The history of modern cinema is littered with a trail of not good, bad, very bad and appalling computer game adaptations. Uwe Boll is the uncrowned king of the diabolical (Alone in the Dark being a personal ‘favourite’) but the likes of Silent Hill, Assassin’s Creed, Street Fighter, Resident Evil, Mortal Combat and Tomb Raider have all been dubiously served. Even Mario doesn’t escape. Thankfully, Werewolves Within bucks this trend.
Finn (Sam Richardson) arrives in Beavertown to take up the position as the new ranger, enthusiastic and excited to begin the job. The first person he meets is Cecily (Milana Vayntrub), the resident mailperson, who soon brings him up to speed about the odd array of local characters. He soon discovers that the townsfolk are divided over a proposed oil pipeline. When a snow storm hits and a creature starts terrorising the town, tensions quickly mount.
Werewolves Within is a slick and stylish horror comedy which delivers on both fronts. The cast are extremely watchable, especially the leads who are both excellent, and the humour flows naturally. In terms of scares and jumps, more is less, and by teasing his monster director Josh Ruben makes a much greater impact. Brilliantly realised, Werewolves Within is fresh and vibrant genre filmmaking at its best.
Werewolves Within is in US theatres on 25 June and on Digital Rental & VOD on 2 July.
