@sjdavis1982 gives his verdict on WolfCop…
If you have seen the trailer for WolfCop, you may have had an inkling as to what all the fuss has been about across the festival circuit. If you haven’t, you are in for one hell of a treat. A true cult classic in the making, Lowell Dean’s film is as ridiculous as it is brilliant, stupid as it is clever, but ultimately the perfect night at the movies.
The werewolf sub-genre has been somewhat dormant over the last few years, with only a few straight-to-DVD efforts making their way into the public domain, but that is all about to change. The plot concerns a local police deputy, Lou (Leo Fafard) who is more concerned with drinking through the day and flirting with the local barmaids than doing anything remotely resembling police work. But recently in his small town, some strange things are afoot concerning a radical cult, who could be behind a series of outrageous events in the area, which in turn lead to Lou being turned into a werewolf. Cop.
On pretty much every level, you would think that WolfCop deserves to be down in the bargain bin with all those other DVD “premiere” titles that come and go every week down at the local video emporium. But for some reason, some strange and magical reason, the film works and for glorious 80 minutes, it is as good a film experience as any massive epic or blockbuster about superheroes. It’s effects seem ropey, the practical effects will look cheap and tacky to many, and the acting will be considered some of the worst ever committed to celluloid.
But like The Room or countless other cult films, WolfCop is so glorious over-the-top and outrageous, but you cannot help but be swept up in every magnificent moment. Who doesn’t want to see a full-blown love scene between a hot young actress and a naked werewolf? It’s every film fans dream.
Director Lowell Dean, who is still a relative newcomer in terms of his exposure to Hollywood, should be congratulated for embracing the films wild and crazy conceits, and milks it for all its worth. Combining its more outlandish elements with some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments brilliantly, Dean is sure to have a long career if he continues in this vein, and if this is his calling card for the rest of his life, what a glorious one to have.
His cast too should be rewarded for their input here, joyfully playing along with the films absurdity, and having a ball with all the nonsense around them, only adding to the films bizarre charm. Particular kudos should go to lead Leo Fafard, who must have been through hell and back in that costume, but who is sure to be rewarded with eternal cult actor status after this.
As gleefully funny and ridiculous as only the best breakout cult hits can, WolfCop will no doubt take its place amongst the best in years to come. Its eccentric appeal and bizarre humour is a joy from start to finish, and will only get better with repeat viewings. Sequel please.
You can follow Scott Davis on Twitter @sjdavis1982
Image courtesy of IMDb.
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