The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020) User Reviews

A singular and odd little movie

[RMurray847 · 6/10 · 11 February 2021]

WOLF OF SNOW HOLLOW is a difficult film to describe in a meaningful way. Yes, on the surface, it's a werewolf movie. A small town, with an understaffed and undertrained police force, is forced to contend with a supernatural killer. Can the committed but anger-management challenged sheriff (Jim Cummings) coral his team long enough to track down the creature?

It's a horror movie, yes. But really, it's not that terribly scary. It isn't horrifically gory (but it's a little gory), so you don't have that guilty pleasure. It's also a comedy (surprise!), but not quite a knee-slapper. It isn't a parody movie in the vein of SCARY MOVIE; it mines most of its humor in the bumbling antics of the police and other townspeople.

None of this sounds like a recipe for a very successful movie, and yet there is something about WOLF OF SNOW HOLLOW. Writer/director/star Jim Cummings is a singular filmmaker. He's created a cop-hero who is far from ordinary. He wants to do a good job, but is nearly crippled by either self-doubt/self-loathing or by his own incredibly loose cannon temper. His father, also in law enforcement (and well played by Robert Forster in one of his final roles), counsels him repeatedly, but Cummings is a mess. It's a very interesting and unusual characterization; one that actually feels fresh and surprising. His fellow cops are loyal to him (even the ones smart enough to see his flaws and worry), but he even struggles to see that his peers are on his side and not working against him. The werewolf is almost an externalization of the lycanthrope within him. (Although, to be sure, the movie is not as psychologically heavy as what I just described!). So we watch the movie rooting more for this flawed guy to get his act together rather than to see the werewolf tracked down.

Cummings is ably supported by Forster and by Riki Lindhome, a promising and smart detective who also very much has Cumming's back.

The movie moves at a brisk pace, which is good, since what it doesn't have is a lot of tension. Even though the cops are bungling, we always assume they'll "get their werewolf." Most characters are not terribly well developed and we don't invest much emotionally into what the creature is doing to the town.

Really, in the end, it's just an odd, quirky, singular little film that I enjoyed probably more than I should have. Tough to describe, and difficult to recommend to just anybody, I'm still very glad I saw it. I'll certainly be checking out Cumming's previous effort THUNDER ROAD, and probably anything new he comes up with.

Ambitious Horror Comedy

[evanston_dad · 7/10 · 27 January 2021]

There's a lot going on thematically in this uneven horror comedy.

The film is the brain child of writer/director/star Jim Cummings, whose film "Thunder Road" I adored. "The Wolf of Snow Hollow" isn't as good as that movie, but that's partially because it's more ambitious, so I give him credit for trying.

Cummings plays a police officer (again) with rage issues (again) and an alcohol addiction. Gruesome murders start happening in the small Utah town of the film's setting, and after Cummings first rejects the far out theory that they might be the work of a werewolf, he begins to toy with the idea that maybe there's something to it as the murders continue to go unsolved.

The werewolf concept acts as an allegory for both the monstrous impulses Cummings himself feels and that he's driven to when drinking, and the predatory world of men in general and the danger they pose to women in general and his teenage daughter specifically. There's clearly a MeToo inspired vein of male apology running through the film, but it all gets a bit muddled by a screenplay that doesn't quite know where it wants to go. The ending is unsatisfying, but the movie leading up to the ending is pretty decent. It doesn't do a great job of striking the right tone -- the humor isn't ever quite funny enough but everything else is treated a bit too lightly to ever be taken seriously -- but the film does have a bold sense of style that I appreciated.

I like what I've seen so far of Cummings as an actor and director and this film will keep me coming back for more.

Grade: A-

Not quite what I expected, but still good

[fandomfatale · 7/10 · 9 October 2020]

An unusual and unexpected film but a good one. It's more of a character study than a mystery or horror film. There were a few great funny moments but I would not have labeled it a comedy, more of a drama really, but not a wallowing kind of drama. It's snappy and moves fast and kept me engaged until the end. Riki Lindholme is great and Jim Cummings turns a character who might have otherwise been insufferable into one who can still evoke sympathy. A thumbs up from me.

Excellent if you buy into the tone

[amesmonde · 19 February 2021]

A police officer wrestles with his AA meetings and the paranoia that grips his small mountain town as bodies turn up after each full moon.

Imagine a werewolf themed film with the tongue and cheek of Lake Placid. Jim Cummings direction and writing is impressive. But it doesn't stop there he even stars, leading the formidable cast as the main investigating Officer. The late great Robert Forster is notable lending his Twin Peaks-persona Sheriff presence but it's Riki Lindhome's Julia that steals the show.

The on location snow setting sets it apart from most other Werewolf films, the script is witty and sharp and never takes itself too seriously. Cummings also manages to deliver on the creature feature staged mayhem.

With surprise deaths and a cracking twist while not played as serious as the likes of Dog Soldiers or dramatic as The American Werewolf in London if you buy into the sly, ironic take on the genre you're in for a howling ride.

Were was this movie hiding?

[Sickpuppy365 · 6/10 · 17 October 2020]

I hadn't heard of Jim Cummings before, actually the prolific Robert Forster was the only person I recognized, so I was pretty sure this movie would be crap. I also don't really like mindless and gory horror, or dark "comedy" that misses its mark, the former making me queasy, and the latter making me uneasy. Well I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. After writing a pretty tight script, with simple plot-points, character driven, decent banter in everyman speak, that gives even minor characters their own identity. Jim then hops up to the director's chair and pulls it all together, whilst also turning in a solid main performance. Again I must point out... He is playing an unlikeable character... It is not BAD acting... He is portraying an ex-jock, ex-military, alcoholic, divorced deputy in a small town, with an estranged daughter and a stubborn aging father/ boss. He feels his life is passing him by, he's surrounded by incompetent coworkers, overbearing constituents, and is making promises he seemingly can't deliver on... I thought he brought that right to the table steaming hot. The rest of the cast, particularly Riki and Chloe really assisted in fleshing-out his downward spiral. Is it a comedy? is it a horror? is it a... Who cares... it's a great story with chills, thrills, heartache, scares, shouting, laughing, crying, lying, and dying... You know... People stuff... Plus the wolf was great too.

An American Werewolf in Twin Peaks

[mikeysingh70 · 7/10 · 11 October 2020]

Yes its slow, yes its quirky yes its a fantastic yarn. If you want Lycan action watch Underworld dont poo poo it because a trailer mislead you and then cry wolf in your review. Watch for over the top characters reacting to ott horror, perfect little Halloween treat.

This is also one of those movie you watch once and probably don't need to see again

[kevin_robbins · 6/10 · 8 May 2021]

The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020) is a movie we recently rented off Amazon Prime for $5.99. The movie focuses on a recovering police officer who is super stressed out and appears to have a werewolf serial killer in his little town. While he tries to convince everyone it's a man the body count racks up. This movie is directed by and stars Jim Cummings (Thunder Road) and was made on a $2,000,000 budget. This movie also stars Robert Forster (Jackie Brown), Riki Lindhome (Last House on the Left) and Chloe East. The storyline for this is actually very interesting and comes together pretty well. I loved the CGI for the werewolf and the ultimate evolution of that character and the self dialogue of the main character was hilarious at times. I did want a little more from this film in terms of action rather than the over dedication to the police officer's self reflection. This is a fun and unique film but far from perfect. This is also one of those movie you watch once and probably don't need to see again. I'd give it a solid 6/10.

Hard time liking this with Cummings as a lead

[perillomike · 4/10 · 9 November 2020]

I love these type of movies. Bloody, winter setting, beautiful scenery... but the director, writer, actor? Needs to relinquish some duties. He overacts in every scene and creates ridiculous characters. Any other actor in the lead and i would up this a few stars but i cant get past his ineptness.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie

[manuelasaez · 8/10 · 10 October 2020]

I usually really dislike horror/comedies for the simple fact that they usually fail at doing both. Meaning, they are never really funny are are often never scary. This movie, however, does both equally well, and works as either simply just a scary comedy or a funny horror film. I didn't expect to laugh out loud so often, especially hearing some of the tirades that the main character shouted throughout most of the movie. It really tells you a lot about an actor when they can be both serious and comedic without resorting to cheap, cliched one-liners.

The best part about this movie is that everything is unexpected. You think you know where the story is headed but in the end, every element just comes together without the need for a lengthy exposition by some background character. The story just builds organically, and you are left satisfied and longing for more.

I enjoyed every second of this film.

An interesting take on the werewolf genre...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 20 October 2020]

Initially, I must admit that I didn't have much of any expectations for the 2020 movie titled "The Wolf of Snow Hollow". Why? Well, I hadn't heard about it, and usually werewolf movies tend to be dubious.

But still, this being a new movie that I hadn't already seen, of course I sat down to watch it. And it being a werewolf movie definitely helped win me over.

And I must say that I was actually genuinely entertained by writer and director Jim Cummings's movie. It was a rather well-written storyline that definitely had some good flavor to it, and the plot twist was actually good; I enjoyed the way the storyline panned out, especially since it was built up so that you were expecting it to be the most obvious of choices as to whom was the werewolf in Snow Hollow.

The acting performances in "The Wolf of Snow Hollow" were quite good, and were for the most part done by actors and actresses that I weren't already familiar with. And that is something I enjoy in movies, seeing new and unfamiliar talents whose faces aren't already associated with previously portrayed characters in other movies.

The special effects in this movie were actually quite good, taking into consideration that this was not a movie that were heavily reliant on special effects to carry it.

I think that "The Wolf of Snow Hollow" is definitely a worth addition to the werewolf genre, and I can warmly recommend that you watch the movie if you enjoy werewolf movies.

My rating of "The Wolf of Snow Hollow" settles on a well-deserved six out of ten stars.

Elements of a great movie that don't quite come together.

[rykskelton · 4/10 · 11 October 2020]

The effects were great. The directing was competent. The writing needed work, as the story misfired and meandered, defied logic, and had a random reveal that seemed to have little to do with the investigation/clues that had preceded it. The acting was great, with one exception: Jim Cummings, who destroyed every scene he was in - I can't tell if that is the way he normally acts, or if it was a choice, but it was bad. Other reviewers have mentioned comedy, but I found absolutely none (not that I needed any). I'm a werewolf movie fan, and this could have been so good (every attack scene was great). To the reviewer that asked that no more werewolf movies ever be made - that's just daft; you may as well say to never again make a vampire movie, or a drama, or a comedy, or a horror, or a movie about a hit-man, etc. Bring on more werewolf movies - just make them a better.

Think Fargo with a Werewolf.

[ntj-film · 8/10 · 9 October 2020]

A alcoholic lawman with severe personality issues and his department are in a race against the clock to apprehend a vicious killer, who strikes under the watchful eye of the full moon.

This film turned out to be a true gem, brimming with great character work, a simple yet solid story and just allround beautiful work both in front as well as behind the camera.

It also incredible refreshing to see comedic elements that doesn't smother the drama/horror tropes of the story (as is the case with so many features of this kind) but actually enhances the films overall effect.

Top that all of with a great looking Lycanthrope - albeit a very sparse look - and you got yourself a real winner.

Hope you enjoy it.

Plenty to like

[drifter_74 · 7/10 · 12 October 2020]

The synopsis is like a thousand others before it: small town, gruesome murders, emotionally challenged Sheriff and plenty of suspects.

So what makes this one stand out you may ask? Well, in all honestly, nothing.

But, the acting is decent and the pacing is okay. This is completely watchable and I give it 7/10 just because the last 10 movies I watched were all absolute filth and during this one I never felt the urge to hit the pause button to stop the punishment.

Loud

[jonassladen · 5/10 · 30 June 2022]

Great theme. Loved the setting for this genre. Great effects and super werewolf, what we saw of him.

Hard to get through all the yelling. And at times the only thing louder was the soundtrack. Tough to listen to Auld Lang Syne at ~100 decibels. Was hoping the main character would calm down at some point but he kept losing his temper, yelling, and blaming everybody for anything and everything. Every lead character's got history and problems; but bringing down the tone a bit along with a slightly less offensive main character would've made something decent here. The angst and anxiety were overly overdone. Felt the stress rolling out from the movie into the viewing and I can imagine to the cast as well as they were filming. Julia and the saged town sheriff played by Robert Forster brought some sanity to the mayhem. The new sheriff position rightly belongs to Julia.

Grisly slayings in a winter hamlet in Utah

[Wuchakk · 6/10 · 8 May 2022]

An up-and-coming Sheriff (Jim Cummings) wants to prove himself when horrific murders suddenly grip his remote town near Christmas time. Is it an animal, a human or something... else? Robert Forster plays the soon-to-retire dad and Riki Lindhome a subordinate officer. Manly Jimmy Tatro is also on hand.

"The Wolf of Snow Hollow" (2020) is a mystery/thriller with horror elements and a zippy sense of black humor. It has the setting of "Donner Pass" (2011), "Snowbeast" (2011) and "Silent Night" (2012), but a different threat mixed with clever amusement.

This is a solid piece of full moon entertainment by writer/director/star Jim Cummings. I loved the snowy locations and Chloe East is a highlight on the feminine front, along with Amanda Brown in a small role. Meanwhile the humor is amusing. Yet the flick's a little too frenetic for its own good. Cummings coulda reigned things in for some more mood, but it's his movie, not mine.

The film runs 1 hour, 25 minutes, and was shot in Kamas, Utah, which is a about 25 miles east of Salt Lake City, on the other side of the mountain range.

GRADE: B-/B.

Entertaining and well shot.

[deloudelouvain · 7/10 · 12 November 2020]

What I can say is that I did enjoy this movie. The Wolf Of Snow Hollow is entertaining, mostly due to its fast pace what results in that you never have a boring moment. The acting from the whole cast was good so no complaints about that either. I'm not sure if the comedy parts were really necessary, to me it could just have been a good thriller with some gore. The cinematography was good with clear well shot images. Good job from director/writer/actor Jim Cummings.

Good

[omarcantbestopped · 7/10 · 10 October 2020]

Funny and entertaining. Good job Jim for starring and directing this movie. I enjoyed it a lot.

Doesn't quite fulfill its promise ...

[parry_na · 5/10 · 11 June 2022]

Horror comedies are a tricky business - humour is so subjective, it could make or break a production. I warmed to this - ironic given the snowbound location - immediately when a diner, interrupted by two louts, asks one of them, "Do you have the internet in this town?" "Yeah, we have the internet." "Then why not use it? You could teach your mom how to read."

There's a caustic wit on display that runs all the way through, and balances out the genuinely nasty moments of gore, as well as softening the characters. Also, I love snowbound, isolated towns as locations for scary stories.

Jim Cummings writes, directs and plays the lead role in this. This is also the final film to star veteran actor Robert Forster. This is well acted across the board, by a cast who really seem to 'get' the quick-fire nuances and can balance them out with a growing sense of unease.

However - not all the jokes land, and sometimes scenes are over-filled with yelled expletives above anything else. Also, the balance isn't always there - scenes that could be really horrific are undermined by swift cut-jumps to jokey reactions and comedy music. 5 out of 10.

Breath of fresh air.

[jcallender121 · 8/10 · 8 October 2020]

After coming to terms with the hammy Cluedo acting and embracing it as part of this films ample charms I didn't want it to end. When you get past the flamboyant performances which will irritate you in the beginning you find yourself totally immersed in Snow Hollow and the grisly murder spree taking place. There's a hint of Fargo and a sprinkle of X Files all stirred in together to make a great little horror/mystery that had me guessing right up to the brilliant ending. The compact setting of a frozen small town suited the characters and killings perfectly, the Werewolf was done brilliantly as well, not just some tall bloke in a furry suit,,, pull the curtains and switch off the lights, don't over analyze the dialogue or characters and you'll have a great time.

Just a fun ride

[MostlyHorror · 7/10 · 13 October 2020]

It's hard to come across some decent horror flicks, so this one was a nice surprise. Light, funny and with some graphic moments.

7/10

They're going to trick you on this one...

[paulclaassen · 4/10 · 28 September 2021]

The peaceful existence in the small town of Snow Hollow is shattered after a brutal murder. While some residents believe it to be "an animal", the town's sheriff John Marshall (played by writer/director Jim Cummings) believes it to be the work of a serial killer. 'The Wolf of Snow Hollow' features an unusual blend of humor and horror, which doesn't blend all that well for me. This would have worked better as a full-on comedy, or horror. There's just too much humor for it to be taken seriously.

Robert Foster is a good actor, but his character doesn't really serve a purpose here. He doesn't contribute to the film in any way, apart from sheriff John always arguing and disagreeing with him - for the humor element. There is no need for this character.

The film dishes up some truly creepy moments, but - as mentioned - they would have been more effective had it not been for all the comedy. This is not the most interesting werewolf movie I've seen, and by the time the film ends, you'll notice you've been tricked anyway. With the twist reveal, a lot in the movie wasn't possible, deeming this a werewolf movie I won't be watching again, regardless of how different and stylish it is...

Would I watch it again? No.

Solid little flick.

[thegermanhermit · 8/10 · 9 October 2020]

Solid character driven movie. Humorous, good pace throughout and just the right amount of suspense. If you like movies like Club Dread and Shawn of the Dead this will probably tickle your fancy.

An entertaining and bloody ride.

[SnobReviews · 7/10 · 14 October 2020]

Bloody fun, well written and often hilarious; "The Wolf Of Snow Hollow" proves that actor/writer/director Jim Cummings can tackle any genre you throw his way.

In this comedy-horror film, terror strikes a small mountain town as bodies are discovered after each full moon.

An incredibly original take on the genre makes "The Wolf Of Snow Hollow" one to watch. I now look forward to Jim Cummings' next project to see what he can do. If you haven't seen his debut comedy/drama film, "Thunder Road", please see it. This was Robert Forster's final film and I think he'd be proud of the outcome. Running at almost 90-minutes, this film has enough blood, gore and laughs to play around with. I found myself laughing so hard at instances and shocked in others. All around great and fun film that is sure to keep you hooked.

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Main character damages whole movie

[geir-3 · 4/10 · 31 December 2020]

The main character with the screaming and always being too loud damages an otherwise promising movie.

Embarrassed I spent money on this

[nb42688 · 5 November 2020]

This movie was both pointless and obnoxious. The main character just yells at everyone for 90 minutes. There is no werewolf so this is neither a horror movie or a werewolf movie. The premise makes it seem this is a whodunnit mystery but the killer ends up being a random person never mentioned in the movie until the end. Just absolutely awful. It looks like all of the positive reviews are just big fans of the filmmaker (not this movie) and want to give him praise. Do not waste your time with this movie if you're a horror fan.