Howling VI: The Freaks (1991) Reviews

• Not all werewolves lack feelings!

  uds32003-09-16

  Admittedly not to everyone's taste, but HOWLING VI: THE FREAKS blows the previous four sequels out of the water. Absolutely no one appears to have noticed, but Brendan Hughes here has simply re-invented himself as a reluctant werewolf carrying on pretty much where he left off as the stylish but caring Vlad Tepisch in TO DIE FOR..one of the best vampire films ever made! Quirky this may be, hammily directed admittedly and with a musical score that sucks at times, there is still enough in this tale of a shabbily-treated gaggle of sideshow freaks to warrant a second viewing. Bruce Payne in the film before his cool-hijacker role in PASSENGER 57 plays the literate but somewhat inhumane carny-owner who just might know more about Brendan Hughes "condition" than he is letting on. Several touching scenes and for the most part anything but a horror movie, one's enjoyment of this film is fully dependent on an inclination to listen, having a sense of compassion and a degree of awareness that not too many have. Its NOT a great film by a long shot - its an interesting failure if anything but I for one, can find plenty to like about it. The cat scene for one thing propelled the film to a 6 to start with.

• Harker's World of Wonders.

  Spikeopath2014-03-28

  The Howling (1981) remains to me one of the finest Werewolf movies ever made, though looking a bit tired these days, there still remains a wrought terror there, the effects work impressive even in this age of amazing effects advancements. What is actually surprising is that it would spawn a whole raft of sequels, becoming a cash cow franchise that not only failed to grasp the essence of writer Gary Brander's prose, but also in how the stories were schizophrenic in relation to the Werewolf formula. Part VI: The Freaks is not a great movie, but it has a grand idea at its core, shifting the story arc into the mysterious realm of circus freaks, thus making this very much of interest for anyone with a kink for carnival/fairground/circus horror films. It's this backdrop, and the all round eerie atmospherics wrung out by director Hope Perello and cinematographer Edward Pei, that keeps this sequel above average. Plot basically finds a drifter known only as Ian (Brendan Hughes) wandering into the town of Canton Bluff and in spite of some hostility from the sheriff of the town, manages to find some lodgings with troubled pastor Dewey (Jered Barclay) and his daughter Elizabeth (Michele Matheson). All seems rosy until the arrival of a travelling show called Harker's World of Wonders. Fronted by the mysterious R.B. Harker (Bruce Payne), it's a veritable showcase for the misfits, the freaks and the runts. But much like Harker has a dark secret, so too does Ian, and when revealed, the town of Canton Bluff will never be the same. Unfortunately the main promotional poster for the film gives the game away, so it's no spoiler to say that it's all building towards a monster face-off, with the character name of Harker a not very subtle clue as well. In between there is the standard relationship building narrative, with Ian battling his demons as he comes to adore both Elizabeth and Dewey, while the tours around the "show" are suitably creepy. Payne is giving good pompous aristocratic entertainment, while seeing Antonio Fargas and Carol Lynley in this gives novelty value whilst serving to remind that actors do sometimes have to work for food! It's dressed up nicely and never insulting, and in context to the budget available it deserves a gentle golf clap type of grudging appreciation. Even if it's hardly a must see for Werewolf lovers. 6/10

• Finally a worthy sequel

  Josh-1612002-05-30

  The Howling was the first horror I ever saw, and it scared the living daylights out of me. Ever since that night when I sat horrified as Eddie changed into a werewolf, this genre has been a source of enjoyment for me. Having understandably fallen in love with the cult classic that is The Howling, I immediately ran down to the video store and rented the first three Howling sequels. To say I was disappointed is an understatement. I was disgusted at at how badly-made, fake-looking, nonsensical and un-scary they were. And then I came across Howling VI: The Freaks. Given its title, I had little hope that this would be even a half decent movie. But as I watched the film unfold in front of me late one night, I found myself increasingly drawn into what is undoubtedly the best sequel to The Howling. The thing that sets The Freaks apart from all the other pathetic Howling sequels is its script. Yes, for once we have a smart, inventive script that is not a simple rehash of past misdemeanors. All the dialogue is fresh, and occasionally even mildly poetic (Harker in particular got some great speeches). The characters are well-rounded, and the story seems more focused on them rather than the werewolf - which is ultimately why The Freaks triumphs. The remarkable thing about The Freaks is that the hero of the tale - and the character the audience is expected to identify with - is the werewolf himself. While it makes an interesting plot-twist, it almost seems like a message from the film-makers that we all have a dark-side, and how we use - or control - it will affect how we live and view the world. It's an interesting stand-point to take, but it adds a flare of originality to what could have been another tired werewolf plot. The rest of the characters in The Freaks are all vibrant against-type heroes and villains who add a little spice and humour to the tale. Harker is undoubtedly the most interesting of them, and the revelation of his true nature - while a little hard to digest at first - is one that chills (although seeing such a formidable creature galloping around in such camp wardrobe lessens the intensity of the character!) The thing that drags the film down, though (and quite surprisingly) is the direction. Many scenes are blandly shot in such boring and unoriginal ways that you can't help but feel a little restless to begin with. The "freaks" themselves - when revealed for the first time in a 'House of Horrors'-style campment - are photographed in such a mundane, lack-lustre way (and accompanied by a lifeless score) that they all come across as rather boring, despite the excellent make-up effects. Only after a stunning transformation scene in the church bedroom does a little creativeness shine through in The Freaks, and although there are some memorable shots (though they were few) the directing is the weakest aspect of The Freaks. As mentioned above, the make-up work is remarkable, and flawless. A dwarf with a third arm, a she-he being and the werewolf itself are all brilliant and hold up well even against movies of today. It's a shame that the werewolf wasn't the same as those from the first Howling (they were undoubtedly incredibly scary), but I can see how the film-makers would have wanted to go for a different look. The stand-out effect, however, is the demise of the vampire creature as the flesh slowly disintergrates to reveal bone in a scene that any movie would be hard-pressed to match these days - even with *cough* CGI. THE VERDICT: Definitely the best sequel to the classic The Howling, The Freaks is a very different, very unusual movie (how could it not be, with a title like that?) The direction at times is a little bland, but this is more than made up for in a strong script and cast. If you check out any Howling sequels, skip past the last four and go straight for this.

• This film tries too hard.

  Captain_Couth2004-06-22

  Howling VI (1991) was another entry in the never ending Howling saga. Thia one takes place in a small town. A sleazy little carnival is in town. Follow close by is a mysterious young man. The creepy owner of the carnival takes a liking to the kid. But does he have ulterior motives? The kid meets a nice young girl and the two become good friends. But the carny wants the girl too and what's left of the dying town. Somewhat different take on the series. The ever so pretty Carol Lynley has a small role as the town's matriarch. Antonio Fargas has a small role as well. The shady Bruce Payne also co-stars in this bizarre flick that has a heavy jones for Paul Naschy films. Hey buddy, don't bite off the man. Try and be original for a change. Mediocre stuff, but watchable. C- x

• vampire vs werewolf...in a circus!!

  j.g2001-01-01

  I really enjoyed this film.Normally I don't like werewolf movies but this one is very entertaining.It might not be scary enough,but it has really good characters.The werewolf is a good guy which is something,unlike other people,I enjoy!The real star of the film though is Bruce Payne who is once again amazing to watch as the bad guy.The fight scenes between werewolf and vampire are reasonably well executed.I don't like most of the other sequels to the original howling(especially that awful 3rd film)but this turned out to be much better than I had hoped.