One of my favorite, and also extremely underrated, movies is
Wolf (1994). The film stars simply sensational Jack Nicholson and the mesmerizing Michelle Pfeiffer; this marks the second time Nicholson and Pfeiffer have been paired together on screen. Remember 1987's
The Witches of Eastwick? Sure you do; who could forget the classic cherry vomiting scene? That scene still sends chills up my spine. I was also first introduced to the name "Sookie" (spelled: Sukie) before it gained mass
True Blood popularity.
Alas, I digress.
Nicholson plays editor in chief, Will Randall, who is bitten by a wolf he hits on a snowy night. The movie proceeds to depict Randall's physical transformation triggered by the essence of the creature that bit him, but it also delves into him gaining the inner boost and aggression he needs to take the reigns on his life. Reigns that include starting his own publishing house after the wealthy Alden replaces him with his protégé (Spader). Randall soon begins a romance with Alden's daughter, Laura (Pfeiffer), and as the story continues to unfold, sparks and, eventually, limbs fly.
One of the best lines in the film, and also evidence of the effects of change in Randall due to his transformation into the wolf:
Mary (secretary): "Is the worm turning, Mr. Randall?"
Will Randall: "The worm has turned and it is now packing an Uzi, Mary."
Mary: "It's about fucking time, sir."
So poetic; so beautiful.
There are generally two classic types of werewolf films. You've got your gore, or your over-the-top campiness with special effects that look like they were filmed in someone's kitchen pantry.
Wolf isn't your average werewolf film; there's romance, action, comedy, and the dynamic acting talents of Nicholson, Pfeiffer, Christopher Plummer, and a very hunky 90s James Spader. (Ooh la la) There are surprising plot twists left and right, and character developments that always leave me on the edge of my seat. The special effects were, in my opinion, very well done, with Nicholson's half man-half wolf phase looking fantastically horrifying.
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Classic movie and very underrated
ReplyDeleteWolf is one of my favourite films!
ReplyDeleteI adore Michelle Pfeiffer and she has never looked more beautiful than she did in this movie!
This is a really nice blog,I'm glad I stopped by.
Eyesofphases: Glad to see another appreciative fan.
ReplyDeletePaul S: She did look gorgeous! I couldn't get enough of her hair. Haha.
Thank you very much! I'm glad you stopped by as well! I checked out your blog, too, which is very cool. I didn't know Meg Ryan and David Morse were in a film together. I love Morse.
Howdy, Great review Kimster! (Sorry for deleting previous comment. My inner-grammar Nazi was kicking in.)
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing WOLF in theaters opening weekend. I was a horror fan. No, strike that. I was a horror obsessive. (Actually, a horror-movie geek trapped inside a football player's body, but that's a story for another day :) ).
WOLF was not the kind of movie a "true" horror fan was supposed to like. Directed by Mike Nichols (of the GRADUATE fame) and far too slick, it was far too mainstream. But I gotta be honest, I LOVED IT! Nicholson needed minimal makeup to play the wolf, since he already has such an animalistic quality about him, Pfeiffer, as was already stated, looked gorgeous, and Spader was at his snarky, smarmy best as the back-stabbing Stewart. Nichols' direction was tight and the whole picture felt like a classy, "old Hollywood"-style picture.
I haven't seen it in years, but it definitely deserves a rewatch.
By the way, I love the new look of the blog and that's a great profile pic too!
Thank you Joel, for the comment and compliment! :)
ReplyDelete"Old Hollywood" - style is a great way to put it. I loved the guest house Pfeiffer stayed in and the black & white photos on the mantel. So classy. One of my favorite scenes will always be at the end when she's leaving and tells the detective she can smell his vodka tonic a mile away. Sassy lady. Love it!
Horror-movie geek trapped inside a football player's body? I'll have to hear that story. Cool. Haha.