Episode 38: John Landis’s An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Rotten Tomato Score: 89%

Unlock the secrets behind the eerie moors and dark London streets as we peel back the layers of John Landis's 1981 classic, "An American Werewolf in London." Prepare for a full moon's worth of insights as we recount our first encounters with this horror-comedy that still sends chills down our spines. From the electric dynamic of the lead actors to the groundbreaking transformation scene, we've got the scoop on what makes this film a timeless piece of cinema.

As laughter mingles with the howls of a distant werewolf, we reminisce about the film's comedic highlights, like the infamous "a naked American man stole my balloons" line, and debate the elements that have aged like fine wine versus those that betray the film's era. We don't shy away from the less convincing werewolf makeup or the hilarious politeness of the characters, ensuring that our critique is as honest as it is affectionate. All while sipping the themed Werewolf Cocktail from Liqr Media, a concoction as unforgettable as the film itself.

But hold onto your seats, because we also venture behind the scenes, sharing trivia about the potential casting differences and discussing the Oscar-winning makeup that brought this beastly tale to life. Discover how the psychological impact of special effects makeup influences actors and how the film's werewolf lore intertwines with traditional mythology. With every chapter, we uncover something new about this iconic piece of the horror genre, so join us for a howling good time and a movie review that digs deeper than the claws of a werewolf on the prowl.

Sinister Sips

Werewolf Cocktail:

From Liqr Media

  • 1.50z Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

  • 1.5oz Drambuie

  • Shake & Pour over ice

Plot Summary:

Two American college students on a walking tour of Britain are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists. (Taken from IMDb)

Watchability Scale

We both gave the film a 8 on the Watchability Scale.

Links

IMDb page

Rotten Tomatoes Page

An Amercian Werewolf Special Effects (YouTube)

Facts & Trivia (MovieWeb)

Movie Facts (Mental Floss)

Behind the Scenes (Ranker)

15 Fun Facts (Geeky Rant)