Hellhounds (2024) Review

When it comes to werewolf bikers, one would think they would be a fairly common trope in movies. However, apart from a couple of notable exceptions, such as 1971’s “Werewolves on Wheels” and the more recent “High Moon,” the genre remains largely untapped. Now, with the release of “Hellhounds” in 2024, directed by Robert Conway, we have another addition to this elusive subgenre.

In this review, we will delve into the film’s plot, characters, and overall execution, unpacking its strengths and weaknesses. So, buckle up and join us on this wild ride as we explore the world of “Hellhounds.”

The Plot: A Jumbled Start

“Hellhounds” begins with a jolt, or rather, multiple jolts. The film introduces us to three separate sets of characters, leaving us disoriented and struggling to find the connection between them.

We witness a woman being chased and abducted in the desert, a member of the Hellhounds biker gang being hunted by a bounty hunter, and the introduction of a woman whose husband suffers from a mysterious bite mark. The film sets off on a convoluted path, leaving us with more questions than answers.

The Characters: Searching for Dave

As the story progresses, we find ourselves at a biker rally, where the pieces of the puzzle begin to come together. We meet Alias, a member of the Hellhounds biker gang, portrayed by Nathaniel Burns, and Mia, the determined bounty hunter played by Dana Kippel.

Both Alias and Mia are on a mission to find Dave, the man responsible for the near decimation of the Hellhounds by their rival gang, The Silver Bullets. However, just as we start to grasp this central conflict, the film veers off into different plot threads, leaving us frustrated and longing for coherence.

The Elusive Werewolves: A Late Revelation

It’s worth noting that “Hellhounds” is long on talk, but short on delivering what it promises. Astonishingly, the word “werewolf” is not even uttered until almost forty minutes into the film, despite it being a pivotal aspect of the story. The film treats the existence of werewolves as a big secret, even though it’s prominently featured on the poster.

Furthermore, the advertised war between biker werewolves and werewolf hunters is merely a backdrop, as the focus shifts towards tracking down Dave and Lucella, with elements of a straight thriller thrown in.

Lackluster Transformations and Unfulfilled Potential

When we finally witness a werewolf transformation, it falls disappointingly flat. The CGI effects lack the intensity and visceral quality we have come to expect from werewolf films. The transformations lack the bone-crunching sounds and the sense of agony that make these scenes truly memorable.

Surprisingly, the film chooses to show some transformations off-screen, which only adds to the sense of missed opportunities. While the practical effects used for the gore are commendable, they are overshadowed by the excessive gunplay rather than the anticipated werewolf carnage.

A Talky Film with Plot Holes and Clunky Dialogue

As the film progresses, it becomes apparent that the budget constraints have hindered the execution of the plot. Hellhounds” had the potential to be a thrilling tale of werewolves navigating the criminal underworld, reminiscent of a modern-day Hole-In-The-Wall scenario.

However, what we get instead is a talky film with glaring plot holes, excessive dialogue, and an unsatisfying non-ending. Director Robert Conway attempts to spice up the film with ample nudity, a departure from his previous works, but this alone fails to mask the film’s shortcomings.

Final Words! A Missed Opportunity

In summary, “Hellhounds” falls short of its potential to deliver an engaging werewolf biker experience. With a jumbled plot, underdeveloped characters, lackluster transformations, and clunky dialogue, the film fails to captivate its audience.

While it may have promised an epic battle between biker werewolves and werewolf hunters, the film ultimately veers off course, leaving viewers with a disjointed narrative and an unfulfilled sense of excitement.

Despite its flaws, “Hellhounds” may still find an audience among those seeking a casual, mindless flick with some gratuitous nudity, but for those craving a well-crafted werewolf tale, this film falls short.