I Was a Teenage Wereskunk

I Was a Teenage Wereskunk, a 2016 screwball comedy-horror flick, seizes the zeitgeist of 1950s and 1960s horror classics to deliver a fun-filled romp that’s part comedy, part parody and entirely hilarious. Directed by Neal McLaughlin, the movie stars the exceptional talents of Clayton Rohner, Melanie Minichino and Megan Hensley, all of whom shine in their respective roles.

Brimming with outrageous happenings that are equal parts frightening and funny, I Was a Teenage Wereskunk takes its audience on a zany journey set in a small, overshadowed town where not too much ever happens – until, of course, it does.

The film's protagonist is a character named Curtis, gracefully brought to life by the skilled acting of Clayton Rohner. Curtis is an angst-filled teenager, suffering from the usual bouts of adolescent anxieties – he's struggling with girls, handling his father, engaging in friendships, and making sense of life. His trying circumstances take a turn for the extraordinary when he's cursed by a nefarious were-beast. Curtis finds himself transforming into a wereskunk each time he's sexually aroused, making for one hilarious transformation montage after another.

Melanie Minichino competently fills in the role of Curtis' sweet, unsuspecting love interest, Mary, while Megan Hensley shines in her portrayal of a sassy, aggressive local reporter who begins to sniff around the strange occurrences in town. The brilliant performances of the cast members succeed in enhancing the extraordinary story that builds around them.

I Was a Teenage Wereskunk remains electric with its wry humor, its over-the-top plot development, and the dramatic irony that oozes from the movie's premise. The movie rejects contemporary cynicism as it unabashedly adopts the quirky innocence of 1950s B-movies.

The film pays an affectionate tribute to its forerunners – the teenage monster movies that many of us nostalgically remember or have at least seen references to. There's a delicious flavor of lampooning present throughout the film, but you can tell it's done by genuine fans of the genre – the humor never comes off as mean-spirited or done for cheap laughs. There is as much celebration as there is mockery in this liberating tribute.

Visual mood and effects wise, director Neal McLaughlin manages to capture the look and feel of the classic drive-in era. The effects are practical, and presented in a manner that complements the film's offbeat atmosphere beautifully. The cinematography is top-notch, making the most of its surroundings, and the art direction suits the 1950's aesthetics.

The story twists and turns effortlessly like a cinematic rollercoaster ride, evoking laughter, terror, and an unapologetic absurdity that suits the overall vibes. Not only does I Was a Teenage Wereskunk indulge in classic monster mythos, but it also delves into a perceptive take on teenage hormones and anxieties. The movie doesn't shy away from introducing elements of philosophical introspection within its narrative.

The movie remains mindful of its roots as it nudges the viewer into the endlessly entertaining and somewhat terrifying realm of low-budget classic horror. The script stays consistently funny and breezy, with an underlying wit that makes even the most outlandish situations believable within its world. The dialogues are smartly crafted and delivered with razor-sharp comedic timing.

In a nutshell, I Was a Teenage Wereskunk brings the 50s era to life with its campy vibe, homage-packed scenes, and a humorous gaze into adolescent metamorphosis and the horrors (and hilarity) that come with it. This wacky fusion dates back to the simpler, humorous times of the genre, while scanning through the oddities and trials that come with puberty. It’s a ride that you won’t want to miss.