Matrixston Wow! Such a good movie.

CheerupSilver Very Cool!!!

Laikals The greatest movie ever made..!

DipitySkillful an ambitious but ultimately ineffective debut endeavor.

moonspinner55 A series of gory killings in and around New York City, mutilations done by a Jack the Ripper-type, are investigated by a hardened veteran police detective and his cynical female partner. Aside from some interesting Steadicam photography from the predator's point of view, this 'thoughtful' thriller about territorial spirits manifesting themselves as wolves isn't very suspenseful. Albert Finney, wrung-out and with a whopper-crop of fluffy hair, pieces together the mystery with bleary eyes and mouth askew; his blasé manner isn't used for salty humor, though--he really does look bored. David M. Eyre and Michael Wadleigh adapted their weak screenplay from Whitley Strieber's novel "The Wolfen," and Wadleigh also directed (it was his first feature following directorial duties on the 1970 documentary, "Woodstock"). In a ludicrous example of what eventually follows, the filmmakers attempt to raise shivers by having a nude Edward James Olmos run around at night like a madman, drinking from a puddle and howling at the moon. *1/2 from ****

calvinnme Werewolf movies were big in the early 80's and this is one of the good ones. This horror/thriller has striking cinematography and sound, fine direction, and a good script, and very good Special Effects.A series of seemingly unrelated murders are being committed in New York City, from the penthouses of the super-rich, to the bombed out appearing South Bronx. Burned out detective Dewey Wilson (Finney) and terrorism expert Rebecca Neff (Venora) are brought in to solve the case. Coroner Whittington (Hines) finds a common thread.Wolfen is one of the rare cases where lots of people working on one element improved the film, instead of hurting it. Four people are credited with the photography, six for the script, and eleven people worked on the Visual Effects. James Horner did the score for the film; a theme heard in another film he scored can be heard here, in an understated form.Finney is good as the burned out detective. Venora isn't believable as a terrorism expert, but very believable as someone who doesn't have the sense to stay away from odd noises in the South Bronx. Hines is cynically funny as the coroner."Wolfen"is strong on technique, fair on acting. I'd recommend it.

utgard14 When a famous tycoon, his wife, and his bodyguard are brutally murdered in Battery Park, a cynical detective (Albert Finney) is assigned to the case. With help from a police psychologist (Diane Venora), a colorful coroner (Gregory Hines), and a weirdo zoologist (Tom Noonan), his investigation leads him to suspect a Native American connection to the killings. A great thriller with horror overtones that's a different kind of werewolf film than any other (certainly at the time of release). Many argue it isn't really a werewolf film at all. I can see why they'd say that but I think it obviously counts as one. The film is directed by Michael Wadleigh, whose only other directorial effort was the Woodstock documentary. It's a shame he didn't do more because he does show a good deal of talent here. Predator fans will notice this movie uses a similar visual technique for the wolves' point of view, including similar sound effects, years before the first Predator movie. The cast is excellent and the script is pretty good, if a little packed. Nice cinematography from Gerry Fisher and use of actual Bronx locations helps in creating a fine atmosphere. It's a very interesting film that tackles a number of subjects (probably too many). Monster movie fans might balk at the lack of any "wolf men," but the strength of the movie is not in its special effects or gore, but in its story and how it's presented. Keep an open mind and give it a shot and I'm sure you'll find something to like about Wolfen. I've seen it a few times now and each time it gets better.

LeonLouisRicci Certainly Different than the average Werewolf Movie...Wait...this isn't a Werewolf Movie, so let's start again. Certainly Different than Your average Horror Movie, Michael Wadleigh's Only other Film other than Woodstock (1969), is a Treat of Offbeat Gore and POV Madness.It's Ambitions Fall Short on the Environmental and Mystical Stuff at times but the way it gets there is nonetheless Chillingly Captured. The Movie may Try too Hard to Show a Number of Different Angles on the Horror of the Story...Native American Shape-Shifting, The Encroachment of Civilization on the Natural World, and Human and Urban Decay.A Fine Film that is a Different Entry in the Genre and until the Rushed and Confusing Ending it Captivates and Entertains as a Sharp and Artsy Thriller. Albert Finney is OK and the Rest of the Cast are all Good, Especially Gregory Hines and Tommy Noonan.Overall Recommend for Horror and Non-Horror Fans and those seeking something Out of the Ordinary. But, be Advised, remember its Not a Werewolf Movie (there are plenty of those to be found elsewhere) and that's only Part of what makes it Something Special.