Teen Wolf (1985)

Directed by: Rod Daniel | 88 minutes | comedy, fantasy | Actors: Michael J. Fox, James Hampton, Susan Ursitti, Jerry Levine, Matt Adler, Lorie Griffin, Jim McKrell, Mark Arnold, Jay Tarses, Mark Holton, Scott Paulin, Elizabeth Gorcey, Melanie Manos, Doug Savant, Charles Zucker, Clare Peck, Gregory Itzin, Doris Hess, Troy Evans, Lynda Wiesmeier, Rodney Kageyama, Carl Steven, Richard Brooks

What happened to Michael J. Fox anyway? The teenage star from “Family Ties” and “Back to the Future” suffered from a serious form of Parkinson’s disease that profoundly affected his career. Fox is now, in addition to some guest appearances (“The Good Wife”, “Rescue Me”) and voice acting work, mainly writing a number of well-selling books about his life, his battle with Parkinson’s and his positive outlook on life. . How different it was in the mid-80s. After a slow start, Fox had arrived as a young teenage star through his role in the hit series “Family Ties”. He also made a big hit in the cinema with the first ‘Back To The Future’ film in 1985. That same year, Fox was also seen in the teen comedy “Teen Wolf.” Although this film is not of the same class as Robert Zemeckis’ spectacular film earlier that year, we should not completely dismiss it. It is indeed an entertaining movie.

Fox stars in ‘Teen Wolf’ as teenager Scott Howard, who, as a member of his school’s ever-losing basketball team, wonders what he’s really up to. Just as Scott’s tough teenage years begin to unfold in full force, he discovers he’s a werewolf. This is a chance for him to finally stand out at his school and get noticed, especially with the girl who doesn’t see him. The question arises, however, is he not letting the whole situation go to his head too much?

Strong points in ‘Teen Wolf’ are Fox’s charismatic portrayal as insecure teenager Scott Howard and the charmingly comedic supporting roles of Jerry Levine as Scott’s friend Stiles and Jay Tarses as Coach Finstock. The soundtrack contains some nice pop songs and the direction by Rod Daniel is sufficient. Then nobody cares that the screenplay, characters and story of the film stay very far off the beaten track. It all remains very safe and familiar. Nowhere will you find the real venom of a horror movie or the deeper tragedy of a teen drama. An easy-going combination of comedy, horror and a touch of ‘coming of age’. But in good time.