So why not a better note? Horror fans ought to know his background, too: mentored by Michael Moriarty a Larry Cohen regular , Damici came into the realm of Jim Mickle and Larry Fessenden who produced this picture. I'd call this a throwback although the cinematography is authentically modern, effects, creature feature and humor resemble 80's flicks. If you need your dose of creature feature, Late Phases may not be a great one, but it is a pleasant one nonetheless. Bogliano's something of a curious case, he never limits himself to one or two subgenres the man does it all. Great cinematography, perhaps a bit off pace now and then, but patched up and ready to proceed with good action sequences and surprising dynamics withing community. Greathouse even wears the costume, apparently. If these sort of films won awards, Damici might even be a strong contender.
Other than this being a community of elderly folks, there is no similarity. This is the most pleasant surprise in the horror genre in quite a while. Werewolf films are few and far between, and good ones are even more rare. He tends to be the less-often-mentioned part of this team, but should be mentioned in the same breath. The music might get a bit'too' epic once in a while, but it adds to the tragic situation I think. Many things are done right, like going into action right from the start and showing the creature in the first minutes. Ambrose McKinley doesn't waste too much time investigating, instead he instantly figures out the root of this evil and does his own prepping in order to face the threat.
With only 2 reviews at this point I felt I should lure more people towards this film. What's rather unusual is that the best bits don't come from the creatures but from the main character, his personality, and the way he deals with things. I felt a bit of Rambo in this film. It's about an old Vietnam veteran's fight against the werewolf. Leading the way is Nick Damici, who makes a very believable blind veteran. Elderly, blind vet moves to retirement community on the edge of a forest to spend the rest of his days in peace, but as he quickly learns, there's trouble lurking in front of residents' lawns killing them quickly and efficiently.
More points for originality come from the setting itself, a sort of village full of elderly people. Even the music score has a couple of great moments. Dumped by his son is this 'community for they soon-dying', and as such with no one to depend on I felt more tension to the battle as with most Lycanthrope themed films. . Oh yeah, and he's blind too! Normally, the abundance of humor in a horror flick is major offense by me, but here, it simply works.
How about Tom Noonan in supporting role - the trade he's mastered during his long career? It's used in the right places and doesn't turn the battles into cheesiness. Wounded war vet Ambrose Nick Damici moves to a place where people are dying from mysterious circumstances. So Late Phases are laced with subtle and quirky comedy aspects, it never takes itself too seriously. Weird, offbeat but never dull, this is quite original werewolf film, first remarkable wereflick after Ginger Snaps, in my opinion. The protagonist's nihilistic attitude, his age and his allover bitterness. I always loved grumpy old guys in films, and after Eastwood's Kowalski there was little left to desire.
Well, none of the flaws is big enough to ruin the story, but I can't just ignore all the little goofs, and the costumes do look daffy after all. One of the better efforts of the werewolf genre. The effects are solid, with both Bob Kurtzman and David Greathouse constructing the creature. Played by Mr Damici, I found him quite fascinating. Secretly though, he loves comedy! Cheesy creature feature, far and between but loud and clear gore don't sound inviting? Original spin on the lycanthropic horror flick with Damici aces as an aged, blind Vietnam vet who discovers a werewolf in amidst his new housing community and attempts to prepare for the next attack within the month of a new full moon. The protagonist of the story is one I really felt for.
Great ensemble of veteran character actors some get the short shrift while others shine make a fine guessing game of who's the creature. . . . . . .
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