Ep. 79: Joe Dante's "The Howling" (1981)

Are classic horror films always as thrilling as we remember? In our latest episode, we explore the nature of fear, character dynamics, and the lore surrounding werewolves through the lens of Joe Dante's "The Howling." This 1981 film attempts to carve out a place in the horror genre with the franchise it spawned but leaves us grappling with issues of pacing, development, and the mighty question—is this movie, in fact, scary or simply an amusing trip through the absurd?

Our conversation is propelled by Karen White, a television journalist whose throwaway encounter with a serial killer leads her to a remote mountain retreat. Instead of an influx of terror, we find ourselves engaging in comedic banter about outdated tropes, lengthy character arcs and special effects scenes, and curious decisions surrounding her transformation.

Join us as we analyze what elements of "The Howling" fail to hold up against its peers while appreciating the innovative effects that made a mark on the horror genre for years to come. Can werewolves ever be cute? Through waves of criticism and fondness, we discover what worked and what didn’t as we argue, laugh, and share our ratings of this classic horror flick. 

Inspired by the relevant points and questions raised throughout our dissection, we invite you to share your thoughts. Did you enjoy "The Howling," or did it fall flat for you? Join our conversation on Instagram @screamstreampod and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!

Head to www.screamsandstreams.com for more information related to our episode.