really sweet and believable. The two also share one of the steamiest love scenes I've seen.
Naughton is very likeable as the cursed young man, infusing his role with youthful energy and vitality. Because of his performance, it's hard not to find his dilemma distressing and even poignant. Agutter is excellent as David's new love, taking what could have been a cliched role and shaping it into a focused and layered performance. No one else makes much of an impression, except maybe Griffin Dunne as the ever decaying, undead Jack.
Much of this movie's fan base stands behind it because of its humor. But to be honest, except for a morbidly funny scene inside a porno theater (involving David talking to all his victims), I didn't really get much in the way of laughs. Who knows, I may have to give the film another look to get all the jokes, but An American Werewolf in London feels like it mostly wants to be taken seriously, and director John Landis packs in enough tense and suspenseful moments to make it work as such.
The most famed aspect of the film is David's transformation, a scene that show off Rick Baker's superlative make-up work. However, not as impressive is when the werewolf actually moves about while stalking and attacking its victims. A couple of scenes are obviously nothing more than a bunch of f/x guys waving a furry animatronic wolf head at would-be victims, not exactly effective when it comes to evoking pure, shuddering terror.
The abrupt ending is initially bothersome, but further thought has convinced me that to continue with the film after the final scenes would have been unnecessary and probably less emotionally effective. This is one superb horror thriller.
41 Beware of the moon!!!
Excellent movie! The beginning of the film is downright scary. As the 2 characters wonder through the moors at night, and the werewolf is howling in the distance, then gradually gets closer and closer, scary stuff.
Another awesome scene is in the subway. This movie still stands the test of time.
42 3.7 out of 5
AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON is undoubtedly one of the greatest horror films ever made. David Naughton stars as a young American tourist attacked by a werewolf in England; meanwhile, he is visited by his dead friend Jack (Griffin Dunne), falls in love with his nurse (Jenny Agutter), and is called insane when none of the locals (lead by Brian Glover) will admit the creature exists. Director John Landis throws in some black comedy right when it's needed and knows all the right moves; his script is very fun. There's also a good soundtrack (including a very short score by Elmer Bernstein), nice performances by the cast - but of course, the true highlight of the film is Rick Baker's make-up, which won the first Academy Award for "Best Makeup". Baker's make-up couldn't even come close to being matched today; words cannot explain the sheer brilliance in his work! Followed by an in-title-only sequel in 1997.
43 Beware of the moon
What can I actually, say about this film? See it and you will love it! I guess I can tell you the story, but I'm not going to tell what happens in the end. First of all, these two amrecain boys, are in England, While in England, a wareworlf attacks them and kills one of then (grossem i know!) But leaves a scar on the other boy. Because of that scar, every full moon he will turn into a WEARWOLF! (ahh!) Now the boy has to chosse to kill himself (how deppressing!) or kill lot's of people as a wearwolf. Watch it to find out.
44 David Naughton is the werewolf. Great 1950's music.
Absolutly the best werewolf film ever made. It's scary and made as a comedy too. It gave me the chills in the movie theatre. Goose bumps all over my arms. David Naughton (Dr. Pepper commercials, "Makin' It" tv series and song) is perfect in the lead role. Griffin Dunne plays David's friend. Jenny Agutter (Logan's Run [1976]) plays David's nurse and soon to be his lover. Lila Kaye plays the barmaid. The special effects in this film were new at the time. No computer imaging (CGI effects) in this one because it had not been invented yet. Not for children to see. This film includes male frontal nudity, female nudity, pornographic scenes and audio, and very bloody and gory effects. You will scream and laugh too. Great 1950's and 1960's music. Filmed on location in Wales and London, England. The entire rated "R" version must be seen in its complete form. Beware of edited television prints. The VHS version runs 97 minutes.
45 Okay, I guess
As someone raised on the classic Universal monsters I had high expectations for AWIL. Sadly, few of them were realized. AWIL does have the most powerful, eyepopping jawdropping transformation scene in the history of film. Also, the star does a competent job of portraying the anguish of his position. Aside from that, this movie is quite forgettable.
For one thing, once the transformation is complete we have a "werewolf" that looks like a carpet with big teeth. Second, there is little originality in the basic plot. The "story" is basically a countdown to an ending you can see a mile off if you have ever seen a werewolf movie before.
AWIL commits one unforgivable sin, however; it just isn't scary. Oh there is the occassional startle, but no real horror is generated anywhere. A great deal of this lies in the film's "humor." While the there were a few funny gags the bottom line is the director clearly did not understand how to make a horror movie, so he went for a dark comedy hybrid. The result is too repulsive to be funny (Hey look, that ghost has skin flaking off him, what a riot) and too inane to be scary. While it may be a nice diversion on a Friday night, AWIL is not a classic.
46 Classic Horror Flick
An American Werewolf in London is basically John Landis' take on The Wolfman. (There's even an Easter Egg preview of the Wolfman on this Special Edition disc.)
Instead of having the wolf walk on two legs Wolfman style, however, Landis hired famed makeup artist Rick Baker to design a werewolf that ran on all fours. The results are much more frightening indeed. While by today's standards the wolf may look tame, the transformation sequences and death scenes are very tense.
And Landis, who dirceted many of the National Lampoon movies, doesn't forget to add in a healthy dose of humor here and there, and it works quite well. The movie is somehow both very scary and very funny.
This special edition disc is loaded with extras, including documentaries on the making of the wolf, behind the scenes, outtakes, interviews with John Landis, and recommendations for further viewing.
It's a great horror film, shot beautifully with good makeup and creature effects. Worth seeing.
47 Still good after all these years
Saw this as a child,still enjoy it today. A cult classic.
48 CAPTURING THE UNCAPTURABLE: THE WEREWOLF
I'll be brief. Here, captured on film is the pain of the metamorphosis of the weir creature so that you almost feel your jaws pop when his do ( if you are experiencing TMJ you may even want to look away during the transformation seen -- you've already felt what he's going through!). The detail of this scene is gruesome and realistic, as fantastic horror can be. Of all the Werewolf films, this one is the most allegorical and metaphoric, about turning into something you seem to have no control over.
That the main chracter is likable only makes you empathize with what he is going through.
I alos like how the Brittish police and the Dr. and people in general are more willing to believe or at least look for supporting evidence that the main chracter David has turned into a werewolf. You get the feling they've dealt with this sort of thing to many times to be as non-believing as their American counterparts are portrayed, which gives credence to the plot and atmosphere.
As for the Nurse taking him in being believable those were different times, when people were still more open. Just think that was little over twenty years ago. How things have changed in such a short period.
The scene with Picadilly circus was as though Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett was writing a horror film; the way people are crazily flocking to the terror for entertainment, though it most likely means their own deaths, is an irony that cannot be overstated today.
49 Fun fun fun!
Funny, frightening, exciting, and still sad, this take on the traditional werewolf story is absolutely spectacular. Outstanding. Remarkable. FUN!
This is another of those films that benefitted from special effects that were revolutionary at the time, and still remain impressive today. Among only three horror films that I can give five stars to, this film is satisfying in the way that a horror movie ought to be. Throughout it, it pays homage to the Lon Cheney werewolf scene, both in dialogue and in overall plotline.
You'll be pleased to find that even after twenty-odd years this film is still a blast.
Enjoy!
T
50 The greatest werewolf movie ever made!!!
This is deff. the most scariest, thrilling, werewolf movie out there. It has tonz of gore, blood, and awesome deaths. This is the first werewolf movie where you actually see the transformation between man and wolf. All the other werewolf movies show some features being transformed but then stop the camera and the guy magically grows hair and huge teeth. The acting is great and the screen shots are very well done to give the movie more thrill. The blood and scary music really keep you focused throughout the whole film. This is deff. worth buying, don't wste your time on american werewolf in Paris!! Absolutely herendous!!! The movie dosn't come close to being as good as this one. A deff. Buy in your dvd collection!!!
51 Hilarious!
Okay I know I wasn't suppose to laugh at, but I did, and I saw this when I was eight. Now I'm all for a good scary movie, but this isn't scary, but the movie rocked so much. I think the only werewolf film to ever give me the shivers was Wolfen. This is hysterical and you can' deny that the line where the little boy say, "Mommy some naked american man stole my balloons." wasn't funny. Just see this.
52 Over 20 years, and it's still scary!!
This movie is one of the best horror movies I've ever seen!! Makeup Artist Rick Baker is a genius who was ahead of his time. It's scary and funny at times, and you genuinely do care what happens to these characters. DVD has lots of extras to enjoy .
53 Where Wolf???There Wolf!
AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON is, by any account, a classic horror film. One of the most difficult achievements in cinema is to combine frightening with funny. This movie succeeds wonderfully because its protagonist, played by David Naughton, is such a likeable character. Unlike the morosely depressing Lon Chaney Jr. and other previous werewolves, David plays the type of guy who could have easily been your college roommate or the guy who works in your local bookstore. As a result, when his character takes a sinister turn, the results are even more frightening. The special effects, considered exceptional in 1981, hold up very well (and are probably superior) against today's over-digitalized efforts.
The supporting cast adds to the texture of the film, injecting humor, but always (paradoxically) for dramatic effect. Griffin Dunne is marvelous as David's former hiking body turned increasingly decomposed corpse. The writing is crisp and the direction fast-paced. Although the film may be a bit too violent for younger children, it is a lot of fun for teens and adults alike.
54 Stick to the roads, keep off the moors...and see this movie!
"An American Werewolf in London" was director John Landis's effort to blend horror with comedy, and he was infinitely more successful at both than Steven Spielberg was with his disastrous attempt at comedy ("1941").
The film opens with a beautiful shot of what is presumably the moors of northern England, but your attention is immediately diverted by Bobby Vinton's cover of "Blue Moon" (its not just bad, it's wonderfully bad). This is immediately followed by a shot of a truck which is not only carrying sheep, it's also carrying two American students. David Kessler (Naughton) and Jack Goodman (Griffin Dunne, who bids a cheerful "Bye, Girls" to the sheep as the two set off for a town called East Proctor).
In East Proctor, they go into a pub called "The Slaughtered Lamb" where all conversation stops as they enter. Made to feel unwelcome, they leave and shortly thereafter are attacked by a werewolf. Goodman (Dunne) is killed; Kessler (Naughton) survives.
Kessler finds himself in a London hospital where he is carred for by Nurse Price (Jenny Agutter). He has vivid nightmares and is visited in the hospital (for the first of three times) by his dead friend, Goodman. Each time Goodman appears, his body shows the effects of decomposition. His first appearance is the most comedic in nature, as he mourns the fact that the girl he lusted after found solace in the arms of another at his funeral ("Life mocks me even in death," he says). Another little gem is Goodman's plaintive question to his living friend, "You ever talk to a corpse? It's boring!"
The romance between Naughton and Agutter is a bit too contrived and not well executed, and for the rest of the movie Rick Baker's make up and special effects is the real star of the film. But that shouldn't detract at all from the enjoyment of the movie, its humor or pathos. The soundtrack is fun, too, from the aforementioned Bobby Vinton cover, to Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising," and Van Morrison's "Moondance."
This is a thoroughly enjoyable, sometimes gory, sometimes funny, at all times well made film. (NOTE: The R rating this film received is thoroughly deserved for violence and some sexual content).
55 Amusing, scary and smart
Having been released the same year as "The Howling," one would think one of those films would be remembered and the other sink to oblivion. This has not happened. Both films seems to have their devotees, and I myself think that "American Werewolf" is the stronger film of the two. This film held my interest from the first few minutes and never let go. The blending of the old Welsh village inflicted by a curse with the carefree, American college students having a fun holiday works very well. The tension at the strange, hostile Inn and the moody cinematography greatly enhance the mood. I can't think of many situations that would be more terrifying than being stranded on those dark moors while an unearthly howling gets closer. I would have been content to have the film stay in the highlands rather than moving the action to London.
Once we get to London though, we, like the characters, play a waiting game to see how long it will take for the transformation of David to occur and for the carnage to begin. There are many great moments in this film, and the scenes when the wolf stalks his victims are not only terrifying but admirably restrained as well. I do feel that the climax of the film, set in London's Piccadilly Circus, does get a bit too graphic and bizarre, but I suppose this was mainly to show the chaos that most likely could occur were a werewolf to suddenly pop out seeking food.
The performances in this film are decent. Griffin Dunne is funny as Jack, dead and undead and Jenny Agutter does what she can with the thankless role of love interest whose sole purpose seems to provide sex and material comfort for David. David Naughton does an okay job, but at times, his acting range is a bit limited and he seems to be about the only person who seems pretty unaffected by what is transpiring. (Another neat trick is to close your eyes when Naughton reads his lines and you'd swear you were listening to David Schwimmer.)
It wasn't until recently that I saw this film (having been a scaredy cat 9 year old in 1981 whose parents wouldn't let him see R-rated movies anyhow), and it wasn't until watching the film that I realized the title was a nod to Mark Tawin's "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court." It doesn't hurt either that Twain's book is explicitly mentioned in the film also.
"An American Werewolf in London" is an enjoyable, thrilling and terrifying film that will keep you laughing even as you hide under the covers. Good stuff.
56 Good, buuut......
I must admit, I was extremely disappointed with this film.
1)It's not scary (although the scenes in the moors were excellent, and turn out to be the highlight of the entire film).
2)Since it's a John Landis (THE BLUES BROTHERS, TRADING PLACES, ANIMAL HOUSE), I had expected there to be a TON more humor . . . . . there was hardly any at all!
3)The ending is simply atrocious! It's so disappointing, that it's on the verge of destroying the entire film. I mean, the film wasn't very original to begin with (though the living dead segments were cool), but they had to go and use the ending that was used in THE WOLF MAN, THE CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF, and it goes on and on. Shoot the werewolf, see him in human form, flash to the credits!! The whole thing happens in less than 30 seconds (very, very sloppy and rushed).
One thing I must say in its defense, however: the transformation scene. It may very well be the greatest ever put to film! Rick Baker is simply the best makeup man who has ever graced the silver screen with his extraordinary talents.
Not all it's hyped up to be. You want werewolves? Go see the previously-mentioned two werewolf films, or SILVER BULLET and WOLF, and I hear that THE HOWLING is really good, too. It had at least be better than this overrated movie.
57 A real howler
American werewolf in london is a great horror comedy and stands out as one of my personal favourites. Its stars, David Naughton and Griffin Dune, play good roles as a man bitten by a werewolf whilst walking out on the moors and his dead best friend (surely the nearest contender to a posthumous oscar!). David Naughton, one presumes, is meant to be the star of the show, but is instead overshadowed by his friend who died in the opening scenes!
The plot is slight, but well constructed, pure and uncomplicated and bounces along at a rate fast enough to keep the viewer hooked. With this film, we get straight into the action very quickly, and it wastes no time in getting into the story. David has been bitten by a lycanthrope and has only a matter of time before he totally becomes one, and his decomposing friend returns in the 'dream' sequences to warn him of what may happen. In these sequences, Dune appears grotesque but actually plays quite a comic role.
American werewolf is cheifly a horror movie, but it is a horror movie with a keen sense of humour, and often between the gore are scenes where the gallows humour is played up to extremes. The gore itself in this movie is quite frequent and gives the movie added bite (pardon the pun), but is never unnecessary or cheapening to the movie.
Parts of this film are hilarious, partciularly the bit near the end were the wolf is stalking the Brit underground on the tube, who warns it that if it doesn't stop he'll get 'very cross'. His face when he sees the thing is one of the highlights of the film. This is action-packed, relentless in pace and keeps the viewer hooked and in my opinion, is well-constructed, pacy and thrilling. A definite horror classic that anyone should have in their collection.
In relation to the SFX, compared to many of today's high-budget films, yes, they do look slightly dated but the transformation itself still holds true to its praise as a ground-braking sequence, and unlike some horror movies, that have obviously been superseded by computer animation, the SFX are still thrilling to behold. The man who made them possible in the early 80's is a genius.
The film is intense and quite gory but is never overpowering and the film feels quite charming in places for a horror movie. I would recommend this to almost anyone, only the very squeamish would dislike this film. It's certainly a contender for my personal favourite horror, and only just falls short of 5 stars, i would say 4 1/2 is quite fair.
The bottom line is, it's a riot with a wicked sense of humour.
58 allcanadianguy@shaw reviews * * * *
Who would like this? : horror, cult classic buffs
Worth seeing?...
-buy it : yes
-rent it : yes
Cast:
David Naughton
Jenny Agutter
Griffin Dunne
John Woodvine
___________________
John Landis
Director
* a classic horror with a little black comedy, suspense and Jenny Agutter. A must have for any horror fan.
59 More stupid than good
An American Werewolf in London disappointed me. There was too much humor, too many living-dead people, and the werewolf was too small. The turning scene was pretty good, but not as good as THE HOWLING.
60 One of my favorite films!
The horror classic AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, directed by John Landis, is definately a must-see film and now a cult favorite. It's also one of my favorite films! Everything's great here and Rick Baker's effects are top-notch. It's just awesome! This DVD is also great, with a load of special features and a great presentation. A must-have for horror fans!
61 THE BEST WEREWOLF MOVIE TO DATE!!!...
This movie is the real deal. Rarely do we get a really good werewolf film. And this one still stands the test of time 21 years later. There still hasnt been a better werewolf film made by far. Some people think the Howling was better then this,... but if you read MY review on that movie...you'll get the true deal. Rick Bakers stuff on this was so good it scares me... BUY THIS ONE RRRIIIIIGGHHHHTTTTTT NOOOOOWWWWWWW!!!...
Cheers to all who put this wonderful classic together!
62 Hard to find a great werewolf movie . . .
But this is about as good as it gets. The location shots are well chosen, and the 'Americans abroad' angle is kind of funny. Jenny Agutter, from Logan's Run, plays a naughty British nurse. David Naughton is excellent in the lead. The werewolf he becomes is really stylish--the kind you might find in a medieval woodcut or a Victorian penny dreadful. What made this movie cutting-edge back in the 80's tarnishes it a bit now: there's a heavy emphasis on makeup effects, and bloody special effects. Actually, I think old-school effects look way better than the superficiality of modern digital effects, but in this film the effects just seem to be overused. Some of the car crashes and mayhem near the end seem especially gratuitous. In the slasher 80's, this probably didn't phase anybody, but it stands out now. Overall though, it's a great movie. The 'Slaughtered Lamb' pub scenes are kind of classic, the tension is interlaced with sex and humor, and the wolf looks impressively cool. As for the DVD extras, you will find it hard to escape the apparent vanity of John Landis, but there are a couple appreciable extras for the hardcore fan, especially those interested in Rick Baker's effects.
63 5 STARS AS COMEDY, 2 STARS FOR HORROR!
This movie really isn't that scary, but the ending is the only thing that you could possibly consider scary in this movie. This movie is so freaking funny and not that scary. Heck I'm sure it scared children, but come on this isn't scary. If you're looking for a good laugh buy this now, but if your looking for a good scare, look elsewhere, because you won't get scared in this, because this is a comedy, and not a horror film.
64 Wonderful fun, and scary!
This is a wonderful movie that has one sole aim: to entertain. Two American lads in Britain are attacked one dark night by a werewolf, and the fun is on! Great scenery and atmosphere, very very good special effects, and decent acting all come together with a brisk storyline to really keep this movie going. There are some cool shock scenes too, but that would be telling. Some cute English girls don't do this movie one bit of harm, either!
This is a highly entertaining horror/comedy flick that elicits both chills and laughs. Great fun.
65 it'll be classic, I think
So these two american guys are walking around england, on vacation. And they come to this creepy little town out in the middle of the misty moors. And ... they don't stay the night; instead they choose to push on, despite the rain and general nastyness and their being on foot. Which, given the general attitude of the townsfolk, seems perfectly reasonable.
Anyways, I'd never seen it, I'd never heard anything about it when I watched it. It's funny and gross and silly, and I love the music. (Is there a soundtrack? "I seeeee a baa-aad moon risin'...") I recommend it to werewolf & horror fans everywhere.
66 Four for Effects
Great special effects in this movie push my rating to a four. As a fan of the old time werewolf movies this one lacks in atmosphere and acting. Its a fun watch but without Lon Chaney Jr. it just aint the Wolfman. Sound and picture quality are excellent.
67 A true classic gets the 5 star DVD treatment.
"An American Werewolf In London" is one of those movies you can go back to again and again, without getting bored of it. It is a nice mix of horror and comedy, while being the best werewolf movie to date. Not since "The Wolfman" from the 1940's has a movie about Werewolves been so good.
The story starts off simple enough. Two American travellers in England cross paths with a vicious werewolf, one is killed, and hte other survives. The one who survives starts to experiences strange mental episodes, and he wonders if all those stories about werewolves are true--if you are attacked and survive, do you yourself become a werewolf. Director and writer John Landis took his time with the characters, making them believeable and likeable. The dialogue is very well written, with touches of black humor to keep the movie from becomming a standard "bump in the night" horror movie. The special effects and makeup were, for their time, cutting edge. And even today, the transformation scene is unmatched.
The DVD is an excellent package. I always enjoy the commentary buy the film makers, but on this DVD, the two main actors (David Naughton and Griffin Dunn) do the commentary. Their commentary is more like a friendly chit-chat, with amusing anecdotes and plenty of insight. Also included are two excellent featurettes, one of the makeup, and the other is the original 1981 "Making of" special. The outtakes reel is the funniest, with one in particular that will make you fall to the floor laughing. You'll know which one when you see it, but in case you don't, it involves a falling "setpiece".
This is one of my favorite movies of the 1980's, and one of the first I looked for when I bought a DVD player. With all the extras and the top quality transfer, it is worth every penny.
68 clasic
This dvd combines horror, comedy and an excellent story line. The werewolf changing series is still one of the best to this date. This dvd is a true clasic movie!!
69 Bad Moon Rising
4 Stars as far as monster films go, and 3 by average film standards. Meaning If you go into this movie not knowing what to expect youll probobly give it 3 stars, If you rented it for special effects and gore then its a 4 star film. I find the movie itself, kind of weak. Guy gets bit, turns into werewolf, eats people. The acting isn't spectacular (although the pain i nthe transformation scenes looks very real). Also the film has a lot of nudity (male and female) in it, which I endorse whole heartedly if used right, but it's kind of just thrown into this film. (But the porno movie makes me laff out loud everytime. It kills me that they actually scripted this situation for a porno they watch in the film) As far as special effects go, this movie is spectacular, The transformation effects have'nt been topped to htis day. Even the dead people are pretty ripped up and bloody, altho the actual attack isn't shown, just the aftermath. THe film lacks longshots of the wolf tho which is a dissapointment and a hinderance to the movie. Luckily they are included on the extras. Also there are a few documentarys on the makeup, a commentary and some cool deleted scenes. The audio on the film is crisp and the dialogue is easily heard over the music(The Soundtrack is great). The picture is very clear nad bright, altho not mind blowing.
If youv'e seen the film and liked it, then definately purchase this version, it's loaded. If this is youre first Experience with the movie I would rent it first, unless you enjoy gory type horror movies(not really scary, but heavy on the blood). The film manages to fall in between standard horror movie fair and bloody B movie zombie flix. All in all a very well done Monster Movie, with traces of humor and fantastic makeup effects.
70 Did they fix the sound?
All I want to know about this flick is if they fixed the sound from the vhs version? The sound on my vhs version is scratchy and rattles if you turn it up. I heard a rumor several years ago that somehow the original sound to this movie was lost in a fire or something. So all I want to know did they fix the sound?
Please someone let me know. Thanks
BTW this movie is a great romance that will have your girlfriend jumping in your lap from fright. Take care
71 Tourist Be Werewolf
When 2 American students, on a walking tour of Europe, decide to take a shortcut through the Welsh moors...they are attacked by a Werewolf. Sometime later, David Kessler (David Naughton) wakes up in a London hospital. He finds out that his friend Jack (Griffen Dunne) is dead from a nurse (Jenny Agutter). Shortly thereafter, David is visited by his friend's decaying corpse, who tells him that he is now a Werewolf. This inspired horror/comedy from director John Landis successfully blends the two genres. The film not only benefits from good perfomances from the cast, Dunne is hilarious as Jack, but the transformation FX still lookd cool, some 21 years later. It still amazes me that Rick Baker and his crew were able to pull the transformation off at all It's even more stunning because CGI wasn't even around yet. The script is very good and has some truly funny moments, without being over the top, or dumb At its center though, the film is a horror movie, and has a jolt or two as well.
The "Collector's Edition" DVD is solid. It has a very good commentary track with Naughton and Dunne that's pretty light and sometimes funny. There is a rather lame featurette with Landis, a (better) featurette with Rick Baker about the aforementioned FX, outtakes, and a photo montage. The rest of the extras can be found on most discs. For a fun film with some good extras, AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON is a good bet. Recommended
72 Hidden Trailer
Enter the Bonus Material area then select Recomendations. Go the the second page and press the up arrow on your remote. A small reel of film will be selected. Hit enter to view the the original trailer to Lon Chaney Jr's "The Wolfman"
73 Greatest Horror Comedy Ever
John Landis is a genius. I love Werewolf movies, and this is a great Werewolf movie. Funny, and genuinely scary at the same time. The DVD has great interviews with John Landis (Director, Writer), and Rick Baker (Special Effects). Baker, in my opinion, is the best F/X guy around, some would argue Stan Winston, but some would be wrong. The writing is hilarious, and the mood is creepy.I love how the movie just abruptly ends. This is a classic that should be in every horror movie fan's collection. My only complaint is I would have liked to seen deleated scenes on the DVD, rather than outtakes.See ya,Spideyy
74 He's not "a Pepper" anymore!
"An American Werewolf in London" was the first really scary and not campy movie my mother (who is a true horror movie buff) let me watch. Looking at it from a technical point of view, I much prefer this type of werewolf (the all-fours, more wolf-like) to those of "The Howling" or "Silver Bullet".
The soundtrack is really cool too.
Without giving too much away, I think the scariest part of the movie isn't werewolf related at all. It's the dream David has in the hospital.
There's a lot of subtle humor too, notably the scene in the movie theater. Then there are others that aren't intentionally funny, such as the fact that Frank Oz is one of David's doctors (the sound of "Bert" giving medical advice is hilarious!).
75 The best werewolf film ever made...
In my opinion, it is the most well made werewolf film ever made. Compared with other werewolf films, special effects scenes are very impressive. It can be compared with Á¡The HowlingÁ± in the scene, which changes to a werewolf. Both are pretty outstanding. Á¡The HowlingÁ± is more dreary and stylish, but this film is more humorous. That is the reason the director of this film is John Landis who usually made well comedy movies such as Á¡Blues BrothersÁ±. This is not a film that makes a mood gravely or horribly. On the contrary, it gives a laugh. One of funny scenes is, people who murdered by werewolf, appear again with looks what they are killed at that time. Absurdly, they come out at the adult theater to threaten werewolf, David, who killed them, to do a suicide. That is what they can get out of terrible appearance. The scene that David changes to werewolf and kills people ruthlessly at the middle of the city, London, is remarkably striking. Humor and wit, this is a peculiarity of this film. After this filmÁøs success, imitation film, Á¡An American Werewolf in ParisÁ± was made in 1997. However, it developed only computer graphic scenes. Nothing was special, it was a completely parody of this film.
76 An American Nightmare In Vaudeville
Young Americans David Naughton and Griffin Dunne go backpacking through the English countryside and chance upon a haunted and unfriendly inn, after which Dunne is killed and Naughton wounded by an unidentified large animal. Taking up with charming nurse Jenny Agutter, Naughton begins suffering nightmares and waking hallucinations of being a wild animal, of killing people, and of talking with his dead friend Dunne. It isn't too long before he - and Agutter, and Doctor John Woodvine - realize he isn't hallucinating.
Very well-directed and -acted piece, balancing horror and humor nicely, though not as smoothly and subtly as the contemporaneous The Howling. The balance is carried off by straight-faced and nightmarish surrealism, and the wholesomeness of the genuinely appealing young cast. The clever juxtaposition of American and British culture helps immensely, adding both to the humor and the realism.
This is a truly unique piece, not really succeeding either as a comedy or a horror film, yet satisfying somehow on both levels. It's a bizarre viewing experience, but an enjoyable and worthwhile one. The special effects sequences, especially the transformations, are pretty impressive too.
77 Entertaining, good effects
It's perhaps easy to see why 'An American Werewolf In London' became a horror classic. After all, it's effects for the time were truly phenomenal and creepy little horrors set in England always seem to appeal.
Watching today the special effects aren't as good and there are other entertaining low-budget horrors out there. It's not that there's anything intrinsically wrong with the movie, it's just that there's nothing particularly special about it. Rather than focusing on the disturbing dream sequences with the main character dead best friend (who rots away as the movie progresses), we have to sit through a lot of tired flirtation scenes with nurse Jenny Agutter and a few chase scenes.
True, not all horror lies in how scary it is or how gory, but the human element of the movie is also lost. The romance between Naughton and Agutter doesn't seem real enough to warrant her reaction at the end of the movie (which is admitedly impressive) and the few glimpses we get of Naughton's increasing insanity are all to brief.
To conclude, this may be better than a lot of horror rubbish out there but it's certainly little better. To say that it's often hailed as the first-of-its-kind, there's little new said here.
78 This movie really bites! in a good way
Theres not a lot you can tell anyone about this film, im sure most people have seen this movie but if you havent then where the hell have you been! The whole DVD package is great and the film has to be the best ever made. Scary, funny and jumpy this film has everything. A must buy on DVD and watch it in the dark for the best results.
79 This movie really bites! in a good way
This film has to be the greatest movie ever made. Whats even better now is its on DVD. The package the two CDs enclosed everything about this DVD is perfect. The Film Im sure by now everyone has seen, if you have not seen it then where the hell have you been! A must buy for anyone who loves film classics. Even the introduction menu screen is good.
80 A horror comedy that's both funny and scary for a change.
The story begins when two American students, Jack (Griffen Dunne) and David (David Naughton), are vacationing in England. Late one night, Jack and David are foolishly walking through the moors when they are viciously attacked by a werewolf. Jack dies from the attack, and David is left badly wounded. If you know anything about horror, you should be able to figure what happens to David.
After David recuperates from his injuries, he visits a movie theater that (unbeknowst to David until he enters) is occupied by undead werewolf victims, one of which is Jack, in various states of decay. The victims try to tell David that he must do himself in before any harm occurs. Of course, David refuses to listen. And because of this, carnage ensues throughout London. The morning after each incident, David finds himself naked and forgetful of what happened the night before.
Is this movie predictable? Yes. Can anyone over the age of seven understand that David is doomed from the get-go? Yes. Is it boring? Nope. As I said in the title, AAWiL is a triumph for all involved. There are a few scenes that are truly frightening. You won't easily forget the subway chase or the scene when David (as a wolf) causes mass destruction during a downtown traffic jam. Rick Baker's 1980s elbow grease makeup work makes today's pushbutton CGI effects look phony. Just watch David's transformation scenes. Over twenty years after this film was made they still look astonishing. Baker earned his Oscar.
Then there is also the wicked sense of humor. One of the funniest lines ever on film was when David took a little boy's balloons to conceal his nudity. Jack, even though he's dead and dropping parts left and right, is the life of an already lively movie.
In closing, this is one of many fine horror movies to come from the 1980s. What makes AAWiL special is its abilty to make you laugh one second and shudder the next. Many films have tried this angle and almost all are failures, even this film's sequel.
Overall rating: 4.8 stars (close enough for 5).
81 Don't watch this movie alone.
This was the first werewolf movie that really
scared me to death.It took,literally a year or more
to get over it. I think it will be listed among the classic horror movies since movies began.
82 The best werewolf movie to ever be made!!
If you've seen The Howling, you've seen nothing yet. An American Werewolf In London is one of the best werewolf movies ever made. This one has a plot, a real story, and a sharp sense of humour to it. Two american boys are spending they're vacation in northern England hitch hiking. One night they come across a small village called The Slaughtered Lamb. When they find a pentegram on the wall and ask about it, they get too uncomfortable with the way the people act and decide to leave into the night. Once it starts to rain they wonder off the road and a howl strikes the air. When something snarls in front of them in the dark they run deeper into the moors lost and frightened. When david slips to the ground, Jack is left standing up for the werewolf to attack him first (very disturbinng and bloody attack). Then david is attacked for about three seconds before shots ring out. David is alive! Duh, with the curse of the werewolf of course. Very funny, brutal movie. One of the very best werewolf movies to be made.
83 An American Werewolf in London
Very scary. Very funny. Featuring the excellent Griffin Dunne. A must for fans of the genre. Why has John Landis made so much rubbish since?
84 Horror comedy that's actually scary and funny
John Landis movies usually have a strange blend of subtlety and low-brow, and this is no exception. The scary moments are memorable, and the black comedy of the frequent visits by the deceased is funny, grisly and even a little haunting. But I still don't understand that weird dream sequence where David Naughton's family is killed by demonic Nazis...
85 I scene worst! -This is the best Wolf movie ever made.!
This is the one two see..-The very best; -since; -"The Howling." -1980. -If you are a big wolf fan. -Interested with the make up and director. -The Human Morals surrounding these character turning into monsters.? Watch. -"The Howling." -1980. -and; -"American Werewolf in London." -Both. -Even though; -"The Howling is no comparison two this film.? This is a must see four; -Griffin Dunne; -David Naughton Fans. -I give this; -A Five star; -rating. -Don't bother watching the sequel. -It does not add up with this.? Though; -The second one seems pretty good. -Just stick with this one instead.
86 When traveling do see London and not Paris
Other reviews said it all. This movie is a miture of horror and clever humor. I wouldn't go so far as to call it comedy. In fact I remeber leaving the movie being saddened by the ending. I won't ruin it for you. The special effects were very well done, and at the time (I was very young when this came to theatres) I had never seen such twists and turns in a horror film. If you think about it, though, a werewolf changes all the time between human and wolf. It ain't easy being either one these days, so it makes sense that it was quite hard on the fellow. Great movie! Great action, very good special effects, and it even has a zombie in it to boot! I loved this movie!
87 Excellent Modern Horror Movie!
This was an excellent remake of an old horror movie.The actors in this movie played their roles well. A young man in London is
bitten by a werewolf. He promptly turns into a werewolf. He goes
on a killing spree that has London in a state of panic.He even
kills his friend.The makeup job that is used on hid friend is absolutely frightening.The special effects that are used in this movie are absolutely first notch. I watched this movie when it
first came out. It was good then and it is good now.The scenery of London is also very good. Watch this film. You will be as carried away as i was. Buy it.
88 One of the Best Black Horror Comedies.
When two american travelers (David Naughton, Griffin Dunne) decide to traval on foot in the country side of English Moors. When they got attack by a Werewolf, while the another died and another live but he got bitten by the werewolf and his undead friend visit him to warm him about him turning into a werewolf in the next full moon and he`s going to attack on the civilans of London.
Written and Directed by John Landis (National Lampoon`s Animal House) brings his best film to date, a modern horror comedy classic with terrific make-up effects by Six Time Oscar-Winner:Rick Baker (The Nutty Professor 1 & 2). Baker did Win his First Oscar for Best Make-Up. Fine lead performances by Naughton and Agutter, including a supporting role by Dunne. One of the Three Werewolf films of 1981. DVD`s has an fine anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) transfer and an strong DTS 5.1 Surround Sound as well in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. The DVD is Packed with Extras:Including a running commentary track by Naughton and Dunne, Outtakes, Documentary and More. This is a smart, funny, scary terrific film. Grade:A.
89 A MODESTY MASTERPIECE MOV?E
First time when ? saw this great movie ? was a teenage.I had seen it in the Theatre three times at 80'(I was 15 then)And ? could never forget it.I live ?n Turkey.I was'nt able to have this movie till last year.Now ?'am 32 and ? see it again and again.There is something in this movie.Theres Magic of John Landis and Guru Baker.Baker is as known as always.But John LAND?S is the reason of difference and magic of this movie.Baker made a great job to complete the part of David's transformation and amazig make-up.
It's my all time favorite movie.No doubt it's a Cult Mov?e to me.The Story of John Landis is Great.Script and Direction is Superior.Director of Photografy is very Successfull from the beginning of the movie and gives us the mood and what they means and thought about..The Moors Pictures and London are very smart choises for this story and movie.
David Naughton fits extremely good as an american young,good hearted sacr?face of an Werewolf.And he's in love...
And musics,tracks(choises of great JOHN LANDIS) are very Brilliant,Impressive,Able Choises to the mov?e and attitudes in the movie.They making the mood more impressive and unforgetable,tragic and realistic.? enjoyed so much all the time when ? see and ? don't fade up to see it.?t's an Art of Motion Picture or even Still Picture of Director.
?t's a Modesty Masterpiece....in the pictures even without
Zombies,Monsters or Werewolfes...
90 The Complete Movie
Intelligent, melancholic, funny, chilling ... AAWIL is an under-rated classic. From the missed dart in the Slaughtered Lamb to the mauling on the moors; from the spooky double dream sequence to the atmospheric London scenes, there is never a dull moment. The soundtrack is just right (Van Morrison, Creedance Clearwater Revival et al) while the special effects - particularly the amazing metamorphosis - are genre-defining. With great performances from Agutter and Naughton, this film is rich in memorable moments and made all the more unmissable by the light touch of director Landis. Sink your teeth into this film ... but beware the moon!
91 A HORROR STORY TO DIE FOR...
Written and directed by a young John Landis, this 1981 release was a hit and rightly so. It is a smart, sharp, scary, and ultimately satisfying horror flick with a dash of romance tossed into the brew. Boasting a young and energetic cast, it succeeds brilliantly in what it sets out to do: entertain.
David Naughton (I'm a Pepper; you're a Pepper) is terrific as a young American backpacking along the moors in Northern England with his friend, played with comic deftness by Griffin Dunne. They are advised to stay on the road and off the moors. When they come upon a strangely named roadside in, they stop in for refreshments, only to get a very odd and funny reception upon their arrival. Feeling unwelcome, they decide to move along, but not before being told once again to keep to the road and off the moors.
Though they are able to see the road, as there is a full moon, they carelessly wander off onto the moors. No sooner do they do so that they start to hear the baying and howling of some creature. Scared and realizing that they have wandered off the road, they start running for it, when suddenly "it" is upon them, killing Griffin almost instantly before attacking David. David is saved by those very folk who had made them feel unwelcome in the inn. How they do it makes for a great scene.
The unconscious David finds himself waking in a London hospital several weeks later, remembering that he and his friend had been attacked by a viscious wolflike animal, a story at odds with what the police had been told by the local villagers. David begins to have some disconcerting dreams and visits by his now dead friend, who claims to be part of the undead. David, who thinks he is going crazy, is looked after in the hospital by an interested doctor, played by John Woodvine, and a lovely and caring nurse, played by a very young Jenny Agutter. David and Jenny happens to fall in love and upon his release from the hospital, he goes and stays with Jenny in her apartment. It is there that, during a full moon, David experiences what he has become.
What happens next is both frightening and, at times, humorous, due to the wonderful script penned by Landis. The doctor, intrigued by David's claims that he was bitten by a wolf like animal, coupled with a bizarre series of murders where the victims are found half eaten, travels to where David had been attacked and discovers the same roadside inn, where he encounters a reception similar to that which David and Griffin had received. Returning to London, he sets about trying to help David. Meanwhile David is himself confronted by what has happened, though he has no recollection of having done anything. What happens next, however, will keep the viewer riveted to the screen.
This is a great horror film, well acted by the entire cast. The special effects won make up artist, Rick Baker, the first of his six Academy Awards for special makeup effects (Star Wars, The Nutty Professor, Planet of the Apes, Men in Black, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas). The DVD itself provides a crystal clear picture with excellent sound, as well as a number of special features. It also provides an interesting featurette on the making of the film, as well as a wonderful interview with John Landis. Among some of the other features is a commentary by cast members David Naughton and Griffin Dunne which is mediocre. They should stick to acting. There are also the usual storyboards and outtakes, though the outtakes have no audio. All in all, the DVD offers enough features to make it a value laden DVD and well worth having in one's collection.
92 Unique Horror, Comedy, Romance
I first saw this movie in the theatres in the early 80's when it first came out. I loved it back then and think that it has withstood the test of time rather well. Rick Baker's makeup still looks as good today as it did 20 years ago. The story is about a couple of American college students backpacking across Europe. They encounter a werewolf, one of them dies, and the other is turned into a werewolf. There is romance, comedy, and horror all wrapped up into one movie. This movie will appeal to a variety of audiences but be forewarned that some of Rick Baker's makeup is gruesome. I would classify this as a romantic comedy with gore, not just a horror movie. The video transfer was well done but there was a bit of grain early on in the movie. I assume this was due to the film stock condition. The video has deep blacks, minimal color bleeds, and no noticeable edge enhancement or artifacting. The DTS 5.1 audio track is very good considering the source track was Mono. The rears are used a few times as well as the subwoofer but most of the sound comes from the center channel. This again is probably due to the fact that the source audio was a mono track.
93 GOOD MOVIE, BAD DVD RELEASE
This movie is a classic, First time when i saw it during the 80s it was so scary and the make-up effect was so impressive. However, this DVD release by Universal Studios is dissappointing.
The picture is so soft similar to a VCD/VHS transfer and the audio, though originally recorded in MONO and upgraded to 5.1 and DTS surround, the effect is poor and soft. The movie needs a better treatment absolutely. Video : 3/5 (the picture is so bad when watching in widescreen format), Sound : 3/5 Movie :4/5.
Other movie like Omen, Jaws 1, Close Encounter of the Third Kind, The Howling, I find the DVD picture are better than this one.
94 BEST WEREWOLF FLICK YET...
As many reviewers have noted, this movie is equal parts horror and comedy and never have they been blended this well and they probably won't be topped. Director Landis has a good story here and he doesn't go wrong until the very end (I thought the ending abrupt but then again maybe a change from every other ending in this genre was his intention). The love story was believable and touching and this is important because we care about David and he is truly horrified by his transformation and it's resulting consequences yet, he can't believe it until it's too late. Jenny Agutter is very good as a working class nurse and Griffin Dunne is hilarious as David's best friend who is initially killed but comes back to haunt the surviving David, imploring him to do the right thing (by killing himself) or else, well, you know.
This has been a favorite of mine since it came out in the movies so I bought it with the intention of turning on my teenage kids to it and I wasn't disappointed. We had just watched "The Wolfman" with Lon Chaney Jr. around Halloween so the little splice of that movie here was an interesting segue to a more modern version.
Just the right blend of horror and humor really put this movie at the top of the pile and the first transformation sequence is one of the best moments in horror film history---it hasn't been topped in all these years. The only false note is the Piccadilly circus scene where just too many gratuitous accidents seems to take away from the truly horrible carnage preceding it. But that is a small caveat...all in all, a real keeper.
95 A Favorite Gets Just Treatment
This is definitely one of my all time favorite movies. I remember seeing it when it came out, a mere teenager, and being completely blown away. I still get a creepy feeling right before the first wolf attack. But, on to the dvd release. This movie is a cult favorite, deserves to be, and this release almost does it justice. Why no trailer??? That is the most troubling thing about this disc. The extras are great, an interesting commentary (even though the actors get caught up in watching as well, resulting in several gaps of silence), and a fantastic interview with Landis. There has been much improvement since the laser disc (I've purchased every format I could get my hands on), especially regarding the sound. I give it a perfect score, since it is the perfert movie, but I'm upset that the trailer is missing. Beware the moon...
96 The Best Werewolf Move Ever!!!
Forget the fact that this movie has the best make-up effects for a werewolf.....the script and direction of the flim is superiour! This flim is highly under rated and most of all the funniest werewolf movie of them. It's like a better version of the old Universal flick from the old school. Landis knew what he was doing with this movie in terms of humor and pure horror ( Sam R. was the only other director to blend these factors together perfectly in his film "Evil Dead 2:Dead By Dawn"). David Naughton made the best portale of the man to be the wolf at midnight with good dramtic skills in scenes of shock and denile. Look for even other great traits such as the character David's Friend, Jack and his decomposing apearence and look for the movie's soundtrack and how all the songs are about moons. Thank you.
97 An American Werewolf In London
Kind of CAMPY at times but I enjoyed it enough to buy it.Good cast /Great special effects.For the horror movie buff- A must see.Enjoy Lisa C.
98 Fady Ghaly's reviews
An American Werewolf in London is a rare combination of true terror and great humor, but, as writer/director John Landis himself has said, it is not a comedy, for many presumed and still presume as it being one-a comedy-horror that is to say. It at times is a very funny movie-true, but it is not a comedy. It is rather a very saddening story when you really think about it. I mean, both primary characters end up dead for Christ sake, one leaving the love of his life in great grief. What's so amusing about that?
An American Werewolf in London is not only my favorite werewolf film with a great soundtrack (as one to play three different versions of one of the most popular oldies song ever, "Blue Moon", how could it not be?), but was also one to open up new doors for such horror films that center upon these hair-raising themes. Before it, there was no such a thing as a four-legged beast that was seen crouched and using all four legs when in pursue of its victims, neither was there such a thing as a film that was this imaginative and this realistic when it came to the transformation of a character turning from an average-looking man to such a vicious and grisly creature that prowls the night for "fresh meat" whenever the moon rises high in full form and sheds its light upon those who might possibly take pleasure of seeing it for the very last time. As makeup artist Rick Baker has said in an interview which you'll find on the Special Edition DVD (don't bother with the old one), it's nothing like Lawrence Talbot in The Wolf man, where they sit him in a chair and do lap dissolves, do a little bit more makeup and shoot some film, and do a little bit more and overlap the two. Landis told Baker that he wanted a dramatic piece that was never done before, and that's exactly what he got; the results were astonishing in its days. With plenty of cuts, close-ups of different parts of the body, and harsh bright florescent lights, there was no way to be tricked, as it all happened on camera. Here, you see it all. You see the hands as they transformed into paws, the changing of the skull, the spine arch, the rapid growing of the hair which ultimately covered the entire body. And what more, what is even more realistic is that, as all this happens to the very unfortunate character which David Naughton portrayed, to his horror, it turns out to be a very painful experience, and, when you think about it, why shouldn't it be? If you were to actually undergo through such a harrowing experience, if your body was to actually alter into the form of a wild mammal's, just imagine how painful that would be...and Naughton perfectly shows that; he makes you feel his physical agony. It's brilliant; a perfect depiction that, in my opinion, has never been done better in any other film that followed.
John Landis was first inspired to create An American Werewolf in London back in the year of 1969, when he was a production assistant in Yugoslavia on the set of Kelly's Heroes. "We were driving on this long road," recalls Landis. "The traffic had stopped because this group of peasants and priests were burying a body in the middle of the crossroads. It was a criminal, and they were burying him there so he wouldn't come back to cause trouble. This was 1969, man was on the moon, and these people really believed in the supernatural. That gave me the idea-to take the supernatural and place it in a contemporary setting." It was then that he wrote the script in hopes of making the film, and though it was never green-lighted at the time because the studios couldn't figure out how a horror could be both scary and humorous, in 1980, after his success with National Lampoon's Animal House and The Blues Brothers, it finally was, and audiences were amazed with this man's and the rest of the crew's abilities, whose talents winded up creating what has now become the most momentous modern werewolf horror film ever!
99 Fady Ghaly's reviews
An American Werewolf in London is a rare combination of true terror and great humor, but, as writer/director John Landis himself has said, it is not a comedy, for many presumed and still presume as it being one-a comedy/horror that is to say. It at times is a very funny movie-true, but it is not a comedy; it is rather a very depressing synopsis when you really think about it. I mean, both primary characters end up dead for Christ sake, one leaving the love of his life in great grief. What's so amusing about that?
An American Werewolf in London is not only my favorite werewolf film with a great soundtrack (as one to play three different versions of one of the most popular oldies song ever, that would easily prove of that belief), but was also one to open up new doors for such horror films that center upon these hair-raising themes. Before it, there was no such thing as a four-legged beast that was seen using all four legs when in pursue of its victims, neither was there such a thing as a film that was this imaginative and this realistic when it came to the transformation of a character turning from a man to such a vicious and grisly creature that prowls the night for "fresh meat" whenever the moon rises high in full form and sheds its light upon those who might possibly see it for the very last time. As makeup artist Rick Baker has said in an interview which you'll find on the Special Edition DVD, it's nothing like Lawrence Talbot in The Wolf Man, where they sit him in a chair and do lap dissolves, do a little bit more makeup and shoot some film, and do a little bit more and overlap the two. Landis told Baker that he wanted a dramatic piece that was never done before, and that's exactly what he got. With plenty of cuts, close-ups of different parts of the body, and harsh bright florescent lights, there was no way to be tricked, as it all happened on camera. Here, you see it all; you see the hands as they transformed into paws, you see the changing of the skull, the spine arch, the rapid growing of the hair which ultimately covered the entire body. And what more, what is even more realistic is that, as all this happens to the very unfortunate character which David Naughton portrayed, to his horror, it turns out to be a very painful experience, and why shouldn't it be? If you were to actually undergo through such an experience, if your body was to actually alter into the form of a wild mammal's, just imagine how painful that would be, and Naughton perfectly shows that. He makes you feel his physical agony. It's brilliant; a perfect depiction that, in my opinion, has never been done better in any other film that followed.
John Landis was first inspired to create An American Werewolf in London back in the
