Every so often, I stumble across a hidden gem of a movie that didn't get a lot of attention when it was released or didn't get much of a release. Attack of the Werewolves aka Game of Werewolves aka Lobos De Arga is one such movie (it's known by a few names, depending on the country). Deftly blending comedy and horror against the backdrop of a cursed Spanish village, this is one funny little monster movie.
Tomas (played by Gorka Otxoa) is returning to the village of Arga where he grew up to accept an award for his writing, despite only writing one not very good novel. Soon after arriving, he begins to reconnect with the locals, including his childhood friend Calisto (played by Carlos Areces) and his uncle Evaristo (played by Manuel Manquina). Even his sleazy editor Mario (played by Secun de la Rosa) shows up, although he is also be hiding from his creditors and/or police. Tomas soon discovers that he was not brought to the village to be given an award, but rather to be sacrificed to the werewolf that has been terrorizing the village for the past 100 years. There is a chance to break the curse on the village 100 years from the day it was cast if the werewolf devours the descendant of the original cursed family, which means Tomas. If the curse is not successfully broken on the 100 year anniversary then a second and even worse curse will befall the town. Not wanting to become werewolf chow and not particularly caring about the welfare of the village, Tomas, Calisto, and Mario find themselves desperately trying to escape the village, all the more difficult when the villagers are hunting them and destroyed their transport.
The film was written and directed by Juan Martinez Moreno, who manages to create a thoroughly entertaining movie with three amusing characters at the center of it. The film's script throws in one amusing gag after another, some I didn't even see coming and others I did, but were executed so well I was laughing already in anticipation of them. There are a couple more horror moments, but by and large this film is much more of a comedy. The film is anchored by three great comedic performances. Gorka Otxoa is great as Tomas, exasperated by the events transpiring around him and trying to find a way out of the mess he's found himself in, with only hinderance from his two friends. Likewise, Carlos Areces is fun as his childhood friend Calisto who tries to help Tomas escape but at the same time comes up with some rather idiotic plans that I won't spoil here. And then there is Secun de la Rosa as Mario, Tomas' shady publisher from Madrid. I was cracking up at his antics as we found out more about his character and just how shameless he really is.
Sadly, Attack of the Werewolves did not get the release it deserved in the U.S, only playing a few foreign film festivals before quietly being released on HBO on Demand (which is where I finally got to see it) for some time before disappearing. For a film that I would liken to Shaun of the Dead with werewolves (although it's not quite as good as that film, but it's in the same spirit as that film), it's a shame. I had to import the Blu-Ray from the U.K even (thank you U.K for making it region free!). So, once again, I taunt my faithful readers by reviewing a film that is *extremely* hard to find. But, if you want to watch it and you know me, let me know because I'd up for it anytime.
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