I remember growing up with this movie and it like many others influenced me. I actually wanted to be a Teen Wolf during my teenage years! Since 1985 I have probably watched this movie about 100 times now. It's popularity is unmatched. Maybe 1985's most popular movie. It happens to be so typical 1980's the major theme is about fitting in with the crowd at your high school, the main goal is to become popular. As Scott Howard (Michael J. Fox) would learn by being yourself you accomplish a good life and most important you build self-esteem. Scott Howard (Michael J. Fox) is only your average typical struggling basketball player with a loser friend Stiles (Jerry Levine) and Scott really only has support from his father Harold Howard (James Hampton) and the average down-to-earth female friend (Boof) Susan Ursitti. Scott who wants a relationship with snobbish beauty Pamela (Lorie Griffin) but Scott falls way short of expectations because Susan enjoys macho boyfriend Mick (Mark Arnold) Scott even receives a hard time from his principal the arrogant Mr. Thorne (Jim McKrell). Though everything Scott has is down and out even Coach Finstock (Jay Tarses) is a major loser, hey he even reminds me of some of my high school coaches! After the wolf transformation happens popularity soars but only in the end can happiness be achieved by being one's self. Scott trashes the wolf and plays a basketball game just as Scott and the result an upset against his main rival the bully Mick. Boy is victory sweet! And I credit Harold Howard (James Hampton) for finally dealing with Mr. Thorne just remember the hallway scene on dance night now talk about a good father figure! In the end it all came natural for Scott he made the right decision for a female friend in Boof the realization sinked in you must be yourself you can't be someone else and try to please others. Teen Wolf continues to receive numerous airings mostly on cable channels TNT, TBS, or USA network particularity around the holiday season of Thanksgiving or Christmas or for anytime for that matter. Even pay-cable giant HBO from time to time airs Teen Wolf. I know over the last two years when I would be feeling down at my college dorm I would watch Teen Wolf when HBO aired it, and you guessed right the movie always cheered me up. If it's only a first time viewing or I'm sure it's probably not the way Teen Wolf has now been a part of American culture, anyway view this movie as much as you want. Teen Wolf is a great self-esteem tool and a good feel good movie. Michael J. Fox at his once again best in 1985 fresh from his "Back To The Future" and "Family Ties" success so appreciate him for his great work. And take advice from Charles Barkley stay up and watch Teen Wolf it's a good movie. Just as Sir Charles said just last night on TNT's Inside the NBA caution and beware: spoilers exist don't dare watch part two, the first Teen Wolf is the best it's like the first and only the best one should exist.
Teen Wolf
(1985)
One of the most popular movies of the 1980's. Michael J. Fox in his glory days. A great feel good film.
24 November 2000
Warning: Spoilers