It feels like an age since my last Retro Review, what with the weird time vortex that surrounds Christmas and New Year, but it has only been a month. Given the fact that I was rather disappointed with the last couple of retro reviews, I was a little apprehensive going into this one, but it was Mark’s choice so if it’s rubbish, he gets the blame!

For 2020, my self-imposed rules for this feature are having a little bit of an revamp, as I have a new feature coming soon (watch this space). So first things first, the rules…

1. Must be pre-1990’s
2. Should be a first time viewing
3. Must watch in full

Director: John Landis

Starring: David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne

Tagline: Beware The Moon.

Awards: Oscar winner – Best Make-Up

The story sees two American friends, David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) backpacking through England on their way to mainland Europe. After they fall somewhat foul of some secretive and rather unhelpful locals they find themselves out on the moors, late at night, with a werewolf on the prowl. Jack is killed during the werewolf’s attack but David survives after the locals have a change of heart and kill the werewolf, who reverts back to his human form.

Three weeks later, David wakes up in a London hospital, badly scarred and upset to hear of his friends death. Before long, he starts to have vivid nightmares and is visited by his dead friend who warns him he must take his own life, ending the werewolf curse and allowing Jack and other victims to pass over. Thinking he’s going a little crazy, David ignores his friends advice and, after he gets discharged, winds up staying at Alex’s (Jenny Agutter) flat, the nurse that he has grown quite close to. However, when the full moon comes David transforms and goes on a murderous rampage across London.

My prior knowledge of this film was virtually non-existent so I had no idea what to expect. In fact, if I am honest, for some reason I was expecting a rather serious and sombre story set in Victorian London. However, in reality, An American Werewolf In London proved to be more of a comedy horror that didn’t take itself too seriously which turned out to be a rather pleasant surprise.

The acting was fairly good all round if not a little cheesy, although I think that is more a testament to the time than a judgement of the casts acting capability.

One thing I was particularly worried about when starting my ‘Retro Review’ feature was that I would not enjoy a lot of the films as they may not have aged well, especially when it comes to special effects. The pressure to impress was even more prevalent for American Werewolf as, fun fact, it was actually the first ever winner in the Best Make-Up Oscar category.

Thankfully, it is easy to see that the Oscar is not undeserved. Jacks different stages of decomposition were excellently conceived and the werewolf transformation was impressive and brilliantly done, especially considering the time.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this film and I would definitely recommend a watch. It’s an entertaining, easy watch that will perfect for next Halloween.

Until next time… x

As an Amazon Associates member, I may get a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. At no additional cost to you. Win, win!