To be honest, I've never really gotten into werewolf films. We all have our favorite kind of horror films (zombies, hauntings, ect.) but for some reason a human turning into a giant hairy wolf has never sold me. Over the past few years, many of you have been sending me requests to feature a little known werewolf film from Canada called Ginger Snaps. I put it off for so long because of my busy schedule but I figured it was time. Now that I've seen it, I'm pissed that I didn't pick up a copy earlier.

         Ginger Snaps is a story about a pair of sisters and the drama that unfolds after Ginger is bitten by a very large wolf. As you would guess, Ginger begins changing in some unsavory and K-9-like ways. Ginger's shy and reclusive sister, Brigitte, realizes what is happening and is determined to cure her sister of the frightening turn of events. People begin to die in horrific fashions and Brigitte is unwillingly pulled into covering up the murders to protect her sister.

         Ginger Snaps is brilliant. It's such a simple script but it is executed perfectly. It's a story that uses a werewolf theme as a metaphor for the confusion and anxiety of going through puberty. (Yeah, sounds stupid but believe me, the film pulls it off.) Filmed on a budget of $5,000,000 in Ontario, Canada, it's easily the best Canadian horror film I've ever seen. Not only is it the best Canadian horror film I've ever seen, but it's also the best werewolf film I've ever seen. Considering I'm not a fan of werewolf films, that should give you an idea of how good it is.

         It's always annoyed me how a film that's supposed to be set in a high school is cast with actors in their mid to late twenties. Ginger Snaps intentionally bypassed this method in hopes for a more realistic feel. There were a couple actors in their early twenties (Emily Perkins, Kris Lemche) but this was made up for by their middle school appearances. Speaking of Emily Perkins, I love this woman. You probably remember her portrayal of Beverly 'Bev' Marsh (age 12) in Stephen King's: IT. Phenomenal work for such an early age and I'm thrilled that she decided to continued her career. Unlike the majority of child actors from IT. (Read our interview with Brandon 'Haystack' Crane here.)

         We can't forget Katharine Isabelle who plays Ginger of course! I question if this role could've been cast any better. I don't think it could've been. Isabelle had mainly been a television actress up until her role in Ginger Snaps. I'm always pleased when an actress successfully completes the transition from television to film. It doesn't sound like it would be hard, but this very transition is what costs many actors their careers. Well done Katharine.

         The make-up effects are fantastic. Especially the final stages of the werewolf transformation. There are no indications that it's a cheesy puppet. Of course, it is... but the smooth filmmaking and precise editing give the illusion of a 100% real threat. The only werewolf effects I've seen that are better were those in The Howling. I don't think those werewolf special effects will ever be beaten.

         All in all, I highly recommend this film for everyone's film collection. Even if werewolf films aren't your gig, trust me, you'll enjoy this one. Also, if you see Emily Perkins at conventions or walking down to the corner store for a cup-o-blood... make sure to stop and say hi. Just remember, she the complete opposite from her character Brigitte. In her own words:
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         "Unfortunately, after seeing Ginger Snaps, people don't think of me that way, they just think of me as Brigitte. I'm not like her at all... it's just a character I played".

         "I'm much happier than Brigitte. But I am pretty introverted, like Brigitte is. That part comes naturally to me."

         "I was able to connect with Brigitte because when I was a teenager I saw the process of becoming a sexually mature adult as monstrous. I now understand that it is constructed as monstrous by society (e.g. all the products we have for controlling our natural bodies), and that is the "beast" that attacks every girl when she becomes sexualized by our culture. The hardest thing about playing Brigitte was trying to keep the smile out of my eyes. I was having so much fun!"
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         Buy Ginger Snaps... now.