Cast
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Trevor Duke-Moretz
as Derek Cowley
Richard Tyson
as Mitchell Toblat / The Beast
Kimberly J. Brown
as Samantha 'Sam' Marche
Sarah Aldrich
as Gwen Cowley
Christopher Shyer
as Charlie Cowley
Jason Alan Smith
as Alex
Andrew Bowen
as Scott Cowley
Sarah Christine Smith
as Cassie
Adam Grimes
as Jason
Robin Sydney
as Melissa
Clint Howard
as Fulton Chaney
Martin Dorsla
as Kenge
Jennifer Roa
as Breanna
Walter Perez
as Fisher
Adam Hendershott
as Nick Baxter
Crew
Director
- Lance W. Dreesen
Producer
- Clint Hutchison
- Lance W. Dreesen
Reviews
Wuchak
***Ranks with the best werewolf movies***
"Big Bad Wolf" (2006) begins with a group of college teens going out to a desolate cabin to party. The bulk of the group is unlikable frat trash and the film goes over-the-top with the gore, nudity and naughtiness as a werewolf attacks. There's also a semi-campy edge that prevents the viewer from taking the material seriously; as such, it's thrilling, but not really scary.
The cabin angle of the story, however, ends by the close of the first act. The typical horror flick would use this for the entire plot (e.g. “Evil Dead”). I was wondering where they were going to go from here?
Despite the above negatives and the cartoonish CGI of the eventual transformation scene, everything comes together for an excellent werewolf flick. It all makes sense if you stick with it. Sam (the mechanic girl) comes off too-gruff at first, and it's a turn-off, but then it becomes clear that she was just able to see through the fakeness and superficiality of the frat trash and refused to take their sheet. Derek's the likable protagonist who's uncertain, but rises to the challenge when necessary. I found myself caring about these two and their potential relationship as the story progressed.
Whereas "Big Bad Wolf" shares similarities to "Fright Night” (1985), "Never Cry Werewolf" (2008) rips it off wholesale, just substituting a werewolf for a vampire (still, “Never Cry Werewolf” is a worthy werewolf flick).
What impressed me with "Fright Night" was the hideousness and wickedness of the vampire; "Big Bad Wolf" does the same thing with the werewolf, but ups the ante. The werewolf retains the intelligence of the man to a large degree, which is an interesting addition to werewolf lore, although I’m sure it’s been done before. Even more, they give dimension to the man who's infected by the werewolf curse. Good writing and attention to detail propels "Big Bad Wolf" to the head of the pack.
There's a rockin' soundtrack with an excellent cut that plays during the end credits, "Shelter" by Green Vinyl Dream.
This is a hard R-rated film with some very crude moments, mainly because the werewolf is thoroughly evil and some of the youths are frat trash, but if you can look beneath its gruff exterior it's got a good heart.
The film was shot in Semi Valley and Los Angeles, California, and runs 95 minutes.
GRADE: A-
Nov 6, 2018
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Comedy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Big Bad Wolf presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Lance W. Dreesen brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2006, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Big Bad Wolf took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2329 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 50 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Big Bad Wolf shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Impulse, which focuses more on action than character development, Big Bad Wolf subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Morgue and Skinwalkers explore similar territory, Big Bad Wolf stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 25, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 35m
