John Landis's finest hour IMO and definitely one of the greatest werewolf movies ever. Will admit that Dog Soldiers is still my favourite , fine review lads.
Rick Baker certainly won the werewolf transformation contest, but Rob Bottin would have the last laugh with John Carpenter's The Thing the very next year, which is perhaps an even more impressive display of practical effects than Baker's work on AAWIL.
"Jenny !!!!!" In Forest Gumps voice Most definitely the G.O.A.T In Werewolf Genres!!!! Please 🙏 never Re-make this powerhouse of a Werewolf Movie & make a hash of it like so many have done to Originals in the past. Yo shout out to The Wolfman it absolutely kicks ass in the way it was shot, told, and how Freddie five fingers outta snatch!! Acted the hell out of it along with Anthony Hopkins wow they smasher the Wolfman vs Oldman/Wolfman battle @the end.im gonna have to go get me head down I'm fucking enough knackered now night 🌙 Night. 🎉
i like how iain mentions that the most memorable part for him happens 16 minutes into the movie and then the moment happens 16 minutes into the video. also *turn up!*
Test audiences: “A fictitious werewolf killing people is too much” Test audiences years later: “strapping people to chairs and torturing them with saws and drills… let it rock” 🤓
My older cousins snuck me and my other cousin 8 and 7 respectively, into the cinemas when it came out. we lasted until the forest dream sequence before we just started bawling in terror. Nightmares for months. I think I was 11 when I finally saw it in full and that had to be during daylight hours.
My absolute favorite Werewolf movie of all time and in my top 5 favorite horror movies of all time!!! I actually have the poster of this movie that came in the Arrow video release edition of this movie hanging in my room. This movie means so much to me. Really excited to hear your opinions on it!!
Hands down my favorite werewolf movie and I’d agree one of the best horror films of all time.I skipped school in the afternoon when i was14 when this came out so I could go see it .loved it then and have loved it for the past 40 years.Great review guys!!!
not just my favorite werewolf movie but one of my top 10 movies of all time, waiting with David for the the first transformation was chillingly tense, the way David Naughton portrayed the physical pain of his body changing the sound of his bones shifting was masterfully done by his acting, John’s direction and Rick Bakers brilliance and that howl is the most terrifying howl ever, throw in the hilarious moments in there to make it just an iconic awesome movie.
Without question the greatest werewolf film of all time. A perfect blend of horror and humour. The opening with Jack’s death is brutal, visceral and traumatic. No music, just a very realistic depiction of how I imagine a werewolf attack to be, the stuff of nightmares. The film is way ahead of its time in showing how David struggles to cope with those events and his survivor guilt, it shows us PTSD before that was even a thing. The build up to the transformation is bone crunchingly brilliant and when it happens…. Still to this day it’s fantastic and yet to be bettered. Even the scene with Jack in the hospital, no CGI, in full lighting and all these years later the makeup is brilliant. It’s an amazing film though it’s not easy viewing as it’s horrific and tragic, and I still bear the scars of watching this as a young kid, after the guy at the video store told my parents it was a comedy. Edit: I wrote this before watching the review so I know my comment is similar to what the review says lol. Also, I was hoping it would be picked up in this review because I’ve never seen a review noticing this, when David locks himself out note how the two girls with the dog are wearing green and red coats. Kinda like Jack and David in their green and red coats with the wolf.
Tbh that porno movie was just was hilarious. Paraphrased because I haven't seen this movie in about a decade Guy "what are ding f**king him" Girl "I have no idea who you are"
@@Madbandit77 that’s all good. Each to their own…. Genuinely. Personally I thought it was an abomination, truly awful and cringeworthy, which is a shame because I really enjoyed Snyder’s other zombie film, the remake of Dawn Of The Dead.
The horror, the comedy, the drama, the romance... everything works and all in an hour and a half. This is my favorite horror film of all time, I just, I love it so much! Great review!
The people in that pub are solely to blame for all of the deaths that occurred. They knew about the danger of the Wolf and let David and Jack go out to it.
What I like about this film, other than all that you said, is the juxtaposition of classic Hammer Horror sensibilities, mixed with American Sitcom main characters. The clash of these two styles makes this film stand out. Love the film, and you love you Gary and Iain :)
Glad someone actually brought that film up as I was waiting to see if I was going to need to, since nobody as far as I know to this day has actually reviewed it on RUclips so far! It is practically a forgotten Landis gem, from what I can tell!
I once worked as a domiciliary carer, and some clients lived near the local Zoo, and after watching this film I was so spooked, it was in the evening and the wolves started howling. It scared the jeebez out of me
I know I have been asking for this review for as long as I rememeber, but lads it was well worth the wait and done it justice, I could feel the LOve you have for this movie as movie buffs/fans, as I do for it! awesome.... have a great Halloween Iain and Gary, and to all those that watched this review :)
There is an audio book of this film on youtube which uses some of the original cast. This version goes into more detail about the original werewolf and how it ends up on the moors in the first place, plus the fact that the cursed individual is related to one of the main characters. Listened to it today and i thouroughly recommend it.
So when was this audio book, similar to what someone left out of their comment on the radio version, actually produced? Before AAWIP or what, as the original werewolf on the moors was explained as a plot point also in this sequel.
Horror & comedy HAD been done before in CARRY ON SCREAMING & in an Abbott & Costello film. Also to some extent Bottin & Rick Baker worked together on 1976 KING KONG Rob Bottin was Baker's under study at that time, to my eye the sfx are better in WEREWOLF than in THE HOWLING as was the story.
I live in Yorkshire, and I saw this movie the first time it was screened on British TV,on BBBC2 in the eighties, I can't remember how old but , under 10, and I was bricking it before they even got to the pub😄
There are so many little details in this movie that I just love. The little boy hitting the nurse. The police man fumbling with those trays (uno those trays) . A naked american man stole my ballons. David making faces on the tube (getting caught) David waiting for the bus.. bare feet wearing ladies coat. Etc. See you next Wednesday!!! It does horror and comedy perfectly. Only rivaled by Evil Dead II .
The contact lenses in the dream sequence on the hospital bed with Jenny Agutter were actually the most painful for David apparently, not the transformation sequence effects
I always got the impression the Werewolf was scared in the city. Right after it breaks out onto the streets it never went after anyone, sure it took a snap at anyone that came close to it. And I don't believe at the end david tried to get himself killed by attack Alex. I think apart from those 3 seconds we're it calms down was the only time David took over the wolf, but lost it back to the wolf and its instinct kicked back in and tried to kill her.
Also, notice how every werewolf howl in the film sounds more like an anguished cry than a terrifying sound? Like when you're human, the beast is subconscious, but when you change, the human is subconscious.
Iconic movie. So clever. Great characters, locations, music. A cult classic. John Landis also directed The Blues Brothers and Trading Places in the 80s. What a run he had.
An interesting add on I really liked was the radio drama included that the werewolf that attacks David and Jack was the constables brother and he'd escaped confinement earlier that night. So the reason why the guy didn't want to go after them wasn't just because he was terrified, it was also because the wolf was someone the community knew, and was his brother and obviously didn't want to kill him! I don't know if that's canon but it was an interesting add on I thought. 🙂
So there was an actual Radio Drama version broadcasted at some point? Like when, you forgot to add? Before the film sequel was made in 1997 or what, because as I've now informed people on here, there was another explanation to the plot of the werewolf that killed Jack & David!
What amazes me is the detail given to special effects , produced when screen resolution was pants . They can't have done it predicting 4 and 8k . It just shows what perfectionists they were . I love this film nearly as much as Jenny Agutter .
I would add Phases to the werewolf movie list. Pretty recent film, not up to AWIL but Nick Damici carries the film and its one I have watched multiple times.
I saw this movie with my friends when it came out. Besides the original Howling it is the best werewolf movie to me. The transformation scene still horrifies and fascinates me at the same time. John Landis combines comedy and tragedy at the same time. David is as sympathetic as Lon Chaney, Jr. ‘s werewolf as he succumbs to the curse and commits slaughter throughout the streets of London. A classic for so many reasons. Great review, Iain and Gary. 🙂🙂🙂.
Early 80s was the golden years for me and my wife at the theater so many great movies so much fun and most times the theater was packed which for movies like this one made the experience so much better, thanks again
Excellent review, the actor who says "You made me miss" also appears in the 2010 remake of The Wolfman... "See you next Wednesday" is also referenced in John Landis's, Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video... I love how the police officer who belittles his bumbling colleague throughout the film gets his comeuppance outside of the cinema.
I had a marvellous time filming those scenes, the crew were real diamonds. Actually, I ad-libbed the Demon Barber of Fleet Street line, Landis had written a reference to Jack The Ripper. I thought, caw blimey! Everyone knows about The Ripper, give em something fresh, so I risked it. Turned out John loved it! And I still had a job. John, he'll deny this but, I actually wrote all the dialogue for that porno as well 😉
Amazing review guys! 🥰 I remember when I watched this film at home with my dad because it’s his favorite and it brings back such good memories. I was a tiny little girl (now I’m 24 years old and a big fan of horror movies thanks to my dad) and the man-into-wolf transformation scene is undoubtedly a classic, still the scariest and most bone chilling scene for me. The whole movie is a masterpiece, the soundtrack which it’s also one of my favorites, specially ‘Bad moon rising’ song from the band Creedence C R. (The favorite band of my dad) I’ve seen it more than 20 times and I never get bored of it. Honestly, I felt so identified with Lain describing his feelings about this movie, I mean, he was really passionate about it! I still have the dream to visit the film locations with my dad, that would meant the world for us. I hope we will be able to reach that dream someday. New subscriber! Greetings from Mexico City 🇲🇽
John Landis was actually pissed that Rick was doing a werewolf movie basically using his special affects magic for a werewolf movie when Rick was suppose to his special magic with John. Rick says he doesn't think John has forgiven him till this day lol.
YES, YES! 2 years I have been hoping you would make this review, my second Fav movie of all time and the Best Werewolf Movie there is and likely to be at this rate, can't wait to hear Iain & Gaz veiws! I will be waking up early 2morrow for this one!
This review has been a long time coming; I'm so happy! _'An American Werewolf in London'_ is arguably the single greatest *#Werewolf* movie of all time, with the best transformation ever put on screen (yes, miles better than _'The Howling'_ transformation)! 🐺🥰❤️ Also, that "one movie that scared [me] as a kid," was _'The Entity'!_ Also also, that little flappy bit of skin, in Jack's neck, was a happy accident; it came unglued & started flapping, and they loved it so much they kept it!
This is eternally haunting story telling. Astoundingly sad, albeit beautiful "Traumart" lol I always felt so sad and down at the ending, similar to how i felt at the end of Martin, just like "NOOOOOOO, GOD FUCK NOOOO I HAVEN'T LOST HOPE YET!!!!!!" Yet like in life sometimes there are the things we want and the will of others and this is like a operatic tragedy for the ages, comparing his dream to a repressed future sight of self as a genocidal pathogen is an awesome interpretation. never thought of it as his own future brought to America, some of the greatest effects, like what can i even add lol? YOU GUYS NAILED IT!!!! so happy you guys reviewed this film. David is a seer into the limbo and loss he has created like a real life parallel parable of ptsd or survivors guilt. beyond foreboding, such a feeling of loss, Totally beyond one of my favorite films thanks so much again guys
Glad someone else brought this movie up, & like so many more Iain & Gary have overlooked i.e Bedazzled, Monty Python's films, Brothers Grimm, Paul, Mousehunt, Rat Race, The Raven with John Cusack, it's practically criminal they have not done a proper justice to this ultra classic film either!
Apparently the fear on David’s face when he is in the wolf cage was real because the actor was naked in the actual cage with a female handler watching him too. Apparently tho the female wolf that we see in the movie apparently liked the actor, hence the sniffing and curiosity.
My local cinema is showing the film this Saturday, and I just got the NECA figure of the werewolf yesterday, this review couldn't have been timed any better. This is one of my favorite films of all time, always blows my mind that John Landis as an American filmmaker was able to make what is in my mind one of the most British feeling film I can think of. Also unpopular opinion but whilst I love the werewolf in this film, I actually prefer the werewolf look from The Howling. Purely personal preference but I prefer bipedal werewolves, and that film also did such a great job of making it look massive, and was able to show it enough without it being overly obvious that it was a person in a costume.
Great movie - first saw this back in the early 80s when I was about 11years old and Ive loved it since. Well balanced horror, comedy, music, acting and practical efx etc and its great to see my home city London circa 1980. Ian made a good point re the old man werewolf being from a lunatic asylum probably as with David seeing all his kills and no one believing him - Id never thought about that, now theres an idea for a prequel.
One of the best werewolf movies ever made, btw, thanks Iain and Gary for mentioning the underrated “The Company of Wolves” and “Dog Soldiers”- though I would also recommend the uncut remake of “The Wolfman”, with Anthony Hopkins. It is quite good and thank you for the recommendation of “Brotherhood of the Wolf” and I look forward to the next movie review you guys will do. Perhaps you may review “Les Yeux sans Visage” (Eyes without a Face)?? I’m hoping you will. :)
Hi! I just purchased this movie and watched it because it was one of my favourite movies of all time. I am 70. 🇨🇦. Ok, had to make an edit. I am not a fan of science fiction. But this film never left my memory.
Don't know if anyone in all these comments has brought this up so far, but the boys missed out mentioning within their remarks about the sequel, the gang of French Werewolves told the hero in it, an interesting plot point, how the werewolf that killed & bit Jack & David was himself French & used to be part of their gang but escaped to England, thus connecting the story beyond Nurse Pryce moving away from London & hunting for Werewolves herself, apparently!
The review was fantastic boys! My favorite werewolf movie! In the horror/comedy style also my favorite vampire movie is The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967), then Fright Night (the original of course)
I don't know why, but for some reason the design of the werewolf in this movie terrified me growing up, and to be honest, still kind of freaks me out as an adult. I still love this movie, though.
To this day, given Wolf-David briefly calming down, right before "going for Alex" (for want of a better way of putting it), it is my firm belief that David’s consciousness heard Alex say she loved him, but he knew that if they were together she would be in too much danger! Their love made him lunge at her, knowing he'd be immediately shot & killed; it was suicide-by-cop, to protect the woman he loved!
"That one movie that scared you"-for me it was "Possession" by Andrzej Zulawski.I saw it when I was like 6 or 7 years old,I was alone in the house,I knew I WAS NOT SUPPOSED to watch it but I guess this is exactly why I watched it and... This film fucked me up totally. I mean TOTALLY. I am a horror fiend,guys. I think I saw thousands of horrors. I am not kidding.But "Possession" is without a doubt,the most unsettling film ever made.Well,apart from "Begotten" obviously :)
I'm waiting for the tv show "The Skin Trade" after the novella of GRR Martin. The source material is a great read. Hopefully the show will deliver as well :)
Is maybe the more recognizable werewolf movie, i think stand out not just becouse the cool production, but it have many other things going and is more about the protagonist journey, indeed it have great effects, perfomances and direction but all those other aspects make it better
I had the vhs for Michael Jackson Thriller and it had the making of feature. It was a landis music video snd you saw all the werewolf prosthetics in action. Gave me a mix of vivid dreams and nightmares but I loved it
Great review of probably my second favorite werewolf movie next to Dog Soldiers. Also I'll look out for some of those movies you've mentioned on the list near the end.
Hey Brothers, it's your fan from Spanish Harlem in NYC. You guys are killing it like always. This movie is definitely one of the classics in gruesome effects and gore. I was just checking out on Tubi TV, City of the Dead. An Italian zombie movie and also Zombie 3. Really good effects, not Romero, but Spaghetti Western Zombie style. When you guys get the chance you guys should check it out. Keep on the great work, guys. Peace.
37:20 David has open booth doors, you can see the apartment door is open during the transformation scene but it's strange that a neighbour didn't hear his screams.
Great review! It took me awhile to watch this one but when I finally did I was blown away. Not only is it one of my favorite Werewolf movies it’s one of my favorite horror films period.
What else to say about this film? It very well could be a perfect film. Everything it goes for, it achieves. Funny, scary, and genuinely moving at the end.
I watched this, on holiday at Pontins(a kind of open prison for holidaying proles) while I was on my own, my parents were pissing it up in the bar.....terrified child, crying in chalet 102....about 81/82.....
The only part of the film I wish we would of got backstory on was the villagers of the slaughtered lamb. Like why were they letting the original werewolf live if it wasn't to difficult to kill it.
The front door is open as he is transforming I have seen the movie hundreds of times and noticed the door a week ago. Also they arrive in a van full of sheep/lambs and it coincidence that David’s coat is red 😉. Late phases is also a good film.
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John Landis's finest hour IMO and definitely one of the greatest werewolf movies ever. Will admit that Dog Soldiers is still my favourite , fine review lads.
Deus ex
Twilight Zone, not so much.
Rick Baker certainly won the werewolf transformation contest, but Rob Bottin would have the last laugh with John Carpenter's The Thing the very next year, which is perhaps an even more impressive display of practical effects than Baker's work on AAWIL.
Definitely a close contest!
It's remarkable how similar their approach was towards body horror.
"Jenny !!!!!" In Forest Gumps voice
Most definitely the G.O.A.T In Werewolf Genres!!!! Please 🙏 never Re-make this powerhouse of a Werewolf Movie & make a hash of it like so many have done to Originals in the past. Yo shout out to The Wolfman it absolutely kicks ass in the way it was shot, told, and how Freddie five fingers outta snatch!! Acted the hell out of it along with Anthony Hopkins wow they smasher the Wolfman vs Oldman/Wolfman battle @the end.im gonna have to go get me head down I'm fucking enough knackered now night 🌙 Night.
🎉
I saw this film as a teenager and, I can assure you, I had nothing soft for Jenny Agutter during the “romantic” scenes.
I know what you mean.
One of the greatest horror films of all time. Up there with the thing, Halloween, dawn of the Dead and a nightmare on elm street
No howling reborn thank God looking forward to an American Werewolf in London review tomorrow 👊
i like how iain mentions that the most memorable part for him happens 16 minutes into the movie and then the moment happens 16 minutes into the video.
also *turn up!*
Love the review lads. Random fact, the actor who played man in suit in the tube scene is Bib Fortuna from Return of the Jedi 👍
Silly me,l thought it was Bill Nighy.
That double whammy dream sequence with the deer and monster face broke me as a child!
Gunna have to gif Gary's facial reaction to the sequel :P
Test audiences: “A fictitious werewolf killing people is too much”
Test audiences years later: “strapping people to chairs and torturing them with saws and drills… let it rock” 🤓
Yes,it’s amazing how people’s tastes have changed over the past twenty-five years.
Wow! Excellent job guys! This is the best reaction / commentary on this classic on RUclips!
My older cousins snuck me and my other cousin 8 and 7 respectively, into the cinemas when it came out. we lasted until the forest dream sequence before we just started bawling in terror. Nightmares for months.
I think I was 11 when I finally saw it in full and that had to be during daylight hours.
My absolute favorite Werewolf movie of all time and in my top 5 favorite horror movies of all time!!! I actually have the poster of this movie that came in the Arrow video release edition of this movie hanging in my room. This movie means so much to me. Really excited to hear your opinions on it!!
Hands down my favorite werewolf movie and I’d agree one of the best horror films of all time.I skipped school in the afternoon when i was14 when this came out so I could go see it .loved it then and have loved it for the past 40 years.Great review guys!!!
I was lucky to watch this in the theater a few years back. Nothing like hearing the wolf circle you in a pitch back environment.
not just my favorite werewolf movie but one of my top 10 movies of all time, waiting with David for the the first transformation was chillingly tense, the way David Naughton portrayed the physical pain of his body changing the sound of his bones shifting was masterfully done by his acting, John’s direction and Rick Bakers brilliance and that howl is the most terrifying howl ever, throw in the hilarious moments in there to make it just an iconic awesome movie.
Without question the greatest werewolf film of all time. A perfect blend of horror and humour. The opening with Jack’s death is brutal, visceral and traumatic. No music, just a very realistic depiction of how I imagine a werewolf attack to be, the stuff of nightmares. The film is way ahead of its time in showing how David struggles to cope with those events and his survivor guilt, it shows us PTSD before that was even a thing. The build up to the transformation is bone crunchingly brilliant and when it happens…. Still to this day it’s fantastic and yet to be bettered. Even the scene with Jack in the hospital, no CGI, in full lighting and all these years later the makeup is brilliant. It’s an amazing film though it’s not easy viewing as it’s horrific and tragic, and I still bear the scars of watching this as a young kid, after the guy at the video store told my parents it was a comedy.
Edit: I wrote this before watching the review so I know my comment is similar to what the review says lol.
Also, I was hoping it would be picked up in this review because I’ve never seen a review noticing this, when David locks himself out note how the two girls with the dog are wearing green and red coats. Kinda like Jack and David in their green and red coats with the wolf.
Tbh that porno movie was just was hilarious.
Paraphrased because I haven't seen this movie in about a decade
Guy "what are ding f**king him"
Girl "I have no idea who you are"
The werewolf attack was homaged in "Zack Snyder's Army Of The Dead".
@@Madbandit77 erm…. Yeah but to be honest the less we say about that atrocity the better 🤣🤣🤣
@@Optics2024 I liked it actually.
@@Madbandit77 that’s all good. Each to their own…. Genuinely. Personally I thought it was an abomination, truly awful and cringeworthy, which is a shame because I really enjoyed Snyder’s other zombie film, the remake of Dawn Of The Dead.
The dart player also has a bit part in the 2010 Wolfman with Benicio Del Toro.
David Scofield
Good to know.
The horror, the comedy, the drama, the romance... everything works and all in an hour and a half. This is my favorite horror film of all time, I just, I love it so much! Great review!
The Wolfman 2010 Benicio del toro and Anthony Hopkins is a pretty good Wolf Movie.
The people in that pub are solely to blame for all of the deaths that occurred. They knew about the danger of the Wolf and let David and Jack go out to it.
Very good point-they allowed this tragedy to unfold.
What I like about this film, other than all that you said, is the juxtaposition of classic Hammer Horror sensibilities, mixed with American Sitcom main characters. The clash of these two styles makes this film stand out.
Love the film, and you love you Gary and Iain :)
Well said. 🙂
"Innocent Blood" is a John Landis film I don't hear people talk about much.
Glad someone actually brought that film up as I was waiting to see if I was going to need to, since nobody as far as I know to this day has actually reviewed it on RUclips so far! It is practically a forgotten Landis gem, from what I can tell!
This is such a treat after those awful howling sequels, hell yeah, happy halloween boys 👊👊👊
I once worked as a domiciliary carer, and some clients lived near the local Zoo, and after watching this film I was so spooked, it was in the evening and the wolves started howling. It scared the jeebez out of me
I know I have been asking for this review for as long as I rememeber, but lads it was well worth the wait and done it justice, I could feel the LOve you have for this movie as movie buffs/fans, as I do for it! awesome.... have a great Halloween Iain and Gary, and to all those that watched this review :)
There is an audio book of this film on youtube which uses some of the original cast. This version goes into more detail about the original werewolf and how it ends up on the moors in the first place, plus the fact that the cursed individual is related to one of the main characters. Listened to it today and i thouroughly recommend it.
So when was this audio book, similar to what someone left out of their comment on the radio version, actually produced? Before AAWIP or what, as the original werewolf on the moors was explained as a plot point also in this sequel.
16:49 David turns over and is looking at the dead man, then one of the villagers shoots his head point blank with a shotgun. Roll Credits.
...
🎵 Bom bom ba bom, ba bom ba bom bom-
My favourite werewolf film. I really cannot fault it in anyway. It's a perfect film in my view.
Horror & comedy HAD been done before in CARRY ON SCREAMING & in an Abbott & Costello film.
Also to some extent Bottin & Rick Baker worked together on 1976 KING KONG Rob Bottin was Baker's under study at that time, to my eye the sfx are better in WEREWOLF than in THE HOWLING as was the story.
I live in Yorkshire, and I saw this movie the first time it was screened on British TV,on BBBC2 in the eighties, I can't remember how old but , under 10, and I was bricking it before they even got to the pub😄
I also liked the movie Wolf with Jack Nicholson and Michelle Pfeiffer.
There are so many little details in this movie that I just love. The little boy hitting the nurse. The police man fumbling with those trays (uno those trays) . A naked american man stole my ballons. David making faces on the tube (getting caught) David waiting for the bus.. bare feet wearing ladies coat. Etc. See you next Wednesday!!! It does horror and comedy perfectly. Only rivaled by Evil Dead II .
The contact lenses in the dream sequence on the hospital bed with Jenny Agutter were actually the most painful for David apparently, not the transformation sequence effects
Now here's a classic! Plus Jenny Agutter as a nurse feeding you, I think some scriptwriter was living out a very specific fantasy...
The wolfs howl is SCARY.And effects amazing!! Hope you all had a good Halloween 😊
I always got the impression the Werewolf was scared in the city. Right after it breaks out onto the streets it never went after anyone, sure it took a snap at anyone that came close to it. And I don't believe at the end david tried to get himself killed by attack Alex. I think apart from those 3 seconds we're it calms down was the only time David took over the wolf, but lost it back to the wolf and its instinct kicked back in and tried to kill her.
Also, notice how every werewolf howl in the film sounds more like an anguished cry than a terrifying sound? Like when you're human, the beast is subconscious, but when you change, the human is subconscious.
Iconic movie. So clever. Great characters, locations, music. A cult classic. John Landis also directed The Blues Brothers and Trading Places in the 80s. What a run he had.
An interesting add on I really liked was the radio drama included that the werewolf that attacks David and Jack was the constables brother and he'd escaped confinement earlier that night. So the reason why the guy didn't want to go after them wasn't just because he was terrified, it was also because the wolf was someone the community knew, and was his brother and obviously didn't want to kill him!
I don't know if that's canon but it was an interesting add on I thought. 🙂
So there was an actual Radio Drama version broadcasted at some point? Like when, you forgot to add? Before the film sequel was made in 1997 or what, because as I've now informed people on here, there was another explanation to the plot of the werewolf that killed Jack & David!
What amazes me is the detail given to special effects , produced when screen resolution was pants . They can't have done it predicting 4 and 8k . It just shows what perfectionists they were . I love this film nearly as much as Jenny Agutter .
I would add Phases to the werewolf movie list. Pretty recent film, not up to AWIL but Nick Damici carries the film and its one I have watched multiple times.
I saw this movie with my friends when it came out. Besides the original Howling it is the best werewolf movie to me. The transformation scene still horrifies and fascinates me at the same time. John Landis combines comedy and tragedy at the same time. David is as sympathetic as Lon Chaney, Jr. ‘s werewolf as he succumbs to the curse and commits slaughter throughout the streets of London. A classic for so many reasons. Great review, Iain and Gary. 🙂🙂🙂.
Best ending in werewolf history ever. Off the Shelf Reviews rule!
A naked American man stole my balloons
This film is apart of John Landis perfect 80s Trilogy!!! Alongside The Blues Brothers and Trading Places!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This is my favourite film of all time. I was 3 when it came out, I watched it from the age of 5. I can still recite the script even now.
One of my fave films, has got so much feel. music score, humour, scare. great
Early 80s was the golden years for me and my wife at the theater so many great movies so much fun and most times the theater was packed which for movies like this one made the experience so much better, thanks again
Excellent review, the actor who says "You made me miss" also appears in the 2010 remake of The Wolfman... "See you next Wednesday" is also referenced in John Landis's, Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video... I love how the police officer who belittles his bumbling colleague throughout the film gets his comeuppance outside of the cinema.
Don't forget to Ask For Babs.
This and ginger snaps are my all time favourite werewolf movies 😍
Pfft ginger snaps? Na, AWIL and dog soldiers are the best warewolf movies
I had a marvellous time filming those scenes, the crew were real diamonds.
Actually, I ad-libbed the Demon Barber of Fleet Street line, Landis had written a reference to Jack The Ripper. I thought, caw blimey! Everyone knows about The Ripper, give em something fresh, so I risked it. Turned out John loved it! And I still had a job.
John, he'll deny this but, I actually wrote all the dialogue for that porno as well 😉
Amazing review guys! 🥰
I remember when I watched this film at home with my dad because it’s his favorite and it brings back such good memories. I was a tiny little girl (now I’m 24 years old and a big fan of horror movies thanks to my dad) and the man-into-wolf transformation scene is undoubtedly a classic, still the scariest and most bone chilling scene for me. The whole movie is a masterpiece, the soundtrack which it’s also one of my favorites, specially ‘Bad moon rising’ song from the band Creedence C R. (The favorite band of my dad) I’ve seen it more than 20 times and I never get bored of it.
Honestly, I felt so identified with Lain describing his feelings about this movie, I mean, he was really passionate about it!
I still have the dream to visit the film locations with my dad, that would meant the world for us. I hope we will be able to reach that dream someday.
New subscriber! Greetings from Mexico City 🇲🇽
John Landis was actually pissed that Rick was doing a werewolf movie basically using his special affects magic for a werewolf movie when Rick was suppose to his special magic with John. Rick says he doesn't think John has forgiven him till this day lol.
Or Vic Morrow.
My one movie is the exorcist. I watched it around 7 years old. Today I'm 44 years old and the lights must be on if that movie is playing
YES, YES! 2 years I have been hoping you would make this review, my second Fav movie of all time and the Best Werewolf Movie there is and likely to be at this rate, can't wait to hear Iain & Gaz veiws! I will be waking up early 2morrow for this one!
This review has been a long time coming; I'm so happy!
_'An American Werewolf in London'_ is arguably the single greatest *#Werewolf* movie of all time, with the best transformation ever put on screen (yes, miles better than _'The Howling'_ transformation)! 🐺🥰❤️
Also, that "one movie that scared [me] as a kid," was _'The Entity'!_
Also also, that little flappy bit of skin, in Jack's neck, was a happy accident; it came unglued & started flapping, and they loved it so much they kept it!
Yesss, I've been waiting for this one! 🐺 This movie was a blast!
One of my favourites, and such a good watch in a group :)
This is eternally haunting story telling. Astoundingly sad, albeit beautiful "Traumart" lol I always felt so sad and down at the ending, similar to how i felt at the end of Martin, just like "NOOOOOOO, GOD FUCK NOOOO I HAVEN'T LOST HOPE YET!!!!!!" Yet like in life sometimes there are the things we want and the will of others and this is like a operatic tragedy for the ages, comparing his dream to a repressed future sight of self as a genocidal pathogen is an awesome interpretation. never thought of it as his own future brought to America, some of the greatest effects, like what can i even add lol? YOU GUYS NAILED IT!!!! so happy you guys reviewed this film.
David is a seer into the limbo and loss he has created like a real life parallel parable of ptsd or survivors guilt. beyond foreboding, such a feeling of loss, Totally beyond one of my favorite films thanks so much again guys
if you are talking about 80's transformations, you need to mention altered states
Glad someone else brought this movie up, & like so many more Iain & Gary have overlooked i.e Bedazzled, Monty Python's films, Brothers Grimm, Paul, Mousehunt, Rat Race, The Raven with John Cusack, it's practically criminal they have not done a proper justice to this ultra classic film either!
I only watched this movie once when I was a kid and I still remember it , I'll get it on my collection thanks guys
Apparently the fear on David’s face when he is in the wolf cage was real because the actor was naked in the actual cage with a female handler watching him too. Apparently tho the female wolf that we see in the movie apparently liked the actor, hence the sniffing and curiosity.
My local cinema is showing the film this Saturday, and I just got the NECA figure of the werewolf yesterday, this review couldn't have been timed any better.
This is one of my favorite films of all time, always blows my mind that John Landis as an American filmmaker was able to make what is in my mind one of the most British feeling film I can think of.
Also unpopular opinion but whilst I love the werewolf in this film, I actually prefer the werewolf look from The Howling. Purely personal preference but I prefer bipedal werewolves, and that film also did such a great job of making it look massive, and was able to show it enough without it being overly obvious that it was a person in a costume.
Great movie - first saw this back in the early 80s when I was about 11years old and Ive loved it since. Well balanced horror, comedy, music, acting and practical efx etc and its great to see my home city London circa 1980. Ian made a good point re the old man werewolf being from a lunatic asylum probably as with David seeing all his kills and no one believing him - Id never thought about that, now theres an idea for a prequel.
One of the best werewolf movies ever made, btw, thanks Iain and Gary for mentioning the underrated “The Company of Wolves” and “Dog Soldiers”- though I would also recommend the uncut remake of “The Wolfman”, with Anthony Hopkins. It is quite good and thank you for the recommendation of “Brotherhood of the Wolf” and I look forward to the next movie review you guys will do. Perhaps you may review “Les Yeux sans Visage” (Eyes without a Face)?? I’m hoping you will. :)
Hi! I just purchased this movie and watched it because it was one of my favourite movies of all time. I am 70. 🇨🇦. Ok, had to make an edit. I am not a fan of science fiction. But this film never left my memory.
SUCH a great movie. Been one of my favourites since the first time I saw it on VHS in 85/86 when I was a mere teen.
Don't know if anyone in all these comments has brought this up so far, but the boys missed out mentioning within their remarks about the sequel, the gang of French Werewolves told the hero in it, an interesting plot point, how the werewolf that killed & bit Jack & David was himself French & used to be part of their gang but escaped to England, thus connecting the story beyond Nurse Pryce moving away from London & hunting for Werewolves herself, apparently!
The review was fantastic boys! My favorite werewolf movie! In the horror/comedy style also my favorite vampire movie is The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967), then Fright Night (the original of course)
I don't know why, but for some reason the design of the werewolf in this movie terrified me growing up, and to be honest, still kind of freaks me out as an adult. I still love this movie, though.
To this day, given Wolf-David briefly calming down, right before "going for Alex" (for want of a better way of putting it), it is my firm belief that David’s consciousness heard Alex say she loved him, but he knew that if they were together she would be in too much danger! Their love made him lunge at her, knowing he'd be immediately shot & killed; it was suicide-by-cop, to protect the woman he loved!
"That one movie that scared you"-for me it was "Possession" by Andrzej Zulawski.I saw it when I was like 6 or 7 years old,I was alone in the house,I knew I WAS NOT SUPPOSED to watch it but I guess this is exactly why I watched it and... This film fucked me up totally. I mean TOTALLY. I am a horror fiend,guys. I think I saw thousands of horrors. I am not kidding.But "Possession" is without a doubt,the most unsettling film ever made.Well,apart from "Begotten" obviously :)
I'm waiting for the tv show "The Skin Trade" after the novella of GRR Martin. The source material is a great read. Hopefully the show will deliver as well :)
I was wondering if you guys had covered this yet. Excellent movie!
Is maybe the more recognizable werewolf movie, i think stand out not just becouse the cool production, but it have many other things going and is more about the protagonist journey, indeed it have great effects, perfomances and direction but all those other aspects make it better
I had the vhs for Michael Jackson Thriller and it had the making of feature. It was a landis music video snd you saw all the werewolf prosthetics in action.
Gave me a mix of vivid dreams and nightmares but I loved it
I love this movie! Still scares me!
Oh man! That was great! Thanks boys!!
(And I swear... if I wake up and this has a thumbs down...)
Cracking film. The thing that always gets me though is Dr Hirsche drives all the way from London to Yorkshire, has a sip of Guinness, and drives back.
The suit guy (MICHAEL CARTER) in the underground (GEARD) also played BIB FORTUNA in Return of the Jedi...
Thank you guys! This is one of the best, reviews since , you did , "Alien" - series..!! Thank you! Keep up the good work!!
"Whereas I, am a victim, of your carnivorous, lunar activities" - Gerald Bringsley
Great review of probably my second favorite werewolf movie next to Dog Soldiers. Also I'll look out for some of those movies you've mentioned on the list near the end.
That's ENUFF! That's ENUFF!
Hey Brothers, it's your fan from Spanish Harlem in NYC. You guys are killing it like always.
This movie is definitely one of the classics in gruesome effects and gore.
I was just checking out on Tubi TV, City of the Dead. An Italian zombie movie and also Zombie 3. Really good effects, not Romero, but Spaghetti Western Zombie style. When you guys get the chance you guys should check it out. Keep on the great work, guys. Peace.
37:20 David has open booth doors, you can see the apartment door is open during the transformation scene but it's strange that a neighbour didn't hear his screams.
We've all been to pubs like the Slaughtered lamb!
Especially in Fucking England
Yes! It's OTSR Thursday! Have a good one Shelfers! 👊
I just started the video and I am so psyched! Love this channel and find myself coming back to your reviews again and again 🤘🤘🤘
Great review! It took me awhile to watch this one but when I finally did I was blown away. Not only is it one of my favorite Werewolf movies it’s one of my favorite horror films period.
Given the type of theatre it is, I always wondered why it wasn't C U Next Tuesday.
Ha ha.😊
Always wondered that too
In the latest Black Mirror there is a chapter that pays tribute to this great film, greetings from Chile
What else to say about this film? It very well could be a perfect film. Everything it goes for, it achieves. Funny, scary, and genuinely moving at the end.
....and Jenny Agutter......mmm mmm
I watched this, on holiday at Pontins(a kind of open prison for holidaying proles) while I was on my own, my parents were pissing it up in the bar.....terrified child, crying in chalet 102....about 81/82.....
Mars attacks review 👽🎃
The only part of the film I wish we would of got backstory on was the villagers of the slaughtered lamb. Like why were they letting the original werewolf live if it wasn't to difficult to kill it.
I would also recommend The Curse of the Werewolf from 1961, especially if you are a fan of the Hammer Films/Terence Fisher style.
Bad Moon is a very underrated 90s Werewolf Gem!! I would recommend everyone to check that movie out.
Excellent transformation scene!
The front door is open as he is transforming I have seen the movie hundreds of times and noticed the door a week ago. Also they arrive in a van full of sheep/lambs and it coincidence that David’s coat is red 😉. Late phases is also a good film.
"I didn't mean to call you a meat loaf, Jack!"
Great review. Thanks.
I like Silver Bullet, The Howling and Wolf with Jack Nicholson. 🐺