Cursed [DVD]

Why is Shannon Elizabeth in this? Why? She's barely in it for five minutes but she manages to earn the sought-after 'with' title in the credits. Also, as one reviewer in particular said, there is a lot of chunks missing from the movie. You never see Shannon Elizabeth or Mya getting ripped to pieces by the werewolf (which highlights another problem: lack of gore). In Shannon Elizabeth's case, you just see her getting dragged away and that's that and in Mya's case, the scene fades to black when the werewolf finally gets her. Also, how on earth did Ellie (Ricci) get scratched by the werewolf when Jimmy is on Shannon Elizabeth who's being dragged by the werewolf? It just makes no sense. Finally, Portia de Rossi is spectacularly wasted in this movie. She's in the opening scene of the film and, for me, one of the more appealing characters but after that, it's just one more scene with her when she tells Ellie she's 'cursed' and that's it. I know Portia isn't one of the main players but more could have been done with her character because she is very intriguing (Zela that is).

Overall, it's by no means a masterpiece but it's not exactly Wes Craven's worst effort (I'm ignoring Music of the Heart completely). Despite a handful of negatives (and a cringeworthy appearance by Scott Baio), it's a horror that IS very corny at times but in a fun sort of way.

The completely unoriginal story (werewolf stalking LA - a huge leap of imagination there) coupled with a endlessly dull snails pace, and unintended laughs, make this film just one big cliche from start to finish. Gypsies included!

Rick Baker is on werewolf make-up duties,but even his usual above standard effects are on holiday here. The werewolf looks shoddy - whether it's CGI or a man in a suit.

And the nods to other classic horror films are just so blatant it's a wonder why Craven even bothered. This film can't live up to those horror masterpieces.