Wes Craven's Cursed: So much better than Teen Wolf (and funnier)

Cover is much scarier than actual film, but that

Maybe I'm just too easy to please when it comes to werewolf movies, but after a couple of viewings of Cursed, I really like this movie. It's light on plot and originality, but the laughs I require in my cheese are there in plenty, and the chemistry amongst the cast draws me in. It doesn't hurt that there are appearances by Scott Baio and Craig Kilborn as themselves, and they don't seem to mind they're there simply for comic effect. The oddly uncredited role of Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville's Lex Luthor) definitely wasn't wasted, either.

From my brief research, it sounds like Wes Craven got involved in this film only to fulfill a contractual obligation. Maybe that's why I enjoyed it so much more than his other works. Cursed definitely has a lighter feel, especially with it's PG-13 rating, which means it is also lighter on the gore. I appreciate that. Gore for the sake of gore, as all five of my readers know, does nothing for me. I like movies that let my imagination do the gutting and ripping much more than having to sit through someone's idea of horrifying and shocking. Cursed definitely rides that line well, including the opening sequence where Shannon Elizabeth gets to be Wes Craven's hot young actress turned hors d'oeuvre (his overt homage to Scream).

The special effects on the werewolf are also very well done. There's no need to go over the top with this genre. Give me a good fur suit, well placed CGI, and I'm a happy camper.

There really isn't much you can say about Cursed. You'll either enjoy it like I did, or gnash your teeth and rend your clothing in frustration over how light on horror it is. Personally, I appreciate any film that can give me a cheap scare or two, not leave permanent scars, and have dialogue that is funny and well-delivered. If you're a true 'horror buff', get over yourself just long enough to give Cursed an honest viewing. You may discover you can be entertained without being grossed out!

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