Re: Random movie talky stuff.
Alright, Gingersnaps: The Beginning.
Now, I really enjoyed the original Gingersnaps movie. Werewolf movies aren't that common unless they're accompanied by vampires, so it was good to see the original when I clicked on the Friday Fright Night on the Space channel one night (Good old Canadian sci-fi channel. Doesn't censor it's movies).
So, I was of course intrigued by this film. Taking the setting back to 1815 somewhere in Northern Ontario. The two girls from the original return, even keeping the same name, making it feel like somewhat of a reboot, but seeing as I loved them both in the original I was very happy with this decision. The basic summary is these two girls are lost in the woods in the midst of winter, find a fort run by a movie knockoff of the Hudson Bay Company which trades with local natives. Unfortunately, said Fort is under attack by werewolves. There's more to the plot, and while nothing is extremely twisty turny, there is enough elements of surprise that I don't want to give much more away than that simply summary. So really, while the plot isn't immensely strong, its there and its more of an atmosphere that draws you in. Though I must say the film wasn't really that scary.
Having just watched this film about ten minutes before I write this, I can say I walked away highly impressed. The setting really added to the atmosphere, and it's not something often seen, especially in horror films. While I hated most of the characters, it was the way they were supposed to be, and they were well acted. A good representation of fear and cabin fever setting in during the midst of an unnatural siege.
The special effects were good. Nothing truly amazing or groundbreaking, and the werewolves themselves could have been done much better when shown in full view, but the fact that they went for guys in suits over CGI gives them bonus points in my books. The makeup effects, especially for partially turned victims was quite impressive.
Also, the costumes. Holy fuck I don't know why they stuck out with me so much, but the costume designers did an excellent job in my opinion. I want Ginger's gloves, I loved them so fucking much. The entire cast had good costumes that seemed period authentic, and watching the featurette on the DVD on the costume design, holy shit they put so much damn detail into it. Anyway...
Final note. Good movie. Highly recommended for fans of werewolves who wouldn't mind seeing them outside a film which focuses on vampires. Also for anyone who likes a good horror romp, though if your looking for a scare, I doubt you'll find it here. Good period piece, and for those who like movies with a darker atmosphere to them.
That's all I got for now.