Big Bad Wolf: A Film Review

The special effects are surprisingly good. The werewolf's full costume is cumbersome with a minimally mobile face. During the transition, Mitch (Richard Tyson) goes through some interesting stages of facial deformities, hair growth and eye color changes. It's mediocre CGI, but much more than I had expected. The blood and gore are a mixed bag. Some of the effects are satisfyingly realistic. Others are laughable.

From a purely superficial perspective, Big Bad Wolf has some decent acting. In particular, Richard Tyson's portrayal of the lycanthropic step-dad is fitting. He carries himself like a damaged, angry man. My second nominee for believable acting is Kimberly Brown. She aims to be an independent punk, full of brass and seduction. Her wardrobe doesn't hurt.

True to its B-horror label, Big Bad Wolf offers plenty of screaming, blood-spattered woman in various states of undress. But some scenes are both sexually and violently graphic. The werewolf is, if you'll pardon the pun - a horn dog. Even in his human form, Mitch is a womanizer.

The film has very little to offer. It follows a common formula. Kid watches his friends killed by a werewolf. Kid finds out about werewolf's true identity and hunts it (with the help of the oddball girl he loves but can't bring himself to pursue). Guts fly and silver does it's thing.

The only way I could squeeze any value out of this film is to turn it into an allegory of the abused step-child. Derek (Trevor Duke), witnesses Mitch emotionally abusing his mother. He is emasculated by his overbearing step-father. And when Mitch's forceful hand is turned onto Derek's love interest, Sam (Kimberly Brown), Derek can take no more and decides to fight back. He feels the need to protect himself and the women in his life from the "monster" of an abusive man. Turn that man into an actual monster, and you have Big Bad Wolf.

Fans of B-horror, rejoice! This film certainly fits the bill and even raises the bar in many areas. Unfortunately, it falls short of mainstream criteria. If you're looking for a real movie, pass this one up. But if you're in the mood for a high-end hilarious slasher, look no further.