Long and Short Reviews welcomes Morgan James who is celebrating the recent release of Love Connections by Morgan James.
When Janet first asked told me to write this list, I hesitated. I mean, who cares what I think? Also, I’m not allowed to rec my own stuff because I guess “WATCH MYTHFITS!” is kind of the implied message of this whole thing. (Go watch the show right now!)
But Ash convinced me I should do this and that people would care, so here it is. My top picks for werewolf-themed watchables.
1. Restraint
Right, let’s get this one out of the way first. Of course I’m going to tell you to go watch Restraint. I’m, like, contractually obligated. Ash is the werewolf in it. But it’s also a pretty awesome show. It’s got a kickass female lead, lots of characters of color, and pretty decent queer representation. Not to mention that it does a great job at one of my fave fantasy things—using the “supernatural” to talk about the “natural.” Also, it’s got some great CGI, fantastic acting, and A+ storylines.
And if all that isn’t enough to convince you, might I remind you that from season 2 on, this show features the phenomenal, talented, and gorgeous Ashland Wells? (His ears are burning so bad right now, as I write this in secret, that he might combust across the room.) Even if the makeup people dyed his hair black (woe, for the luscious red locks) and the writers and directors rarely let him smile, Ash is gorgeous in this in all ways. Also, he spends a lot of time without his shirt off, so….
2. Teen Wolf
The 1985 movie, not the 2011 reboot. (Not that you couldn’t watch the TV show if you wanted… though, if you insist, I’d suggest stopping somewhere between season 1 and 2.)
Rod Daniel’s 1980s monster film is a cult classic and somewhat of a must see with regards to werewolves. And 80s teen movies. And the Michael J. Fox catalogue. If you haven’t seen this movie yet and want to explore the werewolf oeuvre, then stop what you’re doing right now and go watch it. This movie transforms teen angst about being a freak into something all too literal, thus embracing one of my fave aspects of werewolf stories in the most cheesy and 80s way possible. And sure, it’s got plot holes and problems—but let’s be real here, I’m willing to forgive a lot for a basketball playing werewolf. Also, 1985 Fox (all of twenty-four, so young!) is pretty dreamy and very charming.
3. Underworld
Like almost every other item on this list, Underworld is a lot of guilty pleasure and ID scratching. If you’ve never seen it, let me run it down for you: centuries-old interspecies battle between werewolves and vampires; Kate Beckinsale kicking butt and looking great in a leather duster while doing it; city-based fight scenes with futuristic monster killing tech (sun gun, anyone?); the super yummy Scott Speedman; Romeo & Juliet-esque romances; Michael Sheen looking creepy; and Bill Nighy rocking the centuries-old vamp look. Honestly, I’m not sure how this film managed to sign the likes of Sheen and Nighy—one can only assume it involved bribery of some sort—but folks, am I glad they did. This, like a lot of my fave werewolf things, has some introspection on the idea of what it would mean to be half-man, half-beast, and creates some parallels with real-world human struggles. But mostly I’m into this one for Beckinsale in leather and wielding a gun to save the boy.
4. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Okay, so I can hear the objections already about how this isn’t really a werewolf movie and is there even enough werewolf in it to justify it being on this list?! Well, you can send those objections to don’tatme@gmail, because it’s my list and I want it here. Why stan for this mostly-not-a-werewolf movie on my werewolf watch list? One word: DanRad. Look, I don’t know where you stand on the whole Harry Potter thing, whether or not you grew up with it or hated it, but I think almost all of us can agree that Daniel Radcliffe is a goddamn delight. (Have you seen this man rap?!) And even though he was just a wee baby when he filmed this (only fourteen!), his charm is clear and delightful. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this was the first Potter film where the kids felt real and the new style suited Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.
And let’s not forget the arrival of David Thewlis and Gary Oldman to the franchise. The Lupin version of the werewolf mythos is another favorite of mine—surprise, surprise—as it focuses so much on themes of the other and outcast. (Thewlis gets this film’s yummy vote, despite—or because of?—the bumbling professor look.)
Just be warned, you might need to crack open a pint of ice cream to deal with your Alan Rickman feelings while he swans about screen on this one.
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5. Being Human (UK)
Considering my obsession with using fantasy to examine the human condition, this rec list couldn’t possibly be complete without Being Human—it’s right there in the title! Either version, UK or US, are worth watching, but I’ll always have a soft spot for the OG, the BBC version. In part because Russell Tovey is yummy and I want to eat him up.
Being Human is a thought experiment, asking “What if The Odd Couple was also a monster film?” It also asks the essential question, “What would happen if a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost were roommates?” The show plays around with the idea of monsters in the modern world having to pay rent and find jobs like the rest of us. (Well, not the ghost, obviously…)
Tovey, who plays the werewolf, is the sweet and bumbling nerdy type, the total antitheses to the wild slathering monster that lives within him, waiting for the full moon. And the dichotomy between the two—the Jekyll and the Hyde of it, if you will—is what makes his character so interesting and fun to watch, and why he gets a mention on my list. Another great metaphor for the inner monster and of the other, and how humans try to create balance in chaos.
Bonus:
6. Twilight series
I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out. The werewolf lore in this one is Problematic with a capital P—please be aware when consuming this representation of Native American peoples—but that just makes the film all the better for an evening of snacks, drinks, and throwing popcorn at the TV. Yup, you read that right. I love a good game of “How bad is it?” and these films deliver. Also there’s some pretty great (if monochrome) eye-candy—Lautner and Pattinson, Stewart and Kendrick. So pull out the vodka, pop some corn, and get ready to yell at the screen, because this one is great for a night in with friends.
Remy Beaumont is a writer and monster specialist for the TV show Mythfits, which returns for season two January 25th.
Ashland Wells is an actor of sci-fi cult fame but with little direction for the future, when handsome grad student Remy Beaumont lands in his lap at a fan convention. Remy is everything Ash ever wanted and wished he could be—including out and proud. For twelve hours they’re the best of friends. But the convention ends, and saying goodbye to Remy might be the biggest mistake Ash has ever made.
A few months later, they’re reunited on a new production—Ash as an actor, Remy a writer—and though Ash doesn’t plan to let him go twice, being with Remy means going public about being gay. He’s not sure that’s a risk he—or his career—can handle, no matter how great the temptation.
If only they could write themselves the romantic happily ever after they both need…
About the Author: Morgan James is a clueless (older) millennial, who’s still trying to figure out what she’ll be when she grows up but is enjoying the journey to get there. Now, with a couple of degrees, a few stints in Europe, and more than one false start to a career, she eagerly waits to see what’s next. Morgan started writing fiction before she could spell and wrote her first (unpublished) novel in middle school. She hasn’t stopped writing since. Geek, artist, and fangirl, Morgan tends to pass free hours with imaginary worlds and people on pages and screens—it’s an addiction. As is her love of coffee and tea. She lives in Canada with her massive collection of unread books and acts the personal servant of too many four-legged creatures.
Buy the book at Dreamspinner Press or Amazon.
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