Gingersnaps Review

Written by: Marvin   

Flash back to 1999. I’m living in Toronto Ontario, attending a trade school for FX makeup.  One day during a smoke break I read in the local paper that there is a private screening of a new werewolf flick. I was intrigued and kept reading. Lo and behold it was occurring THAT night! So after class I bolted to the theatre where I new the line for limited seating had probably already began forming.

I managed to snag a spot early in the line and enjoyed spending the next two hours making friends with the other waiting werewolf fans. Finally we were let in and debriefed. Turns out this was an audience screener. Typical fare wherein we watch a movie and then fill out review forms and discuss any thoughts with the officials. So, feeling very important, I sat back and watched the movie with a critical view.

"Wow" was one of the words I ended up using to describe my opinion of the movie on my review form. If I remember correctly I summed it up as "Heathers meets The Howling".

Ginger Snaps was a real treat for me. I enjoyed this movie very much. So much so I would put it in my top 10. All the little parts and pieces added up in just the right way for me. The cinematography played a huge factor, as well as a swooning and forlorn musical score.

I have to award tons of points for portraying the story thru a feminine perspective. In Gingersnaps the two leads are girls going thru all the awkwardness of being just that….girls. Girls that don’t fit in to the high school hierarchy and have to suffer with out of touch parents. So basically real life “growing pains” crap that we can all relate to. Which I feel really grounds the movie. Hell, I found my self getting involved in the social goings on to the point I almost forgot a werewolf was going to show up at some time. I am really surprised this film doesn’t have more of an underground following, outside of the forced feeling pseudo love interest I felt this movie was a little dark work of art. Acting, script, FX, etc. ALL on cue. So I feel this is an important milestone for any werewolf fanatic out there. Easily as important as Dog Soldiers or The Howling.

That being said, I do not want to discuss any other points in the film. I just recommend you Netflix it when you get the chance. And if you love this film like I do, be sure to check the equally as strong sequel.