Teen Wolf (1985)
Synopsis:
Teen Wolf follows the story of Scott Howard, a typical high school student who discovers he has inherited a family curse that turns him into a werewolf. As he grapples with his newfound abilities, Scott finds that his wolf persona brings unexpected popularity and success, especially on the basketball court. However, balancing his regular life with his wolf identity proves challenging. Scott's transformation affects his relationships with friends and family, including his best friend Stiles and his crush, Pamela. As he navigates the ups and downs of teenage life, Scott must decide how to handle his dual identity and what it means for his future. The movie blends high school drama with supernatural elements, creating a unique twist on the coming-of-age story.
Where To Watch: Teen Wolf
Parental Feedback
Teen Wolf, released in 1985, is a comedy and fantasy film aimed at teens. The movie combines humor with supernatural elements, following a high school student who discovers he is a werewolf. While many parents appreciate its lighthearted take on teenage issues, some are concerned about its portrayal of certain behaviors. Overall, the film is generally well-received for its entertainment value, though opinions vary on its suitability for younger audiences.
Why Teens Should Watch Teen Wolf
Teen Wolf offers a fun and engaging story with positive messages about self-acceptance.
- Promotes the theme of embracing one's unique qualities and individuality.
- Features a strong character arc where the protagonist learns to balance his new identity with his everyday life.
- Includes humorous and relatable high school scenarios that teens enjoy.
- Offers a nostalgic look at 1980s teen culture, which can be appealing to some viewers.
Why Teens Shouldn’t Watch Teen Wolf
Some parents express concerns about the film's depiction of teenage behavior and its potential influence.
- Contains themes of peer pressure and identity struggles that may be challenging for some teens.
- Includes scenes of partying and mild rebellious behavior that might be seen as problematic.
- Some visual effects and transformations might be intense for sensitive viewers.
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Parents are split, and it largely depends on your teen’s maturity level due to its portrayal of teenage rebellion and identity issues.
What Parents Should Know About Teen Wolf
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie explore topics that require emotional maturity or guidance? | The film explores themes of identity and self-acceptance, often through the protagonist's transformation into a werewolf. |
| Does this movie portray risky behaviors that go unchecked or without consequences? | There are scenes of teenage partying and mild rebellious behavior that are not always critically addressed. |
| Does the main character show growth or learning across the story? | The protagonist learns to accept his unique identity and finds a balance between his werewolf abilities and his normal life. |
| Are gender roles, relationships, or family dynamics portrayed in thoughtful or outdated ways? | Some interactions reflect the 1980s context, with traditional gender roles and high school dynamics. |
| Will this movie prompt important conversations with my teen? | The film can lead to discussions about self-identity, peer pressure, and the importance of being true to oneself. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Teen Wolf is praised for its humor and positive message about self-acceptance, making it a fun watch for many teens. However, some parents are cautious about its portrayal of teenage behavior and the potential influence on younger viewers. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience and provide valuable lessons. For those seeking alternatives, movies like "Back to the Future" or "The Goonies" offer similar entertainment with a more universally positive reception.
Official Teen Wolf Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Teen Wolf
Teen Wolf's most common core values include Being yourself, Building confidence, and Friendship. Kids watching the movie will see how Scott, the main character, struggles to find out who he really is after discovering he's a werewolf. At first, he feels he must hide this part of himself to fit in. As Scott learns to accept his werewolf side, he becomes more confident in his abilities. Scott’s journey also highlights the importance of having good friends like Stiles, who stands by his side through thick and thin.
Scott's journey to being himself is shown when he first changes into a werewolf on the basketball court. Instead of hiding, he uses it to score points for his team with newfound confidence. Building confidence comes through when Scott realizes that his skills as "Teen Wolf" make him popular, but he learns that true confidence means accepting his whole self, not just his wolf side. Friendship is shown when Stiles encourages Scott to embrace who he is, cheering for him whether he's a werewolf or just regular Scott.
Other Core Values Explored: Self-discovery | Teamwork | Self-expression | Acceptance | Courage | Loyalty | Respect | Responsibility.
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Teen Wolf
Accepting Your Identity: Scott discovers that being true to himself, even as a werewolf, is essential. By embracing his unique abilities and heritage, he learns to accept who he really is and not just who others want him to be.
Being True to Yourself: Throughout his journey, Scott realizes that authentic success and happiness come from being genuine. Despite the pressures to conform to what others expect, Scott's true fulfillment lies in staying true to his personal values.
Believing in Yourself: Scott's story teaches the power of self-belief. When he taps into his inner confidence, both in human and werewolf form, he overcomes challenges on the basketball court and in life, demonstrating that self-belief is crucial to success.
Supporting Your Friends: Stiles’ unwavering support for Scott highlights the importance of true friendship. Scott learns that a friend who embraces you for who you are, in every situation, is invaluable.
Finding Courage: Scott's transformation requires bravery as he faces the fear of being different. His courage to confront both personal and external challenges inspires viewers to find their own bravery in difficult times.
Other Lessons Learned: Embracing Your Weirdness | Valuing Deep Connection
Why Kids Love Teen Wolf
Teen Wolf is an exciting ride that kids enjoy because of the crazy and wild situations Scott finds himself in. Imagine discovering you have superpowers, like incredible strength and agility, just when you really need them to beat the top team at basketball. When Scott transforms into a werewolf, kids see him jumping higher and moving faster than ever before. It's like watching someone become a superhero! The mix of high school life with these supernatural twists keeps things interesting, especially when Scott has to dodge adults who just don’t get it. The fun really amps up when Scott's wolf persona makes him the star of the show, leading to tons of hilarious and awkward situations that keep everyone laughing.
Kids also love how Scott's journey is full of teamwork and friendship, which are super important when you're handling something as weird as being a werewolf. He’s not alone in his adventures; his buddy Stiles brings the laughs and even some clever plans to outsmart the adults and keep things fun. Plus, when Scott and his friends band together, they use their different strengths to face challenges and tackle exciting adventures. Watching Scott form these tight bonds and make new friends adds another layer of fun to the movie. It’s like being part of a special, secret club where everyone has each other’s back, no matter how crazy things get. With all of these elements, Teen Wolf keeps kids glued to the screen, eager to see what twist will come next.