Finally saw Ginger Snaps

Hmm, I'm a grizzled old horror guy as well, and I found it witty and engaging throughout. I thought the characterization of the girls was pretty tight, and the performances were spot on. While there were some elements similar to HAROLD AND MAUDE and GHOST WORLD, I've not seen them mixed into a straight horror film before. And the central conceit, that of likening menstrual cycles to the phases of the moon in lycanthropy, was pretty darned original in my book. It's one of those ideas that seems so obvious that it surprises me that no one had ever done it before. The only true script problem I had with it has to do with the fact that all the adults are pretty much presented as stereotypes, but then again that also fits in with the teenage perspective -- when you're that age, it seems that every adult IS a stereotype. However, if you watch the deleted scenes on the Canadian DVD, that problem is pretty much fixed. Hell, it's one of the few cases where the deleted scenes should've all remained in the movie. Sure, Isabelle is a cutie, but she didn't make the movie for me; it was the genuinely fun mix of elements that did it. I thought the ending was heartfelt and poetic.

Also, props for practical gore and creature fx - ya can't beat that.

Part 2 is a pretty radical departure, actually. Its trappings are much more gothic in nature, and its focus on Brigitte's character works perfectly because Emily Perkins gives a stellar performance (this girl needs more roles, pronto). And it's got a genuinely unpredictable ending that is simultaneously sad and grimly amusing. Indeed, I actually prefer it to the original. It's well worth the viewing.

**SPOILERS**

This is a fantastic film, and if you ask me, it is the best werewolf film to date, which to me, is saying a lot. Heathers is my favorite comedy of all time, and I don't think this film is a ripoff of it at all. The film's new take on lycanthropy is fantastic, and the film milks it for all its worth. The period idea is not only original, but very intrigueing as well. It also paves the way for all sorts of crazy situations, all of which are a joy to watch.

One of the film's main strengths is the bond between the two sisters. It is portrayed very strongly, and you get a genuine feel for how much they care for each other. The tension between them after Ginger starts changing is very compelling because of this, and it all leads up beautifully to the breaking point when Ginger joyfully exclaims that it's almost like they aren't even related anymore (excellent line and scene BTW). After all the love and trust they had for each other, its rather saddening to see their downward spiral. While saddening, the spiral is also equally funny, disturbing, and nasty as well, especially with how it effects the characters around them.

Their parents are the type of parents that could drive a child mad. They either don't care enough about what's going on in their daughters' lives as long as their isn't any trouble, or they press too hard on the smaller or more embarrasing issues. Mimi Rogers is great as the mom. She's a really underrated actress. Also, the students at their school are pretty condescending. Their interaction with the preppy bitch is just great, and the final scene between them and her is really well done. There's also the horny guy who chases after Ginger. His fate is downright hilarious.

The film's ending is quite a saddening note to end on. Quite a powerful ending indeed, and its a wonderful finale I think. An inevitable, if tragic end.

My two cents on the film anyway...

I really liked this movie. There are lots of good things about it. I loved the way the all-encompassing relationship between the sisters is portrayed and the way it starts to break down. I loved that they were obsessed with death and suicide in a posy kind of Goth way just before the real thing enters their lives.

I thought Isabelle did a fantastic job with the kind of wildness and menace which could just be teenage angst but is actually tainted by something genuinely wild and menacing.

I think for some little low-budget Canadian movie, they did more than okay with this.

Loved this film immensely.

The menstruation angle was a novel one, and I think what really carried the film was that the characterizations were so intriguing overall.

I wish I knew who to credit on Usenet, but as they put it, "someone snaps, but it ain't Ginger."

I think Ginger was the one who was really into suicide, while Brigitte paid it lip-service, but wasn't really expecting the "pact" they had to be honored. Brigitte was the stronger of the two sisters (and in some way, an anchor for Ginger), and I think she had a brief taste of freedom, of being something other than Ginger's extension, before the close of the film.

Here's an interesting question -- did Brigitte kill Ginger, or did Ginger kill herself? IIRC, Brigitte had the monkshood in one hand, and the knife in the other. Gingerwolf charged, and ... well?

Did Brigitte stab her, or did Ginger opt for suicide, "dead on this scene"?

The ending to "Unleashed" is like a kick in the gut to me. It's a damn effective ending, but it's the worst possible scenario for poor Brigitte, which is what really gets me.

Where Ginger seemed to ultimately give in to the transformation (with some notable exceptions at times), Brigitte seemed to fight it tooth and nail. I guess that's what really gets me, and it's probably a silly thing, but the Fitzgerald family has been destroyed;

Ginger is dead.

Pamela is likely in prison for Trina Sinclair's murder (from a deleted scene in the original Canadian SE).

And Brigitte ... well, won't ruin it again, for anyone who hasn't seen it.

A family has been destroyed; no one knows, and no one cares.

Damn.

I echo the love. Wonderfully done, with a great mix of comedy, teenage angst, and werewolf goodness. Also, Katherine Isabelle is smokin'.

Plus, Mimi Rogers is ace in this movie.