I don't think Joe Dante is a great visual stylist - not up with say Spielberg or Carpenter - but his films always have a lot of neat stuff in them. They tend to be smart because he uses good writers like John Sayles, there are plenty of film in jokes (eg several characters here named after werewolf movie directors, cameos from Roger Corman), and there's lots going on. So you forgive the odd dodgy blocking of scenes.
The basic story isn't bad - reporter Dee Wallace is almost killed in a sting operation so to recover she goes to a colony run by doctor Patrick Macnee. There is a central theme of natural instincts vs being able to control them which actually could have been treated seriously and been entertaining but the film only touches on it - there's more satire of self help movements, which does fit in the theme.
Wallace shares hero duties with three others - the couple Dennis Dugan and Belinda Balaski who have surprisingly large roles, and Chris Stone, who plays her husband. Stone turns, giving the piece good drama - though it's Dugan who becomes the hero at the end. Progressive Sayles ensure the women have plenty to do.
The first half is slow but there's plenty of werewolf action at the end. The leads are solid but the stand out parts are the support cast - Dick Miller as a book salesman who lists the rules, Elisabeth Brooks as a nympho (I swear she was nude in some versions but wasn't in the one I saw), Patrick Macnee as the doctor, John Carradine as a crazy old codger, Robert Picardo as a rapist. I can't believe Brooks didn't come back for any sequels she has a great horror movie presence.
Rob Bottin's effects are fun.
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