5. An American Werewolf in London - 1981

1981. A great time for Hollywood, in that era. Lots of youth coming into age, sure-footed and deserved. A refreshing new dynasty that would bring us the fattest crops, even up into the present era.

John Landis directed The Kentucky Fried Movie (for the Zucker Brothers, no less) in 1977. the year I was born. Then he directed Animal House (yeah), a year later. Then Blues Bothers in ’80. Then Trading Places, Spies Like Us, Three Amigos!, and Coming to America, by ’88. With a bunch of great stuff in between, and after (including the Thriller video). Squeezed in between Blues Brothers and Trading Places was a homely little horror film called An American Werewolf in London. (Like that 1951 classic film. Clever.) Loaded title aside, this movie is strangely a New Hollywood classic of it’s own. This was the first time I’ve seen this film and I’ll tell ya, there is so much to like, that it’s indulgent. Landis’ poppy youth shows in the abrupt cut transitions and perfect humor. And like Kasdan with The Big Chill, the great soundtrack feels cozy and era specific.

My friend Tino told me that the transformation scene is maybe the best scene in a horror movie. It definitely holds some water. I must point out that the fact that Landis put zombies in his werewolf flick, and used them as a brilliant avenue for comic relief, I think is very clever, and is an effect that will resonate in films, for years to come. The porno theater scene with the opinionated stacking body count, is really funny writing, not to mention the fake porno on the screen was shot by Landis before filming of the actual story. More clever. The phone booth scene is so effective, it’s pretty unforgettable. And the ending somehow ties multiple aforementioned qualities all into 1 scene.

Add all that shit up and this movie is great enough to make me forget how bad the video quality was on this hand-me-down VHS copy from my friend Cara. There’s a lotta old love on this copy. For good reason. Watch it.