@@charlieeckert4321 Yes he did. And it was well deserved. 👏👏👏 I just read an article from 2017 in which David Naughton, who played David, said that it took a full week to complete the transformation scene, during which he had to remain in the makeup the whole time, even if they were only doing a few shots.
It was so impressive that i caught the attention of michael jackson who asked Richard to do similar effects for his then new music video (thriller) and the rest is history
Rick Baker is da man. It’s terrible he’s retired from the business, it’s a big loss. Not only is he a brilliant makeup artist, but a super nice guy as well
To this day, still the best werewolf transformation ever filmed. It was one of the rare instances that a horror movie won an Academy Award. Rick Baker is a genius
I think the only thing that could compare in someway is The Howling, that also had Rick Baker as one of the make up artists, alongside legend Rob Bottin. If you were to refer werewolf movies, like say top 5, This would be number 1 and Howling as number 2. Both awesome horrors.
I think this movie did there werewolf transformation so perfectly that other movies just don't even bother. Personally I really enjoy the "wolf tearing its way out of the man" style of transformation too
Now that you've watched both An American Werewolf in London and The Thing, you should watch The Fly from 1986, since these three movies are regarded to feature some of the best makeup and practical special effects of all time. The Fly even won an Oscar for best makeup and stars Jeff Goldblum in arguably the best performance of his career.
Yes. YES. The Fly. Childhood trauma. i saw the movie on TV in the 90s and it scared the crap out of me. So well done though. Jeff Goldblum, *chefs kiss* what an acotr.
I can't recommend "The Fly" myself, since it traumatized me for life. It was so gross that even though I saw it when I was 9, ten years later I still feel like I might throw up any time I see a fly buzzing around nearby. It even traumatized my dad, a Marine who served in the Middle East. If there is a fly in our house, he will literally chase it around the house until he kills it, no matter how long it takes. And neither of us is the squeamish sort in general. So, there you have it. Maybe this will warn you away from the grossness and save you from the trauma, or perhaps the story of how badly it traumatized my little family will be the best recommendation ever. I dunno. Either way, have a great evening! ✌🤓
the actor who plays the official from the American Embassy with the line about ungrateful kids is Frank Oz who worked with Jim Henson on 'The Muppet Show'
I really dislike when people get on David's case for leaving Jack at first when they are attacked by a werewolf. You can see that when he goes back, he immediately gets attacked and is a couple seconds from death when the Slaughtered Lamb folks save him. He wouldn't have been able to help Jack and he would have died himself.
Truly. I mean, yeah he ran....but what in the actual eff could you possibly do to stop that thing? Throw your torso in its mouth? I'm sorry but yeah, I'd run too...unless I had a gun.
I agree. It's the same with Don in 28 weeks later. It's natural instinct to preserve n save ones self it truly is. David did good in the end but Don I sympathy with cos he had no option to just fkn kp running.
Kat the most amazing thing is 40 years later it's still the best werewolf transformation scene ever filmed 10 years before the first CG was shot on film.
Jack: “hey, you’re talking about the woman I love.” David: “ I’m talking about a girl you want to f@ck, so gimme a break..”--was the greatest line in the movie.
Michael Jackson was so impressed with the werewolf transformation scene that he hired director John Landis and Rick Baker, the practical makeup FX guy from the movie to do his Thriller video.
Another little AWIL/Thriller Easter Egg. The sign on the adult cinema "See You Next Wednesday" is also spoken by Vincent Price. (i think) in the cinema scene in Thriller when MJ is eating the popcorn, from my recollection. I have heard that this was a veiled dig by John Landis at another director as an insult and it was originally supposed to be "See You Next Tuesday" as an acronym "C U Next Tuesday" (I'm sure you can work it out).😂
Great reaction as usual. The old man in the beginning that was dead laying next to Jack in the moors was the werewolf that attacked them. The person from the embassy talking to David in the hospital is Frank Oz who voices Miss Piggy and Yoda
1:52 -- The guy on the left -- is a young Rik Mayall who went on to become one of the UKs most beloved Comedians and actors. I think this was very early in his career around the time he played a character called Kevin Turvey in a mockumentary and a stage show called ' The Dangerous Brothers '. He later went on to do ' The Young Ones ' and ' Bottom ' . Two great shows out of England at that time.
I saw the werewolf head in a travelling museum exhibit on movie effects. It was in a clear case, sitting on a clear pedestal, but I'd swear it locked eyes with me. I can honestly say my spleen turned to water, my knees got weak, and my bladder threatened to loosen. Up close it's really unnerving, even disembodied, and super detailed -- all done by hand, by Rick Baker personally, as I understand it.
Remember how David says that he believes a werewolf can only be killed be someone who loves him? Remember, also, how David understands that he must kill himself, but he lacks the courage to do it? In the final scene, Nurse Alex tells David she loves him. We see a change in the werewolf's eyes. Her love gives him the courage he needs. He launches himself at her... knowing that the guns will be fired. The police would NOT have been able to kill him. But, because Alex is there with her love, the guns are able to kill him. But wait.... there's more. How were the people from the Slaughtered Lamb able to kill the first werewolf? Because they loved him. He was a man born to that village. I imagine he might have been the son of the barmaid. She feels guilty about sending the two American boys to their deaths. "We can't let them go." She feels responsible for the actions of her own son. The people of the village want to protect her, and they want to protect the reputation of the village. They try to keep it all secret. But the barmaid convinces them that the right thing is to go and (finally) shoot her son the werewolf. The villagers are able to kill the first werewolf because they love him as one of their own. Remember when you thought the first werewolf attack had left Jack's dead body naked? (I could be wrong about this, but) I think the naked dead man in that scene is the first werewolf. He has changed back into a man, just as David changes back into a man after he is killed.
I remember watching this movie as a child in the 90s and thinking "this feels weird, it's kinda funny but also terrifying". It's probably one of the best movies to perfectly mix both genres.
@@Matrim42 I dunno. The weird bulging bits always bugged me about that one. Looked kinda ridiculous. I liked the transformation for the most part but that bit bothered me
From the start David and Jack feel so likable and believable as real people and friends on a trip, it really makes the horror hit so much harder. Makes me root for him but I like that the story is so brutal and unforgiving along side a funny, happy love story.
Exactly! The friendship between Jack and David felt so REAL. That was the hook. You actually liked and cared about what happened to them right from the start.
This film is still the perfect mix of horror, dark humor, and satire. The transformation scene is still considered a major practical effects achievement in movie history and holds up well to this day.
The transformation scene is STILL considered the most realistic "werewolf transformation" ever captured on film. CGI transformations simply doesn't have that "weight" to them. :/
Last comment, it’s nice seeing you hype up the practical effects. 40+ years later and they still hold up. I also think you should change the “hate” to “love” horror movies. You seem to genuinely like most of them! Great reaction!
@@shinrapresident7010 Ginger Snaps is great and also has a lot of good dark humor. I’m glad it’s been receiving more love in the past few years, I’ve always enjoyed it. The entire trilogy isn’t half bad as a whole, honestly, especially in comparison to other franchises.
(13:35) This was loooong before CGI, and it is STILL one of the best werewolf transformation scenes ever made for cinema to date. Still holds up as one of the best. Just can't beat the mastery of practical effects. CGI has come a very long way at this point, but there is just something so much more visceral, and raw about practical effects. They really need to go back to it, for horror movies especially.
@LordVolkov I think the most impressive thing about the progression is that it's obviously impossible to make the cinema scene look realistic without CGI and even though it's clearly animatronic, the details are so eye catching and the story so engaging it doesn't break the illusion. Even looking silly to a degree its still undeniably done perfectly!
You were FANTASTIC in this reaction. First off: THAT'S the proper reaction to that transformation scene!! And I always know the movie is in good hands when the reactor immediately remarks on the soundtrack. And laughs at the jokes. And loves Nurse Alex! The love story that we have to ignore red flags and plot holes......but they're so cute together, who cares? It might be the only sex scene I don't mind in all of movies.....and sure enough, you remarked: "This is pretty tasteful!" Yes! I feel the same way. (I didn't when I was 12, but......now I appreciate it). Did you have trouble getting it uploaded? The only thing I missed was the dream sequence; I'm sure that was a great reaction! :D
Hi Miss Canada Kat!🙂Everybody was wearing those puffy coats in the 80s. David's werewolf transformation was considered ground breaking in 1981. The cameo of the balding guy from the embassy is Frank Oz, the voice of Yoda and many muppets that he also puppeteers. David's victims would have to survive to become werewolves. WARNING: Whatever you do, don't see "An American Werewolf in Paris" (1997). Great reactions to this well made werewolf film with practical effects, Kat!!!🎬👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Werewolves are awesome! Another great werewolf movie is 'Dog Soldiers' from Neil Marshall, the guy who brought us our favorite cave exploring movie 'The Descent'. You'll love it!
Fun personal fact: I used to work with one of the actors in the porn movie in the cinema. It was shot especially for the film and he was VERY proud of it. 😃
Haha, that's great. I don't know how many people notice it, but there's a poster for that film right in the foreground of one of the shots in the tube station. Hard to imagine there being porn theatre's in Picadilly Circus, but I guess it was much like Times Square back in those ancient days (you know, the 80's).
@@jksgameshelf3378 See you next Wednesday turns up in several John Landis movies. and Piccadilly Circus is on the edge of Soho which was a red light district and the home for many porno theatres and nudie bars at the time.
I make it a point to never trust anyone that doesn't enjoy this film. So happy you enjoyed it! Admittedly if it was a Canadian Werewolf, it would apologise after biting people.
The transformation on this one was awesome! I'm a huge fan of the series The Vampire Diaries and its spin-offs, The Originals and Legacies. There was a wolf transformation of a teenage boy in the second season of The Vampire Diaries that was pretty cool, except that it was mostly dark in the room so you couldn't see much. Then, in the fifth season of The Originals, there's another transformation (a girl this time) and it was amazing and actually quite beautiful. But this one was really amazing as well!
The fact that you needed to explain that your fingers were a phone and the fact that many people under a certain age in fact did not know that was a phone without your explanation, made me laugh harder than it should have 😂😂😂
Great reaction Kat. That transformation was fantastic. Glad you enjoyed the artistry of it. All the effects were amazing. This is my favorite 80s horror film. You might also try The Howling. Stay clear of the moors.
Even with the gore, this movie is more on the funny side. I remember seeing it in theatre in early 80s and just loving it. I realized recently you are an actress, this explain you being so facially expressive.
HI ALAIN!!! Thank you SO MUCH for the super thanks!! And for watching along with me. It really means a lot to me. I LOVED this movie. I honestly don’t mind a bit of gore! And I really appreciated the sense of humor.. right up my alley hehe. YES!! Although I can’t be doing any of that for on camera work… one of the many reasons this channel feels so freeing. HAPPY TUESDAY ALAIN!!Kat:D
I'm glad someone beat me to that factoid. "The Young Ones" is still one of my all-time favorite British comedies. "Vyvian, you complete and utter bastard!". Legend is exactly the right word to use.
2nd to the werewolf transformation, the ending is my favorite thing about this film. I absolutely love how abrupt it is and the complete tone shift from the scene to the blue moon music. Cracks me up every time.
"Those hooligans are in the park again--" Funniest line only appreciated by Brits who understand class snobbery, makes me, eh, howl every time. Such a great film.
The guy on the left that looked worried in the pub, that is/was Rik Mayall, he was a well loved comedy actor here in Britain, sadly died some years ago.
@@LordVolkov agreed. I’m a mortuary student, so the portrayal of him rapidly decomposing with each appearance is pretty legit. He goes from the first to last stages of decomp throughout the film, starting with fresh decomp and degrading into skeletonization. Someone on set had knowledge of the subject (I’m guessing Rick Baker since he did the makeup).
@@TheAbominableDrFaustus isn’t it? The amount of accuracy is much appreciated. Of course for the sake of the film, they skipped over some of the less obvious visual stages and the makeup is definitely played up to an extent, but the timeline of Jack’s body decomposing is pretty spot-on.
@@skyofthelivingdeadyou know? I’d never thought about it until you mentioned the decomposition but I just rewatched and Jack first reveals himself 3 weeks after his death and he’s perfectly preserved. Just happened. Then after his first reveal he proceeds to rot at an accurate rate. Which raises weird implications. Like maybe he started rotting because he was talking to David.
21:55 "Meanwhile, the most unbelievable part of that scene was his friend using all of those M's without any lips" Apparently, he's a great ventriloquist!!! Allegedly.
A favorite reactor reacting to a favorite film! Just FYI at 4:39 the naked chap was the werewolf they shot/killed, so he transformed back to human form.
Love this movie! Fun facts on this one: the guy who got killed in the subway played Jabba's henchman Bib Fortuna in Return of the Jedi, the name of the movie playing at the theater, "See You Next Wednesday" is a line in every John Landis film. Almost 20K, you rock!
I think this is probably the most realistic portrayal of what would really happen if there was a werewolf was running through the city. People in denial, people in the wrong place, people being killed when everyone panics. Why other movies and shows never copy this, I don't know. Everyone's all like, "Oh, you're a werewolf, ok. I can deal.".
Saw this in theater when it first came out, totally amazing.the first transformation scene changed make up effects for ever and won a very deserving Oscar.and i agree the soundtrack is fantastic.favorite werewolf movie of all time and in top five for any genre of horror movie.loved your reaction 👍👍👍👍♥️♥️♥️♥️
Kat your horror Channel rocks!!!! Love the fact you are reacting to so many classics instead of just focusing on current movies. American Werewolf is a classic. I saw it for the first time a few years ago. The transformation scene always freaked me out because it was so well done using practical effects.
Not only is the transformation sequence in this movie one of the greatest of all time along with having the scariest werewolf design (at least imo), I also love that this movie is a metaphor for survivor’s guilt. Speaking as someone who has lost my best friend myself, I think it’s a damn good and accurate exploration of the subject. Especially for the time.
Oh Skyler, I actually choked up reading your coment, I'm so sorry and I hope you're doing ok. And what a fantastic, insightful comment. As I was watching this reaction, I was actually thinking of how he must have survivor's guilt.....and now here you are talking about the very same thing. Thanks, sis.🥲
@@TTM9691 thank you for your comment! I’m doing much better now, though there are still rough days sometimes where I can’t help but think “but could I have done ___?” even though there was nothing more I could’ve done in the situation. It was actually recently the 2nd year since her death. The biggest thing that helps me cope is focusing on how rewarding my long term friendship was with her (she was essentially my platonic soulmate and part of my family) and that I’m lucky to have had the experience. I’m also now pursuing a degree in mortuary science to help other grieving families. Contrary to what people say, grief never truly goes away, you just either learn to deal and live with it in a healthy way, or lose yourself to it.
@@skyofthelivingdead Well, I completely understand your feelings about "what more could I have done"....I go through that all the time with family members that have passed......but as you say: grief never goes away. Nor should it! I think that's FANTASTIC you're going for mortuary science. You are going to bring so much comfort to people. :)
They CREATED the Oscar for Best Special Effects FOR this film, which it won. Not just that it won the fiest Oscar for it, but that they felt so rightly compelled to create a new category because it was ao absolutely impactful as to do so.
Thank you so much for watching my favourite horror film. I am glad you enjoyed it. So many people will say so much about this film, so I will keep it short. Love your reactions.
Great watching this movie again with you! I was terrified when I watched it in '81, but nowadays it's more a horror comedy (which is nice as well) to me! The transformation is still fascinating to me! Have a nice week and see you again on next Kat-Day!
I’m a brand new subscriber to your channel since I am a huge fan of horror movies and this is probably my all-time favorite horror movie because I love the blend of comedy and horror. The transformation scene is iconic all practical effects. I’ve never seen another transformation scene that comes close to this one. It’s simply amazing. And there is a sequel to this actually, it’s called “an American werewolf in Paris“… nowhere near as good, but if you feel like it, you can watch it.
Great reaction this is my favorite werewolf movie,I was able to see the props used for this film at a special effects exhibit once they were very impressive.
I loved your reaction to the transformation scene! What's even more amazing is, imagine audiences sitting in a theater in 1981 watching that, when nothing like that has ever been seen or thought possible before! This, and The Howling just before it, were landmarks in their genre.
The subway scene where the beast creeps onscreen for a couple of seconds...... seeing that as a kid absolutely terrified me. Similar to you, i was so impressed with the makeup and was busting to see the full thing! The way it sauntered in like some big bearJust always stuck with me! Awesome
The Howling (made at basically the same time as this) has impressive transformations as well. If not better. AWIL is the overall more unique and memorable film though, but The Howling is a pretty damn good straight werewolf movie.
I was in hysterics when at the start you thought that Jack was so gored that all of his clothes were ripped off, not realising you were looking at the dead werewolf. Classic!
When I was younger, I theorized that the nurse got pregnant, moved to Paris, had a daughter, and said child was a werewolf, and that became the basis for the sequel "An American Werewolf in Paris"
5:50 Mr Collins of the US Embassy is Frank Oz. He is the voice of the following Star Wars, Muppets, and Sesame Street characters: Yoda, Ms Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Sam Eagle, Grover, Cookie Monster, Bert, and more. He's also appeared in many movies and directs.
I've said it before and I will say it again. Your channel on RUclips is the most entertaining of all the others by far and you are hilarious!! You make me laugh even on a shit day. Thanks so much!!
New subscriber because I love this film and wanted to see your view on it, I was very entertained by your reaction(s) you are a very charismatic and likeable lady. I'm a fan. ❤
Yep - this was FUN for sure. And YES - this is one awesome transformation and it was all practical - and that is why this was so awesome. I do realize I wrote awesome a couple of times but... I think It must be said - Your smile is the most awesome of the awesome things to watch. :D Oh and that "avert your gaze" line is fantastic. xD I would use that in any such "uncomfortable" moments watching some movies on TV. And You would make a lots of money for that! :D Please do consider waching sequeles to: Exorcist, Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Omen, Friday the 13th, Evil Dead 2 & 3 (Army of darkness), The Conjuring 2, Candyman (1992), Child's Play (1988). Also Aliens (extended version - there are couple important scenes there). "The Return of the Living Dead" from 1985 (is one those classics that You will remember forever - like Re-Animator also from 1985.
This movie is proof that you don't need to have a complex plot to make a good movie. All it takes is a little dark humor, amazing practical effects, a bit of gore, and good acting to make a classic horror comedy. Hats off to John Landis for making this awesome funny film!
After this definitely consider The Howling! It's my personal favorite werewolf horror movie. It has that cheeky satire vibe of this film but they worked with a lower budget.
I have to say you had the best reaction to the werewolf transformation I have ever seen on youtube. You genuinely appreciate the effects and not trying to compare today's CGI with practical effects of the time of the movie. This movie made me a big werewolf fan but unfortunately there is not so many good werewolf movies except for the TV series werewolf and bad moon. Plus you have a great smile
This movie and The Thing are the best practical effects ever put to film. You probably weren't expecting you'd be watching the best of something, glad you enjoyed it!
The Wolfman with Benicio del Toro and Dog Soldiers are my favourite werewolf movies. It is unfortunate that there seem to be so few of them. And if you eventually go into the vampire genre 30 Days of Night is a must, also Underworld 1 and 2 for a mash up between the two creatures.
Its funny you mentioned how horror movies tend to end because after the success of this film they did intend to make a sequel with a few different stories including where we follow Alex who is now a werewolf herself, or she is human but now pregnant with David's child and they don't know if it will be a werewolf or not. I enjoyed your reaction to this film as you really apprecaited the characters, story, and the practical effects. Nothing will ever top practical effects. I'm gonna take a look at some more of your reactions but so far enjoying the content!
The guy from the American Embassy is Frank Oz: Muppet performer, director, and occasional actor, often in John Landis movies. And that kind of come-join-me thing happened ALL THE TIME in the '70s. Trust me, I was there in London in my 20s in the '70s. And it was all practical effects, and John Landis staged all that Piccadilly Circus action without an injury to anybody. And this was back in the day when movies were solo shots, not lead-ins to a franchise.
Yes, Kat. The transformation was all practical effects, courtesy of Rick Baker, one of the greatest makeup artists in the business.
He won the first Oscar in the makeup category for this movie.
@@charlieeckert4321 Yes he did. And it was well deserved. 👏👏👏 I just read an article from 2017 in which David Naughton, who played David, said that it took a full week to complete the transformation scene, during which he had to remain in the makeup the whole time, even if they were only doing a few shots.
It was so impressive that i caught the attention of michael jackson who asked Richard to do similar effects for his then new music video (thriller) and the rest is history
Rick Baker is da man. It’s terrible he’s retired from the business, it’s a big loss. Not only is he a brilliant makeup artist, but a super nice guy as well
He's the man. Love Rick Baker.❤❤
To this day, still the best werewolf transformation ever filmed. It was one of the rare instances that a horror movie won an Academy Award. Rick Baker is a genius
I think the only thing that could compare in someway is The Howling, that also had Rick Baker as one of the make up artists, alongside legend Rob Bottin. If you were to refer werewolf movies, like say top 5, This would be number 1 and Howling as number 2. Both awesome horrors.
They actually created the Best Make Up category that year because of this movie
Jenny Agutter was quite the love interest.
I think this movie did there werewolf transformation so perfectly that other movies just don't even bother. Personally I really enjoy the "wolf tearing its way out of the man" style of transformation too
Another great werewolf transformation is in The Howling.
Now that you've watched both An American Werewolf in London and The Thing, you should watch The Fly from 1986, since these three movies are regarded to feature some of the best makeup and practical special effects of all time.
The Fly even won an Oscar for best makeup and stars Jeff Goldblum in arguably the best performance of his career.
yep, it was all downhill from there for Goldblum
The Fly also has a great love story/chemistry between Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis, with lots of comedy and intelligence.....just like this movie!
Yes. YES. The Fly.
Childhood trauma. i saw the movie on TV in the 90s and it scared the crap out of me. So well done though. Jeff Goldblum, *chefs kiss* what an acotr.
Another vote here for The Fly..
I can't recommend "The Fly" myself, since it traumatized me for life. It was so gross that even though I saw it when I was 9, ten years later I still feel like I might throw up any time I see a fly buzzing around nearby. It even traumatized my dad, a Marine who served in the Middle East. If there is a fly in our house, he will literally chase it around the house until he kills it, no matter how long it takes. And neither of us is the squeamish sort in general. So, there you have it. Maybe this will warn you away from the grossness and save you from the trauma, or perhaps the story of how badly it traumatized my little family will be the best recommendation ever. I dunno. Either way, have a great evening! ✌🤓
the actor who plays the official from the American Embassy with the line about ungrateful kids is Frank Oz who worked with Jim Henson on 'The Muppet Show'
He also was the voice of Yoda
And was the intake cop in Trading Places.
I really dislike when people get on David's case for leaving Jack at first when they are attacked by a werewolf. You can see that when he goes back, he immediately gets attacked and is a couple seconds from death when the Slaughtered Lamb folks save him. He wouldn't have been able to help Jack and he would have died himself.
no way, bro. all these reactors would know exactly what to do if they were suddenly attacked by psychos with chainsaws or by werewolves!
Truly. I mean, yeah he ran....but what in the actual eff could you possibly do to stop that thing? Throw your torso in its mouth? I'm sorry but yeah, I'd run too...unless I had a gun.
I agree. It's the same with Don in 28 weeks later. It's natural instinct to preserve n save ones self it truly is. David did good in the end but Don I sympathy with cos he had no option to just fkn kp running.
Kat the most amazing thing is 40 years later it's still the best werewolf transformation scene ever filmed 10 years before the first CG was shot on film.
“A naked American man stole my balloons.”
One of the greatest lines ever 😂
Happens more often than you think. 😂😂😂
"I didn't mean to call you a meatloaf, Jack!" was another classic :)
@@markwhitmore9326 Demand payment first next time.
Jack: “hey, you’re talking about the woman I love.”
David: “ I’m talking about a girl you want to f@ck, so gimme a break..”--was the greatest line in the movie.
How did he know he was American? How about Canadian. He was so polite I would have guessed Canadian.
Single greatest werewolf transformation ever on film,nothing comepetes and certainly not CGI. One of my favourite movies,so glad u enjoyed it
Such a straight up classic! In 1982, Rick Baker won the first ever "Best Makeup" Academy Award for this.
Doesn't surprise me that it was Rick Baker! He was a mad genius.
They don't make em like this anymore.
7 wins out of 11, rich baker is an Oscar in the making
Honestly, they could have retired the award after that. Just "That's it. It's there ever was or ever will be. Lock it up."
Michael Jackson was so impressed with the werewolf transformation scene that he hired director John Landis and Rick Baker, the practical makeup FX guy from the movie to do his Thriller video.
And composer Elmer Bernstein too. He did the music in the Thriller video that wasn't the Thriller song.
And Eddie Murphy.
Horror legend, Vincent Price did the narration, too.
I feel like Michael Jackson was inspired by this “Werewolf film” and recreated into a music video of his own being known as “Thriller” lol
Another little AWIL/Thriller Easter Egg. The sign on the adult cinema "See You Next Wednesday" is also spoken by Vincent Price. (i think) in the cinema scene in Thriller when MJ is eating the popcorn, from my recollection.
I have heard that this was a veiled dig by John Landis at another director as an insult and it was originally supposed to be "See You Next Tuesday" as an acronym "C U Next Tuesday" (I'm sure you can work it out).😂
One of those movies that just doesn't get old. "A naked American man stole my balloons."
And yes, aren't the practical effects outstanding? No CGI, all done with prosthetics, hydraulics, etc. Just amazing!
Great reaction as usual. The old man in the beginning that was dead laying next to Jack in the moors was the werewolf that attacked them. The person from the embassy talking to David in the hospital is Frank Oz who voices Miss Piggy and Yoda
Also loved his cameo appearances in Trading Places and The Blues Brothers.
That bald-headed man....not "old man."
@@hv3926 he is partial balding and still old. Not gray hair old but old enough
"Appreciate help, dumbass kids do not!"
@@MegaToronto1 lol I actually read this in Yoda's voice.
9:49 "He sure moved on from his friend's death very quickly." Your many comments are hilarious!
1:52 -- The guy on the left -- is a young Rik Mayall who went on to become one of the UKs most beloved Comedians and actors. I think this was very early in his career around the time he played a character called Kevin Turvey in a mockumentary and a stage show called ' The Dangerous Brothers '. He later went on to do ' The Young Ones ' and ' Bottom ' . Two great shows out of England at that time.
RIP to Rik. He'll always be Flashheart from Blackadder to me.
Jeez, he looked like “Mr Bean”, Rowan Atkinson, there for a minute.
Yeah, I can tell it’s not him, thx.
@@turbopokey eh??
I saw the werewolf head in a travelling museum exhibit on movie effects. It was in a clear case, sitting on a clear pedestal, but I'd swear it locked eyes with me. I can honestly say my spleen turned to water, my knees got weak, and my bladder threatened to loosen. Up close it's really unnerving, even disembodied, and super detailed -- all done by hand, by Rick Baker personally, as I understand it.
It certainly is a hound from hell.
The "guy on the left" was Rick Mayall, a somewhat famous English comedian. He was in Drop Dead Fred and the Young Ones, among others.
Remember how David says that he believes a werewolf can only be killed be someone who loves him? Remember, also, how David understands that he must kill himself, but he lacks the courage to do it? In the final scene, Nurse Alex tells David she loves him. We see a change in the werewolf's eyes. Her love gives him the courage he needs. He launches himself at her... knowing that the guns will be fired. The police would NOT have been able to kill him. But, because Alex is there with her love, the guns are able to kill him. But wait.... there's more.
How were the people from the Slaughtered Lamb able to kill the first werewolf? Because they loved him. He was a man born to that village. I imagine he might have been the son of the barmaid. She feels guilty about sending the two American boys to their deaths. "We can't let them go." She feels responsible for the actions of her own son. The people of the village want to protect her, and they want to protect the reputation of the village. They try to keep it all secret. But the barmaid convinces them that the right thing is to go and (finally) shoot her son the werewolf. The villagers are able to kill the first werewolf because they love him as one of their own.
Remember when you thought the first werewolf attack had left Jack's dead body naked? (I could be wrong about this, but) I think the naked dead man in that scene is the first werewolf. He has changed back into a man, just as David changes back into a man after he is killed.
I love how they mix really effective comedy with gut-wrenching horror.
That's John Landis for you :)
I remember watching this movie as a child in the 90s and thinking "this feels weird, it's kinda funny but also terrifying". It's probably one of the best movies to perfectly mix both genres.
The transformation scene is iconic, and it was all done with no CGI 😍
Hands-down, the best werewolf transformation in all of cinema
The Howling's scene is really, really good as well. Rob Bottin's work, the guy that did The Thing.
It’s probably the best technically, but The Howling transformation is so ridiculously visceral, so I like it better.
@@Matrim42 Scared the crap outa me as a kid!
@@Matrim42 I dunno. The weird bulging bits always bugged me about that one. Looked kinda ridiculous. I liked the transformation for the most part but that bit bothered me
From the start David and Jack feel so likable and believable as real people and friends on a trip, it really makes the horror hit so much harder. Makes me root for him but I like that the story is so brutal and unforgiving along side a funny, happy love story.
Exactly! The friendship between Jack and David felt so REAL. That was the hook. You actually liked and cared about what happened to them right from the start.
This film is still the perfect mix of horror, dark humor, and satire. The transformation scene is still considered a major practical effects achievement in movie history and holds up well to this day.
Agreed 😊
Didnt the effects win an oscar?
Oh..they did.😂
@@rkc906 As a matter of fact it won the first ever Oscar for best makeup in '82.
The transformation scene is STILL considered the most realistic "werewolf transformation" ever captured on film. CGI transformations simply doesn't have that "weight" to them. :/
Last comment, it’s nice seeing you hype up the practical effects. 40+ years later and they still hold up. I also think you should change the “hate” to “love” horror movies. You seem to genuinely like most of them! Great reaction!
I'm so glad you enjoyed this so much, Kat!!! It's probably my favorite werewolf movie of all time. 👏👏👏 So great to see your reactions!!! 🥰❤️🌹
Gingersnaps(2000) was a great werewolf movie if you've never seen it.
I'm particularly fond of Bad Moon. Mariel Hemingway, great practical effects, and a brave dog.
@@shinrapresident7010 Ginger Snaps is great and also has a lot of good dark humor. I’m glad it’s been receiving more love in the past few years, I’ve always enjoyed it. The entire trilogy isn’t half bad as a whole, honestly, especially in comparison to other franchises.
a couple really good ones to try if you haven't are the Howling, Silver Bullet, and Dog Soldiers
@@EarnestEgregore All great choices
(13:35) This was loooong before CGI, and it is STILL one of the best werewolf transformation scenes ever made for cinema to date. Still holds up as one of the best. Just can't beat the mastery of practical effects. CGI has come a very long way at this point, but there is just something so much more visceral, and raw about practical effects. They really need to go back to it, for horror movies especially.
Everybody loves that little wiggly piece of flesh on Jack's neck! 😂 I don't think I've ever watched this movie with anyone who hasn't commented on it.
Landis was so pleased with Baker's work on Jack there he chose to have it filmed in a daytime scene to really show it off. :)
@@carn9507 The evolving decomposition on Jack really is some great make-up.
@LordVolkov I think the most impressive thing about the progression is that it's obviously impossible to make the cinema scene look realistic without CGI and even though it's clearly animatronic, the details are so eye catching and the story so engaging it doesn't break the illusion. Even looking silly to a degree its still undeniably done perfectly!
lunchmeat for days!
You were FANTASTIC in this reaction. First off: THAT'S the proper reaction to that transformation scene!! And I always know the movie is in good hands when the reactor immediately remarks on the soundtrack. And laughs at the jokes. And loves Nurse Alex! The love story that we have to ignore red flags and plot holes......but they're so cute together, who cares? It might be the only sex scene I don't mind in all of movies.....and sure enough, you remarked: "This is pretty tasteful!" Yes! I feel the same way. (I didn't when I was 12, but......now I appreciate it). Did you have trouble getting it uploaded? The only thing I missed was the dream sequence; I'm sure that was a great reaction! :D
Loved Nurse Alex since "Logan's Run" ;)
Hi Miss Canada Kat!🙂Everybody was wearing those puffy coats in the 80s. David's werewolf transformation was considered ground breaking in 1981. The cameo of the balding guy from the embassy is Frank Oz, the voice of Yoda and many muppets that he also puppeteers. David's victims would have to survive to become werewolves. WARNING: Whatever you do, don't see "An American Werewolf in Paris" (1997). Great reactions to this well made werewolf film with practical effects, Kat!!!🎬👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
there were no special effects, they hired about 6 actual werewolves for this movie!🐺😁
Werewolves are awesome! Another great werewolf movie is 'Dog Soldiers' from Neil Marshall, the guy who brought us our favorite cave exploring movie 'The Descent'. You'll love it!
Dog soldiers is a classic
Fun personal fact: I used to work with one of the actors in the porn movie in the cinema. It was shot especially for the film and he was VERY proud of it. 😃
Haha, that's great. I don't know how many people notice it, but there's a poster for that film right in the foreground of one of the shots in the tube station. Hard to imagine there being porn theatre's in Picadilly Circus, but I guess it was much like Times Square back in those ancient days (you know, the 80's).
Was he hung like a donkey??😊
@@jksgameshelf3378 True, it's changed a lot since then. The rent would be in the millions now.
@@jksgameshelf3378 See you next Wednesday turns up in several John Landis movies. and Piccadilly Circus is on the edge of Soho which was a red light district and the home for many porno theatres and nudie bars at the time.
Brick Top from 'Lock, Stock...' was driving the cab.
I make it a point to never trust anyone that doesn't enjoy this film. So happy you enjoyed it! Admittedly if it was a Canadian Werewolf, it would apologise after biting people.
Correct! 🐺 🇨🇦 🍁
@@MrUndersolo 🙂🇨🇦🇨🇦🍁🍁
The transformation on this one was awesome! I'm a huge fan of the series The Vampire Diaries and its spin-offs, The Originals and Legacies. There was a wolf transformation of a teenage boy in the second season of The Vampire Diaries that was pretty cool, except that it was mostly dark in the room so you couldn't see much. Then, in the fifth season of The Originals, there's another transformation (a girl this time) and it was amazing and actually quite beautiful. But this one was really amazing as well!
The fact that you needed to explain that your fingers were a phone and the fact that many people under a certain age in fact did not know that was a phone without your explanation, made me laugh harder than it should have 😂😂😂
Great reaction Kat. That transformation was fantastic. Glad you enjoyed the artistry of it. All the effects were amazing. This is my favorite 80s horror film. You might also try The Howling.
Stay clear of the moors.
Great reaction, Kat! Glad you enjoyed it. You might have noticed that every song in the movie has the word "Moon" in the title.
I've always loved how all of the songs in the soundtrack are moon related.
Even with the gore, this movie is more on the funny side. I remember seeing it in theatre in early 80s and just loving it. I realized recently you are an actress, this explain you being so facially expressive.
HI ALAIN!!! Thank you SO MUCH for the super thanks!! And for watching along with me. It really means a lot to me. I LOVED this movie. I honestly don’t mind a bit of gore! And I really appreciated the sense of humor.. right up my alley hehe. YES!! Although I can’t be doing any of that for on camera work… one of the many reasons this channel feels so freeing. HAPPY TUESDAY ALAIN!!Kat:D
At 1:53, the "guy on the left" was UK comedy legend Rik Mayall in an early role.
I'm glad someone beat me to that factoid. "The Young Ones" is still one of my all-time favorite British comedies. "Vyvian, you complete and utter bastard!". Legend is exactly the right word to use.
@@jksgameshelf3378 Ah, it needed to be said as Rik Mayall is a legend.
Also in the pub, "Mr. Rottweiler" that Rik and Ade stole their gas from in "Bottom" :P
@@johnsmith8906 And well loved as versions of Lord Flashheart in Blackadder :)
@@carn9507 Hell yeah!
100% practical makeup effects. Rick Baker won the Academy Award for this movie, and the fx helped create the 'Best Makeup' category at the Oscars.
I’m starting to get excited for an upcoming 20K live stream!!! I’m very impressed by what you’ve accomplished and I’m very proud to be apart of it!! 😊
2nd to the werewolf transformation, the ending is my favorite thing about this film. I absolutely love how abrupt it is and the complete tone shift from the scene to the blue moon music. Cracks me up every time.
"Those hooligans are in the park again--" Funniest line only appreciated by Brits who understand class snobbery, makes me, eh, howl every time. Such a great film.
Those hooligans would carve out his kidneys now
The guy on the left that looked worried in the pub, that is/was Rik Mayall, he was a well loved comedy actor here in Britain, sadly died some years ago.
The scenes with Jack are possibly my favorite scenes in any movie and I always laugh when David tries to get arrested.
The increasing decomposition on Jack as the movie goes on is fantastic.
@@LordVolkov agreed. I’m a mortuary student, so the portrayal of him rapidly decomposing with each appearance is pretty legit. He goes from the first to last stages of decomp throughout the film, starting with fresh decomp and degrading into skeletonization. Someone on set had knowledge of the subject (I’m guessing Rick Baker since he did the makeup).
@@skyofthelivingdead that’s a really cool detail.
@@TheAbominableDrFaustus isn’t it? The amount of accuracy is much appreciated. Of course for the sake of the film, they skipped over some of the less obvious visual stages and the makeup is definitely played up to an extent, but the timeline of Jack’s body decomposing is pretty spot-on.
@@skyofthelivingdeadyou know? I’d never thought about it until you mentioned the decomposition but I just rewatched and Jack first reveals himself 3 weeks after his death and he’s perfectly preserved. Just happened. Then after his first reveal he proceeds to rot at an accurate rate. Which raises weird implications. Like maybe he started rotting because he was talking to David.
21:55 "Meanwhile, the most unbelievable part of that scene was his friend using all of those M's without any lips"
Apparently, he's a great ventriloquist!!! Allegedly.
A favorite reactor reacting to a favorite film! Just FYI at 4:39 the naked chap was the werewolf they shot/killed, so he transformed back to human form.
Love this movie! Fun facts on this one: the guy who got killed in the subway played Jabba's henchman Bib Fortuna in Return of the Jedi, the name of the movie playing at the theater, "See You Next Wednesday" is a line in every John Landis film. Almost 20K, you rock!
I think this is probably the most realistic portrayal of what would really happen if there was a werewolf was running through the city. People in denial, people in the wrong place, people being killed when everyone panics. Why other movies and shows never copy this, I don't know. Everyone's all like, "Oh, you're a werewolf, ok. I can deal.".
Saw this in theater when it first came out, totally amazing.the first transformation scene changed make up effects for ever and won a very deserving Oscar.and i agree the soundtrack is fantastic.favorite werewolf movie of all time and in top five for any genre of horror movie.loved your reaction 👍👍👍👍♥️♥️♥️♥️
Kat your horror Channel rocks!!!! Love the fact you are reacting to so many classics instead of just focusing on current movies. American Werewolf is a classic. I saw it for the first time a few years ago. The transformation scene always freaked me out because it was so well done using practical effects.
Be sure to watch this one a few more times in your life. It's always fun. Thanks for reacting to this killer gem.
Not only is the transformation sequence in this movie one of the greatest of all time along with having the scariest werewolf design (at least imo), I also love that this movie is a metaphor for survivor’s guilt. Speaking as someone who has lost my best friend myself, I think it’s a damn good and accurate exploration of the subject. Especially for the time.
Oh Skyler, I actually choked up reading your coment, I'm so sorry and I hope you're doing ok. And what a fantastic, insightful comment. As I was watching this reaction, I was actually thinking of how he must have survivor's guilt.....and now here you are talking about the very same thing. Thanks, sis.🥲
@@TTM9691 thank you for your comment! I’m doing much better now, though there are still rough days sometimes where I can’t help but think “but could I have done ___?” even though there was nothing more I could’ve done in the situation. It was actually recently the 2nd year since her death. The biggest thing that helps me cope is focusing on how rewarding my long term friendship was with her (she was essentially my platonic soulmate and part of my family) and that I’m lucky to have had the experience. I’m also now pursuing a degree in mortuary science to help other grieving families. Contrary to what people say, grief never truly goes away, you just either learn to deal and live with it in a healthy way, or lose yourself to it.
@@skyofthelivingdead Well, I completely understand your feelings about "what more could I have done"....I go through that all the time with family members that have passed......but as you say: grief never goes away. Nor should it! I think that's FANTASTIC you're going for mortuary science. You are going to bring so much comfort to people. :)
@@TTM9691 thank you so much! I’ve loved reading your comments ❤️
@@skyofthelivingdead 😊🙃😊
They CREATED the Oscar for Best Special Effects FOR this film, which it won. Not just that it won the fiest Oscar for it, but that they felt so rightly compelled to create a new category because it was ao absolutely impactful as to do so.
No, they had a best special effects oscar before. They created a Best Makeup Oscar because of this movie.
Thank you so much for watching my favourite horror film. I am glad you enjoyed it. So many people will say so much about this film, so I will keep it short. Love your reactions.
The problem with the last tube train at night at Tottenham Court Road is that it is just as lonely and sprawling. After this movie it's terrifying.
Great watching this movie again with you! I was terrified when I watched it in '81, but nowadays it's more a horror comedy (which is nice as well) to me! The transformation is still fascinating to me! Have a nice week and see you again on next Kat-Day!
A very fun movie, featuring one of the best, if not the best examples of practical makeup effects. glad you enjoyed it!
I’m a brand new subscriber to your channel since I am a huge fan of horror movies and this is probably my all-time favorite horror movie because I love the blend of comedy and horror.
The transformation scene is iconic all practical effects. I’ve never seen another transformation scene that comes close to this one. It’s simply amazing.
And there is a sequel to this actually, it’s called “an American werewolf in Paris“… nowhere near as good, but if you feel like it, you can watch it.
The 'See you Next Wednesday' movie is a running gag in all of John Landus' movies.
Great reaction this is my favorite werewolf movie,I was able to see the props used for this film at a special effects exhibit once they were very impressive.
I loved your reaction to the transformation scene! What's even more amazing is, imagine audiences sitting in a theater in 1981 watching that, when nothing like that has ever been seen or thought possible before! This, and The Howling just before it, were landmarks in their genre.
The meat and potatoes of horror! Something you can really sink your teeth into. 🐺
I grew up on a farm with sheep.
Watching a lamb playing in the field is the CUTEST thing☺️🤗
I love how you immediately go for the love interests lol. Great stuff!
The worried guy in the pub was Rik Mayall
Really? From the Young Ones?
Drop Dead Fred
See You Next Wednesday is a phrase that pops up regularly in John Landis movies.
Thriller 😁
Your reaction to his transformation was almost exactly the same as everyone else's the first time they saw it. It's so great!
really really love this movie... it has a wonderful sense of humor and still maintains a creepiness throughout
The subway scene where the beast creeps onscreen for a couple of seconds...... seeing that as a kid absolutely terrified me. Similar to you, i was so impressed with the makeup and was busting to see the full thing! The way it sauntered in like some big bearJust always stuck with me! Awesome
That was a 1980's movie. Just a story. Not cut into small pieces that can be chewed easily. Loved your reaction! ^^
The best stop motion effects ever. I’ve seen this probably 10 times just to watch the effects and comedy 🎭
More werewolf movie suggestions - Bad Moon, Silver Bullet, Ginger Snaps, Dog Soldiers, and The Wolfman 2010
I wanna to add to your list : The fourth kind (2009),Oculus (2013),The taking of Deborah Logan (2014), Midsommar (2019),The invisible man (2020)
Always exciting to see new reactions to movies
I KNEW you'd like it. Great cast, and those practical effects (Oscar winning effects) still look great 40 years later.
Fun reaction.
The Howling (made at basically the same time as this) has impressive transformations as well. If not better. AWIL is the overall more unique and memorable film though, but The Howling is a pretty damn good straight werewolf movie.
I was in hysterics when at the start you thought that Jack was so gored that all of his clothes were ripped off, not realising you were looking at the dead werewolf. Classic!
When I was younger, I theorized that the nurse got pregnant, moved to Paris, had a daughter, and said child was a werewolf, and that became the basis for the sequel "An American Werewolf in Paris"
Most of us try to forget that movie exists.
5:50 Mr Collins of the US Embassy is Frank Oz. He is the voice of the following Star Wars, Muppets, and Sesame Street characters: Yoda, Ms Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Sam Eagle, Grover, Cookie Monster, Bert, and more. He's also appeared in many movies and directs.
I've said it before and I will say it again. Your channel on RUclips is the most entertaining of all the others by far and you are hilarious!! You make me laugh even on a shit day. Thanks so much!!
Watched this on patreon with you, absolutely loved it! That transformation is still so bloody cool!
The naked guy at the beginning was the werewolf. Not Jack.
New subscriber because I love this film and wanted to see your view on it, I was very entertained by your reaction(s) you are a very charismatic and likeable lady.
I'm a fan. ❤
Yep - this was FUN for sure. And YES - this is one awesome transformation and it was all practical - and that is why this was so awesome. I do realize I wrote awesome a couple of times but... I think It must be said - Your smile is the most awesome of the awesome things to watch. :D
Oh and that "avert your gaze" line is fantastic. xD I would use that in any such "uncomfortable" moments watching some movies on TV. And You would make a lots of money for that! :D
Please do consider waching sequeles to:
Exorcist, Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Omen, Friday the 13th, Evil Dead 2 & 3 (Army of darkness), The Conjuring 2, Candyman (1992), Child's Play (1988).
Also Aliens (extended version - there are couple important scenes there). "The Return of the Living Dead" from 1985 (is one those classics that You will remember forever - like Re-Animator also from 1985.
Hands down, the best werewolf transformation ever.
This movie is proof that you don't need to have a complex plot to make a good movie. All it takes is a little dark humor, amazing practical effects, a bit of gore, and good acting to make a classic horror comedy. Hats off to John Landis for making this awesome funny film!
Also the writing.
And the ever beautiful Jenny Agutter.
That’s what made these movies so great - the epilogue is left to your imagination.
Thanks for the video!
After this definitely consider The Howling! It's my personal favorite werewolf horror movie. It has that cheeky satire vibe of this film but they worked with a lower budget.
Can't say much for the sequels though
I'm 50 yes old, and of all the movies I've seen during my lifetime, this was my ultimate favourite. Great reaction.
I have to say you had the best reaction to the werewolf transformation I have ever seen on youtube. You genuinely appreciate the effects and not trying to compare today's CGI with practical effects of the time of the movie. This movie made me a big werewolf fan but unfortunately there is not so many good werewolf movies except for the TV series werewolf and bad moon. Plus you have a great smile
If you haven't seen it, Dog Soldiers is pretty good. Another werewolf film made in England.
This movie and The Thing are the best practical effects ever put to film. You probably weren't expecting you'd be watching the best of something, glad you enjoyed it!
The Wolfman with Benicio del Toro and Dog Soldiers are my favourite werewolf movies. It is unfortunate that there seem to be so few of them. And if you eventually go into the vampire genre 30 Days of Night is a must, also Underworld 1 and 2 for a mash up between the two creatures.
She would have to watch Fright Night (both original & remake), The Lost Boys, and Interview with a vampire first before 30 Days of Night.
I actually liked Underworld Awakening as well. It’s a solid action film with good gore.
@@TwilightLink77 Those are all must watches. I’d throw in Near Dark
Also the tall balding embassy guy is frank oz. He did the voice for the original Yoda and fozzy bear on the muppets lol
Horror, comedy, romance & a hot nurse! That's a great combination!
Fun fact: the same actress played the foster mother in Child’s Play 2 about a decade later.
@@skyofthelivingdead That's where I knew her from! I know she looked familiar but couldn't place her.
It is so great to see this with someone that has not ever seen it before. Loved the watching with you Kat. Kats know.
"A naked American man stole my balloons."
"Whaaaaaaat?"
Cracks me up every time 🤣
Its funny you mentioned how horror movies tend to end because after the success of this film they did intend to make a sequel with a few different stories including where we follow Alex who is now a werewolf herself, or she is human but now pregnant with David's child and they don't know if it will be a werewolf or not. I enjoyed your reaction to this film as you really apprecaited the characters, story, and the practical effects. Nothing will ever top practical effects.
I'm gonna take a look at some more of your reactions but so far enjoying the content!
Hands down, one of the best reactors. Love so much about these reactions.
The guy from the American Embassy is Frank Oz: Muppet performer, director, and occasional actor, often in John Landis movies. And that kind of come-join-me thing happened ALL THE TIME in the '70s. Trust me, I was there in London in my 20s in the '70s.
And it was all practical effects, and John Landis staged all that Piccadilly Circus action without an injury to anybody. And this was back in the day when movies were solo shots, not lead-ins to a franchise.