The classic werewolf flick The Howling is getting rebooted, only without the intelligence, humor, or cool-looking lycanthropes of the original.
When it comes to great monster movies, 1981’s The Howling still sits at the top of many horror critics’ lists. Until now, the movie (and its ensuing series) has managed to avoid the reboot trend that has plagued many other iconic franchises like A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. All that’s about to change, though, thanks to the upcoming straight-to-DVD reboot The Howling: Reborn. Based on this trailer, it doesn’t look like this movie will have much in common with the original, though it will feature a lot of impossibly-fit actors walking around with as little clothing as possible.
Here’s the official summary for this toothless reboot:
On the eve of his high school graduation, unremarkable Will Kidman finally bonds with the girl he has long yearned for, reclusive Eliana Wynter. But he also discovers a dark secret from his past… that he is about to become a werewolf. Now, in an effort to fight destiny and save their love as well as their lives, they must battle not only Will’s growing blood lust but an army of fearsome beasts bent on killing them… and then, us all…..
The original Howling was a big kick in the pants for Hollywood when it was first released; it was a fairly low-budget horror/comedy film that featured (at the time) pretty crazy special effects. Unfortunately, the sequels it gave rise to have been increasingly bad, though often in a campy way that was enjoyable on some level. I have a tough time believing that this will do the original film justice, since it just looks like a soulless attempt to cash in on the current werewolf semi-craze going on thanks to Twilight and that Teen Wolf show that MTV started airing this year.
The Howling: Reborn is due out on October 18th.
