Ranking The Howling Movies Worst To Best
5. The Howling IV: The Original Nightmare (1988)
The Howling IV marks the first heavy involvement in the series from the infamous Clive Turner. However, despite what would come later this movie isn't dreadful.
The film acts as a much more faithful adaption of Gary Brandner's original novel and follows Marie, a writer taking refuge in a small desert town following a nervous breakdown. Unfortunately the retreat she has chosen happens to be home to a colony of werewolves.
The Howling IV actually has quite a lot in its favor. First of all, the movie is directed by seasoned horror filmmaker John Hough who helmed classics like Twins of Evil and The Legend of Hell House. Next the film has absolutely spectacular special effects from 80s gore wizard Steve Johnson and finally a killer theme song from Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues.
So, what's the problem? Well, despite all the talent The Howling IV is almost unbearably slow. Very little happens to advance the plot for at least an hour other than Marie casting suspicious glances at the odd locals. The performances also leave quite a bit to be desired, as some horrendous dubbing makes the actors appear stilted and wooden.
Finally, the picture does not disguise its South African location very well, despite the actor's best attempts at hick accents. The viewer is left seeing all this potential go to waste and wanting just a little more effort.