Full Moon High

Full Moon High is a 1981 horror-comedy feature directed by Larry Cohen and starring Adam Arkin, Roz Kelly, and Ed McMahon. The film weaves a fascinating tapestry of humor, vampire mythology, teenage angst, and high school cliques that make it an enduring classic in the horror-comedy genre.

The film narrates the life of Tony Walker, played by Adam Arkin, a high school quarterback who, while on a tour of Romania with his father, gets bitten by a werewolf. The bite turns him into one but with a remarkable twist, he doesn't age. Filled with an abundance of comedic irony, Full Moon High explores Tony's journey, from being the regular star quarterback to transforming into a werewolf who doesn't age.

Adam Arkin, as Tony, delivers a performance that is both engaging and memorable. With this role, Arkin offers an extra caricature layer to his werewolf, blending teenage insecurity with humor and the wildness attributed to a werewolf. Roz Kelly, on the other hand, is a delightful addition to the film's cast. Her portrayal of his high-school sweetheart, shedding light on teenage romance, becomes a significant subplot of the narrative.

Another noticeable performance comes from the legendary show host Ed McMahon, who plays the role of Tony's father. His character's confusion over Tony's predicament adds a humorous edge to the otherwise horrifying situation, creating a unique mix of terror and laughter.

Director Larry Cohen, known for his earlier works in the horror genre, takes a unique approach towards this film. Introducing comedic elements into a werewolf story could have sabotaged the horror, but Cohen expertly blends the two to create a balanced horror-comedy. His direction, filled with slapstick jokes and clever puns tied to the wolf transformation, never loses sight of the horror element intrinsic to the werewolf genre.

On another level, the film takes an allegorical view on teenage angst and high school life. The pressures of being a high school athlete, the struggle with fitting in, and the grappling with newfound puberty-driven changes are all metaphorically layered into Tony's werewolf condition. This factor makes Full Moon High not only an entertaining flick but also a thoughtful commentary on adolescent life.

Cohen’s storytelling pays attention to detailing and explores mythology surrounding the werewolf motif while accommodating for its own unique take on the narrative. Werewolves have been a part of horror cinema for decades, but Full Moon High's approach to imbuing them with a sense of humor results in an engagingly different cinematic experience.

The sets and cinematography effectively capture both the light-hearted and eerie moments of the movie. The visuals, especially during the transformation scenes, are commendable given the film’s early 1980s production values. The music score composed by Bob E. Mann successfully assists in building up the tension during the horror scenes and lightens up the atmosphere during the comedic parts.

Furthermore, the film comes with an array of supporting characters: Tony's teammates, teachers, and townsfolk, carefully crafted to induce humor, evoke fear, and add depth to the proceedings. They collectively add to the absurdity promised by the comedic horror film's premise.

In conclusion, Full Moon High is not merely a monster movie but a well-scripted, hilarious flick that presents a fresh twist on the werewolf genre. The movie is steeped in high school culture and teen angst, yet it also explores life's darker specters with a dash of humor. This mesh of horror and comedy makes it a unique and entertaining experience, amplified by the admirable performances of Adam Arkin, Roz Kelly, and Ed McMahon. Whether you're a dedicated horror aficionado or looking for a light-hearted comedy with a supernatural twist, Full Moon High could be just the film to sink your teeth into! Though created in 1981, it has retained its appeal, combining an intriguing narrative with memorable performances to showcase a truly different beast of a movie.