TEEN WOLF (1985)
The 1980s produced a lot of classics and one can argue BACK TO THE FUTURE may be the greatest of that era. However, many forget there is another Michael J. Fox classic film released in the summer of 1985 which was TEEN WOLF. Audiences today might associate the title more with the popular MTV television series also titled Teen Wolf which was inspired by the original film. Unlike the show, the film is more comedic and campier—and at times makes no sense. But it’s the ‘80s, so you should leave your mind at the door to enjoy.
The story is simple: Average teenage boy Scott Howard (Michael J. Fox) is frustrated with his life. He plays basketball on a team that hasn’t won a game in years, is not noticed by the prettiest girl in school, and works part-time at his dad’s hardware store. The usual main character with big dreams to leave his small town. Along with typical teenage angst and puberty, he has something else building inside of him when he gets worked up—turning into a werewolf. You would think the story would be about how he keeps this a secret or a straight horror film, but no. Once he turns into a werewolf in the middle of a basketball game, the crowd is astonished—as most people would be—and then they start cheering when they realize their werewolf can dunk, throw no-look passes, and run the floor like Magic Johnson. No one scrambles for their lives or calls the police, instead they celebrate with him after the game with pizza. Even as a kid I always thought that was strange they embrace the wolf. Maybe TEEN WOLF takes place in a world where werewolves exist in the NBA?
Despite the ludicrous plot, the heart of the film and the main reason it is so rewatchable is Michael J. Fox. He has always been such a likable actor with great comedic timing, but he is also able to deliver dramatic scenes. Even when he is under the wolf makeup he can show great emotion with his face, especially his eyes, which is not a simple task. Every werewolf movie has that first transformation sequence and TEEN WOLF may not be AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, but it delivers a memorable scene where you have Fox acting in absolute terror watching himself change. His performance makes you feel for the character because we can relate to the insecurities of being a teen, even if he might be a monster.
If you are nostalgic for the 1980s like many millennials (like myself) the film also has some great music and an underrated score by Miles Goodman. The opening titles of the film surprisingly give a loud horror-type theme. If you didn’t know in advance this is a comedy you might think you are about to see an ‘80s slasher. Every time Scott Howards begins to transform early in the film you also get heart-thumping loud musical cues that also make you wonder if this about to go the horror route. The soundtrack is very VERY ‘80s and there may be no mainstream recognizable names but you can’t help but smile ear to ear with many of the songs. The most memorable might be when werewolf Howard arrives at the school dance in a SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER-like suit and the DJ plays “Big Bad Wolf” by The Wolf Sisters. Everyone joins with Howard in mimicking a wolf dance move. Again, no one is freaked out they are dancing with a werewolf but the whole sequence is awesome.
The film is so charming and ridiculous you can’t help but love it because it’s pure nostalgic escapism. That is why it is so great and memorable. You also have Howard’s best friend Stiles (Jerry Levine), who after finding out his friend is a werewolf, decides to take the opportunity to make T-shirts and trade in his van for a “Wolfmobile.” Howard also “car surfs” to “Surfin’ U.S.A” which is funny but makes no physical sense. It’s hard not to laugh at Stiles’ wardrobe throughout the film with his quoted t-shirts, different types of glasses, and tight-colored pants. Levine also gives such a great manic and memorable performance.
There are a few other nonsensical plot holes. Howard’s father who knew being a werewolf runs in the family and decides to not give his son a heads up. He also stays fairly calm through the film which again makes me wonder if werewolves knowingly exist in this universe. For a PG movie, there is also a possible scene of bestiality which you have to see to believe. So much of the film is ridiculous but it works. TEEN WOLF is capped off with an over-the-top crazy high school basketball championship game, which is probably one of the most underrated basketball sequences in movies. Like most sports underdog movies of that era, there is a song during the whole sequence called “Win In The End” by Mark Safan. I don’t know what most of the lyrics mean but the song is a banger.
Despite the ludicrous plot, the movie is still a must-see. It has a lot of heart and iconic moments that still live up to today. It’s not a horror comedy, but a movie that has a well-known horror character in a coming-of-age teen comedy. Michael J. Fox has recently retired from acting so it’s great to see one of his best performances. I do want to forewarn there is some offensive language that would not be said so casually in films today as it is a product of a much different era.
