Written & Reviewed by: Ross Tipograph
Posted by: Root Rot
Ginger Snaps (2000)
Directed by: John Fawcett
A teen horror smack dab at the beginning of the end of the late ‘90s boom, it has probably remained a cult hit, rather than mainstream, because it’s Canadian. It premiered at a bunch-a festivals and eventually made its way into the wonderful world of DVDs, and luckily, as it is devilishly subversive, hilarious, so well done, and not to missed by the most playful of genre fans.
Two teenage sisters, Brigitte and the titular Ginger, live unhappily forever after in suburbia, the resident goth girls in their high school. Even though they’re a year apart, they’re in the same grade (Brigitte’s a genius). They do everything together; field hockey, suicide planning, getting attacked by werewolves…
Yes, it’s a full moon, and Ginger’s menstruation cycle begins on the night she is savagely bitten by a lycanthrope. Though the monster is killed (by a speeding van) moments later, the bite takes its toll on the unlucky goth teen; she begins to change, violently, sexually, emotionally over the month of October. Plucky sibling Brigitte though, remember, is a genius, as she teams up with Sam, the local weed dealer, to find a particular herbal remedy for her poor older sister. The action culminates at the Halloween kegger. It’s a very festive affair.
The premise alone is fun enough, but screenwriter Karen Walton packs such a punch with her dialogue and pacing, not to mention the tiny surprises page after pafe. If Heathers ever met American Werewolf, this is it.
The opening titles are to die for (see for yourself), as is the theme music and recurring original score. It also has a pleasing aesthetic – all hues of brown and orange, perfect for this chilly autumn treat. All in all, it’s a wholehearted effort from some filmmakers who clearly aim to please.
With the coming Halloween season, make it more alive with this movie. Find it on Netflix or Lovefilm or your local DVD deal. It’s a real trip, with great in-joke laughs and lots of fangs and blood.
WRITER’S BIO
When he’s not reviewing movies, Ross is writing about Halloween costumes.
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