AAA Movie Reviews: Werewolves (2024)

I can only imagine how this movie was pitched. It probably went something like this:

I’ve got a great idea for a movie about werewolves.  You’re gonna love this!

Try me.

Okay… we’ve got werewolves… and FRANK GRILLO!

I’m listening.

So you remember Frank Grillo in “The Purge”, right?

Of course.

Okay, great.  So this time, THE WEREWOLVES ARE THE PURGE!

Wait, what?

Exactly!

Okay… so what’s the movie’s title?

Werewolves!

I mean, shit… I’d greenlight that.  This is not an exaggeration; we’re looking at what is essentially “The Purge” with werewolves.  As explained in an on-screen title at the very beginning of the movie, the world experienced a super-moon event that unexpectedly caused one billion people around the globe to transform into bloodthirsty werewolves for one night.  The movie starts roughly a year later as the world prepares for a second super-moon event, and anyone who gets direct exposure to moonlight is expected to turn into a brainless murder monster.  This leaves us with a certain demographic that’s going to be running amok in the worst way possible (for one night), and the rest of us who are bugging in, bugging out, or doing whatever they need to in order to survive that night.  Where have I heard this story before?

With that said, this is actually a solid movie. I mean, the creature effects and CGI are top notch.  It doesn’t skimp on the transformation scenes and general werewolfery.  The fights and firearms are enjoyable too.  What’s not to enjoy when you’ve got top-notch Frank Grillo battling werewolves?  Sure, some of the characters are a bit generic and cheesy, and like I said they might have borrowed a plot element or two… but really.  It’s a werewolf movie.  I’m not in this for academy-award winning plot twists.  In addition to Grillo, we’ve got Lou Diamond Phillips, Katrina Law, and Ilfenesh Hadera giving some emotive and exciting performances.  

While the movie itself may be a tad predictable, some highlights include the action sequences, transformation effects, set design, and overall vibe created by the gritty acting and visuals.  If you’re into fun flicks, action-oriented werewolf movies, or lycanthropy in general, this is probably worth your time.  If you’re the kind of person who requires an “elevated” werewolf movie, this might not be for you. 

A-