Classic 80s Movie: “Teen Wolf”

Today’s Classic 80s Movie guest post comes from Daryl Powell.

Movie Title: Teen Wolf

Year: 1985

Writers: Jeph Loeb, Matthew Weisman

Lead Actors: Michael J. Fox, James Hampton

Director: Rod Daniel

Plot Summary: A high schooler discovers that he is a werewolf.

Why I Think This Is A Classic 80s Movies: The werewolf has often been used as a metaphor for puberty. Combine that with a comedic take on universal teenage problems like love, acceptance and popularity and you really have something. Add an eighties staple like Michael J. Fox and you have a classic.

My Favorite Moment In The Movie: It’s the first time Scott changes into a werewolf. It’s a funny take on the idea of a young boy getting caught doing something private in the bathroom.

My Favorite Dialogue In the Movie:

Harold: [upon seeing each other as werewolves] An explanation is probably long overdue.
Scott: An explanation? Jesus Christ, dad! An explanation? Look at me! Look at you.
Harold: It’s not as bad as it looks.
Scott: Wait a minute, wait a minute, dad. You mean you knew about this? You knew about this and you didn’t tell me?
Harold: I was hoping I wouldn’t have to. Sometimes it skips a generation. I was hoping it would pass you by.
Scott: Well, Dad it didn’t pass me by. It landed on my face.

Key Things You Should Look For When Watching This Movie: This film is a good example of what happens when you give your main character exactly what he wants.

Scott: I’m sick of it, Boof. I’m sick of being so average. And it’s not just basketball. It’s this school. It’s this town. It’s everything.
Boof: I like Beacontown.
Scott: I’d just like my life to change.

It’s a blessing that turns out to be a curse in disguise. It’s fun to watch Scott learn to appreciate what he already has in his life.

Thanks, Daryl! To show our gratitude for your guest post, here’s a dash of creative juju for you. Whoosh!

And that ends our monthly series on classic 80s movies. Next year we’ll hit another decade or two. Which would you prefer: 60s? 70s? 90s?

Thanks again to everyone who contributed a guest post and a special Happy New Year to you!

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