One-line Summary:
Teen Wolf: The Movie, directed by Russell Mulcahy, is a coming-of-age comedy that follows Scott Howard, a high school student who discovers he is a werewolf. As Scott navigates the challenges of teenage life, he must also learn to embrace his newfound powers and find a balance between his human and wolf identities.
Main Cast and Crew:
- Director: Russell Mulcahy
- Writer: Jeph Loeb
- Main Cast:
- Michael J. Fox as Scott Howard
- James Hampton as Harold Howard
- Susan Ursitti as Boof
- Jerry Levine as Rupert “Stiles” Stilinski
- Lorie Griffin as Pamela Wells
- Music Director: Miles Goodman
- Director of Photography: Tim Suhrstedt
- Producers: Mark Levinson and Scott M. Rosenfelt
Plot:
Teen Wolf: The Movie follows the story of Scott Howard, a typical high school student who leads an ordinary life until he discovers that he comes from a family of werewolves. As Scott embraces his werewolf heritage, he realizes that his newfound powers can help him excel in his school’s basketball team.
With the support of his best friend, Stiles, and his crush, Boof, Scott becomes the star player of the team. However, as his popularity grows, Scott begins to lose sight of his true self and becomes more focused on his werewolf persona. This leads to conflicts with his friends and a strained relationship with his father, Harold.
As the basketball season progresses, Scott must confront his inner demons and find a way to balance his human and wolf identities. He learns that being true to himself is more important than winning games or impressing others. In the end, Scott realizes that his friends and family love him for who he is, not for his werewolf abilities.
Themes and Motifs:
Teen Wolf: The Movie explores themes of self-acceptance, identity, and the pressures of conformity. Scott’s transformation into a werewolf serves as a metaphor for the challenges teenagers face while trying to fit in and discover their true selves. The film encourages viewers to embrace their individuality and not be defined by societal expectations.
The movie also touches on the theme of friendship and loyalty. Scott’s relationship with Stiles and Boof highlights the importance of having supportive friends who accept and love you unconditionally. Through their unwavering support, Scott is able to navigate the complexities of his werewolf powers and find his place in the world.
Reception and Legacy:
Upon its release in 1985, Teen Wolf: The Movie received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised Michael J. Fox’s charismatic performance and the film’s lighthearted humor, others felt that the plot was predictable and lacked depth. Despite the mixed reception, the movie gained a cult following and became a commercial success.
Teen Wolf: The Movie was nominated for two Saturn Awards in 1986, including Best Horror Film and Best Performance by a Younger Actor for Michael J. Fox. The film’s success led to the creation of a television series adaptation in 2011, further cementing its place in pop culture.
Recommendation:
Teen Wolf: The Movie is a fun and entertaining coming-of-age comedy that will appeal to fans of 80s teen films. Michael J. Fox delivers a charming performance, and the film’s themes of self-discovery and friendship resonate with audiences of all ages. If you’re looking for a lighthearted movie with a supernatural twist, Teen Wolf: The Movie is worth a watch.
Memorable Quote:
“Be yourself. Be proud. Be a wolf.” – Scott Howard
