An American Werewolf in London 1981

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader: It's a failure, less because the odd stylistic mix doesn't take (it does from time to time, and to striking effect) than because Landis hasn't bothered to put his story into any kind of satisfying shape. Read more

Janet Maslin, New York Times: When the movie backfires, which it finally does, it's because too much grisly footage has been used too lightly. Read more

James Berardinelli, ReelViews: Considering its often campy competition, it's hard to argue that, if your in the mood for lycanthropy, London is the place to go. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: Seems curiously unfinished, as if director John Landis spent all his energy on spectacular set pieces and then didn't want to bother with things like transitions, character development, or an ending. Read more

Tom Huddleston, Time Out: Not just gory but actually frightening, not just funny but clever, 'American Werewolf...' has its flaws, but these are outweighed by the film's many, mighty strengths. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: A clever mixture of comedy and horror which succeeds in being both funny and scary, An American Werewolf in London possesses an overriding eagerness to please that prevents it from becoming off-putting. Read more