CMT
01-26-2007, 12:29 PM
...I have so many conflicting feelings on this one, I do not know where to begin. How does one effectively articulate their thoughts on what is assuredly the first ever "chick movie" involving werewolves? As a fan of werewolf movies in general, and having grown up with an interest in werewolf lore, I did not necessarily dislike the movie for the sole reason that it treated the werewolf legend with respect.
I particularly liked that the focus was drawn away from the usual CGI-laden transformation effects, and centered more on the subject of the lycanthrope as a noble creature embodying the best of man and animal. Unfortunately I did not think that the story nor the characters were particularly engaging, and will advise those looking for a real thriller of any worth to spend their money elsewhere. This movie is about the late coming-of-age of a nineteen year-old werewolf girl, her interaction with her "pack," and the developing story of her American love interest and its resulting conflicts.
The last good werewolf movie I watched was Ginger Snaps, another coming-of-age werewolf movie with a female main character. It was a much more successful representation of the genre than Blood and Chocolate. Ginger Snaps did not spare the violence, and while it was not particularly gory, it did have enough use of blood and torn flesh to justify the werewolf aspect of the film - By comparison, Blood and Chocolate is an utter yawnfest, with the best aspect of the movie being its stunning backgrounds and scene settings.
I am hesitant to type more as I do not want to spoil this movie for others who might enjoy it. For those who remember movies like The Howling, An American Werewolf in London, and Wolfen, my suggestion is to rent those and forget this one. You'll thank me. If you are not someone who enjoys horror or suspense, and get dragged to see Blood and Chocolate, you are in for a pleasant surprise. The visuals are a treat to the eye at times, and that, at least, worked for me.
I particularly liked that the focus was drawn away from the usual CGI-laden transformation effects, and centered more on the subject of the lycanthrope as a noble creature embodying the best of man and animal. Unfortunately I did not think that the story nor the characters were particularly engaging, and will advise those looking for a real thriller of any worth to spend their money elsewhere. This movie is about the late coming-of-age of a nineteen year-old werewolf girl, her interaction with her "pack," and the developing story of her American love interest and its resulting conflicts.
The last good werewolf movie I watched was Ginger Snaps, another coming-of-age werewolf movie with a female main character. It was a much more successful representation of the genre than Blood and Chocolate. Ginger Snaps did not spare the violence, and while it was not particularly gory, it did have enough use of blood and torn flesh to justify the werewolf aspect of the film - By comparison, Blood and Chocolate is an utter yawnfest, with the best aspect of the movie being its stunning backgrounds and scene settings.
I am hesitant to type more as I do not want to spoil this movie for others who might enjoy it. For those who remember movies like The Howling, An American Werewolf in London, and Wolfen, my suggestion is to rent those and forget this one. You'll thank me. If you are not someone who enjoys horror or suspense, and get dragged to see Blood and Chocolate, you are in for a pleasant surprise. The visuals are a treat to the eye at times, and that, at least, worked for me.