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- Ginger Snaps 3:The Beginning - US DVD -

Synopsis:

An area is plagued by the Indian legend of the "wendigo" (werewolf). Legend states 
that the curse is ancient and has been passed on for generations. It describes the
coming of the red and black, the day of reckoning, when the curse would be broken 
or grow stronger.

"In its push westward the Northern Legion Trading Company established an outpost 
in the wilderness. Each spring thirty six men from the fort traveled to 'Hudson's 
Bay' in York, boats laden with animal pelts. The boatmen would return in the fall 
with provisions to survive the harsh winter. In 1815 they never came back."

During a harsh winter in 19th century Canada, 'Brigette' and her sister, 'Ginger,'
are the lone survivors after their boat overturned and kills their parents. They 
meet a mysterious old Indian woman (seer) who cryptically warns them to "kill the 
boy or one sister kills the other". A young Indian man, a trapper for the local 
traders' fort, takes them to the fort to stay. The men of the fort are low on 
supplies, due to their supply party not returning, and reluctant to accept the 
girls to the fort. The fort has been under siege by some savage werewolves at night. 
Later, one of the girls is bitten by a werewolf. 'Brigitte' and 'Ginger' have no 
one to turn to but themselves.


Story/plot:

The story is simple but effective. The basic underlying story is similar to "Ginger 
Snaps" but in a different time period. But it's greatly different than the first 
two installments. It's much darker and morbid in tone and emotion, a prediction of 
things to come. Secrets abound. 


Atmosphere:

It's very dark in tone and setting. There are three settings: outside in the beautiful, 
yet ominous, wintry woods of Canada; inside the candlelit fort rooms with an orange 
haze and flickering shadows; and outside within the walls of the fort, which is very 
dark with shadows everywhere. It is a perfect horror atmosphere in every aspect.


Cast/characters:

There are several characters but most serve as a background for the story. Aside 
from the main actors, the actors seem like a theater company with great stage acting 
skills. 
Emily Perkins plays 'Brigitte,' the younger black-haired sister of 'Ginger.' Great 
as usual. She plays the younger sister who starts out following 'Ginger' but later 
has to rely on her own instincts and does good. The sisters depend on each other 'till 
the end.
Katharine Isabelle plays 'Ginger,' the red-haired sister of 'Brigitte.' The older 
sister who is in charge of her and her sister. Great as usual.
Nathaniel Arcand plays the 'Indian hunter' who leads the girls in the ways of the 
wendigo legends. He does a great job and has worked in numerous movies.
The reverend is self-righteous and tries to force his beliefs on everyone. He wants 
to kill the girls from the start.
The leader of the fort's family were attacked by werewolves and he sides with the 
girls. He's gone insane and in denial.
One soldier is hard-headed and likes to abuse women.


Cinematography:

Directed by Grant Harvey and written by Stephen Massicotte & Christina Ray.
Beautiful cinematography!! 
It's shot with meticulous care to details. This is like a work of art. There's a 
few shots with a quick montage of gory visions from 'Ginger.' There are a few dream 
sequences. Very pleasing to the eye.


FX, sound, etc.:

Great FX. The setting is perfect, the werewolves are great, and the gore looks 
realistic. The sound of the outdoors with the wind blowing, fire crackling, floors 
creaking, wolves howling, and more are great and clear. The music is mostly 
orchestral, perfect for the tension felt throughout the movie.


Final Thoughts:

I love this movie! 
The setting, the acting, the sound, the music, the SFX are all very atmospheric
and scary. Perfect for horror fans. Watch this during a storm or on a cool autumn 
night for added affect.
Two gripes. The werewolves die too easily. The very ending just seemed a bit 
confusing as to where it is leading. It's set up for a sequel.


DVD Features:

Anamorphic widescreen
English and French Dolby Digital 5.1
Commentary with director Grant Harvey
Deleted Scenes
Director Grant Harvey's Video Diary
Wolfboy Special Effects Make-up and stunt Rehearsal
Blood, Guts and Fire - Dead Scene Special Effects and Stunts
Costume Design
Behind the Scenes
Production Design Walk Through
Trailer
Trailer Gallery

4.5/5 stars

Reviewed By Wolf By Night

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