Teen Wolf is a comedy starring Michael J. Fox as a teenage boy going through changes, but not the changes you would expect. His ears start to have a point. Hair stems with miraculous speed. His eyes glow red when he’s angry.

 

 

It’s hard to ignore the aspects of this film that don’t hold up. These moments have within them comedy of their own, but there is still a lot to enjoy in this kitschy ’80s comedy.

 

Michael J. Fox had a good year in 1985, also appearing in the sci-fi classic Back to the Future. And he has a strong performance here. The supporting cast has its moments in the sun as well. The basketball coach (Jay Tarses) and theater director (Scott Paulin) are both wells of comedy that are pumped to their fullest extent. And Jerry Levine plays the off-beat sidekick character charmingly.

 

Certainly, Teen Wolf plays off the basic teenage bildungsroman formula. You have competing love interests, clear and simplistic antagonizing forces, and a crisis of identity on the account of the protagonist.

 

Despite this, the film has enough of a kitschy twist to stand on its own. It might not age gracefully, but that just adds to its cult status. Plus, if you like basketball montages, then you’re in for a treat with this one.

 

Teen Wolf: C+

 

As always, thanks for reading!

 

Have you seen Teen Wolf? If so, what did you think? Let me know in the comments!

 

—Alex Brannan (@TheAlexBrannan)