Cinema Connoisseur: A spook-tacularly too-rrific sequel
More frightening than Frankenstein. More bloodthirsty than Count Dracula. Less calories than Count Chocula. The werewolf has been a staple of the horror genre for decades.
In 1985 a new kind of werewolf was introduced to the masses - a young, hip werewolf portrayed by Michael J. Fox in the film Teen Wolf. The public bought up tickets and merchandise at a pace that allowed Teen Wolf to become one of the biggest money makers in the North American economy. Don't believe me? Check out the graph below:
That's right, it generated more money than Mr. T, cocaine and clothing combined! So it came as no surprise that in 1987, a sequel to Teen Wolf was commissioned — Teen Wolf Too, starring Jason Bateman.
It is rare for a sequel to outshine the original. Godfather 2 and Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights are two examples of superior sequels. Well, you can add another one to the list - Teen Wolf Too is a masterpiece in every sense of the word.
In Teen Wolf Too, Bateman plays Todd Howard, the cousin of Michael J. Fox's character Scott Howard from the original film. Todd, much like Scott did, discovers shortly after enrolling in college that he is a werewolf.
What are the odds that two cousins would both have this ability? No seriously, what are the odds? I tried calling my bookie to find out, but he won't talk to me since I reneged on a bet a few years back. I was in the right though, as I believe that Hulk Hogan purposely let the Ultimate Warrior defeat him.
Much like his cousin did in the first motion picture, Todd starts living it up once he discovers his unique power. While he was formerly a struggling boxer on his college team, his ability to change into a wolf gives him the ability to vanquish any foe. I haven't seen an example of this type of pugilistic prowess since Clubber Lang dismantled Rocky Balboa many years ago.
Another plus for Todd is that the ladies seem to love werewolves. I mean just look at the accompanying picture. What woman in her right mind wouldn't want a bite of that furry piece of man candy?
To top it all off, he also develops the ability to lead impromptu dance numbers. Todd's rendition of “Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance)” gets all of his fellow students bopping, and I'm sure it will get you off your sofa and cutting some rug as well.
Bateman is simply marvelous in the title role. Of course that should come as no surprise to those fans of a certain brilliant television show that he was the star of. One that despite not attracting the largest audience, was considered in some circles to be one of the most intelligent, well written sitcom ever. I am of course referring to “The Hogan Family”. Damn you NBC for canceling it! Oh, he also starred in something called “Arrested Development”, but I'm not really sure what that was.
Need more incentive to see this film? Well, how about this — most video retailers package this film with the original Teen Wolf. You'll get twice the wolf for your buck.
Go out and get this film now. Teen Wolf Too will have you howling with delight!
In 1985 a new kind of werewolf was introduced to the masses - a young, hip werewolf portrayed by Michael J. Fox in the film Teen Wolf. The public bought up tickets and merchandise at a pace that allowed Teen Wolf to become one of the biggest money makers in the North American economy. Don't believe me? Check out the graph below:
That's right, it generated more money than Mr. T, cocaine and clothing combined! So it came as no surprise that in 1987, a sequel to Teen Wolf was commissioned — Teen Wolf Too, starring Jason Bateman.
It is rare for a sequel to outshine the original. Godfather 2 and Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights are two examples of superior sequels. Well, you can add another one to the list - Teen Wolf Too is a masterpiece in every sense of the word.
In Teen Wolf Too, Bateman plays Todd Howard, the cousin of Michael J. Fox's character Scott Howard from the original film. Todd, much like Scott did, discovers shortly after enrolling in college that he is a werewolf.
What are the odds that two cousins would both have this ability? No seriously, what are the odds? I tried calling my bookie to find out, but he won't talk to me since I reneged on a bet a few years back. I was in the right though, as I believe that Hulk Hogan purposely let the Ultimate Warrior defeat him.
Much like his cousin did in the first motion picture, Todd starts living it up once he discovers his unique power. While he was formerly a struggling boxer on his college team, his ability to change into a wolf gives him the ability to vanquish any foe. I haven't seen an example of this type of pugilistic prowess since Clubber Lang dismantled Rocky Balboa many years ago.
Another plus for Todd is that the ladies seem to love werewolves. I mean just look at the accompanying picture. What woman in her right mind wouldn't want a bite of that furry piece of man candy?
To top it all off, he also develops the ability to lead impromptu dance numbers. Todd's rendition of “Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance)” gets all of his fellow students bopping, and I'm sure it will get you off your sofa and cutting some rug as well.
Bateman is simply marvelous in the title role. Of course that should come as no surprise to those fans of a certain brilliant television show that he was the star of. One that despite not attracting the largest audience, was considered in some circles to be one of the most intelligent, well written sitcom ever. I am of course referring to “The Hogan Family”. Damn you NBC for canceling it! Oh, he also starred in something called “Arrested Development”, but I'm not really sure what that was.
Need more incentive to see this film? Well, how about this — most video retailers package this film with the original Teen Wolf. You'll get twice the wolf for your buck.
Go out and get this film now. Teen Wolf Too will have you howling with delight!
