This review? Short and sweet. Take the time to watch this movie if you have not already done so. Great lookin shots. Cool take on the lycanthropy mythologies. Some extremely dark humor. And a fitting soundtrack. Plus Fan-fucking-tastic effects by Rick Baker, who did such a great job they gave him the first Academy Award in the newly minted category for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for this (which he goes on to win it 6 more times over the length of his career). Needless to say, some great creature work here.
Two buddies from America, just beginning a three month backpacking trek of Europe. They start...in a blustery English countryside. Well, you know, perspective, right? Those bitter moorish winds do kinda suck, though. But then, a light in the distance. A pub! The Slaughtered Lamb. Jeez. What a name. The patrons are just as inviting as the namesake. And a bit skittish and weird. So fuck that, we out. Not without an omninous warning, though. “Stay on the road. Keep clear of the moors.” UuuuuhOk. “Beware the moon, lads.” And then we find out what English coyotes ares. It’s not pleasant. And the ramifications of tassling with said Blokey Coyote? Less than pleasant.
This really is a banger of a film. I keep it short here as the story is excellently told both dramaticsly and visually so if you haven’t seen this, see it. If you have seen it, you know, it’s a nice one to revisit. Despite it being deemed a “comedy horror” flick, it has some serious thematics and consequences, presenting one of the most serious of choices one can be asked to take. In the mix is gangreenish gore and sleazy theaters on Picadilly Circus (which they actually shot there, pretty rare accomplishment, btw). Plus It’s part of a fantastic run of Landis films starting with Animal House, followed by The Blues Brothers, this and then Trading Places. This is not exactly a comedy. It’s not dark horror. It’s a musical tragedy. Well, it’s a tragedy with music, at least. Gotta give it to Landis stickin to the theme there. It is inspiring. Even a beerwolf would agree.
