Jack Nicholson was better as a wolfman than De Niro was as the Frankenstein monster, but this glossy major release is more like David Cronenberg’s The Fly than other werewolf movies.
Manhattan book editor Will Randall (Nicholson) – a middle-aged washout who has devoted his life to editing the literature he cares about, only to discover that he’s the only one in the world who still cares – is bitten by a wolf after he hits it with his car on his way home one night in upstate New York.
Suddenly, Will’s senses start working overtime – he can see better, hear farther, and smell tequila on a coworker’s breath from 20 feet away. His strength also increases.
He begins to sprout hair and pointy ears and soon goes on murderous rampages every time the moon is full.
After losing his job when his publishing house is taken over by Rupert Murdoch-style billionaire publishing tycoon Raymond Alden (Christopher Plummer), Will seeks revenge and finds love with Alden’s poor little rich-girl daughter, Laura (Michelle Pfeiffer).
James Spader plays Stewart Swinton, the two-faced, bootlicking assistant who gets both Will’s job and his wife, Charlotte (Kate Nelligan).
The 125-minute Columbia release failed to make back its $70-million-plus budget at the box office.
Will Randall
Jack Nicholson Laura Alden
Michelle Pfeiffer Stewart Swinton
James Spader Charlotte Randall
Kate Nelligan Detective Bridger
Richard Jenkins Raymond Alden
Christopher Plummer Mary
Eileen Atkins Roy
David Hyde Pierce Dr Vijay Alezais
Om Puri Doctor
Ron Rifkin Maude
Prunella Scales Detective Wade
Brian Markinson George
Peter Gerety Keyes
Bradford English Gary
Stewart J. Zully Tom
Thomas F. Duffy
Director
Mike Nichols
Video
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Suddenly, Will’s senses start working overtime – he can see better, hear farther, and smell tequila on a coworker’s breath from 20 feet away. His strength also increases.
James Spader plays Stewart Swinton, the two-faced, bootlicking assistant who gets both Will’s job and his wife, Charlotte (Kate Nelligan).
