Blood and Chocolate (2007, Katja von Garnier)

Finally, I watch a movie that is intended for teenagers but it is neither childish nor silly. Blood and Chocolate is simply put, a happy return to the glory days of “B” horror movies. But not all is well handled by director Katja von Garnier. Fantasy film or not, I resented the way the man-to-wolf transformations were downplayed. And what’s up with all the clothing magically disappearing when werewolves start howling at the moon? Although these minor complaints prevented me from giving the film a higher rating, I thought this monster film has some of the magic that makes films of this vintage so much fun. And it is all done without the tongue-in-cheek, self-referential attitude of many recent horror films. Olivier Martinez is great as the charismatic leader of the pack of beasties. The young cast is effective if a bit too green. It’s not perfect but it has style and attitude to burn. Lovely European locales too.

~ by gelpi2008 on Friday, June 26, 2009.