Wolf MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +3 Content: -2 1/2

Based on occultic tales of animal spirits possessing men, WOLF follows folklore traditions. Book publisher Will Randall (Jack Nicholson) hits a wolf in the road. When he starts to move the animal, it bites him. Of course, this happens during a full moon. In the following days, Will notices his senses improving and hair growing around the wolf bite. Horses begin to react in fear when he's near. An old doctor tells him that the wolf spirit will take over his body completely by the next full moon. A talisman medallion is supposed to keep the wolf from taking over. Will's improved senses also alert him to the affair between his wife Charlotte (Kate Nelligan) and his protege, Stuart (James Spader). When his company is bought by Raymond Alden (Christopher Plummer), Will is replaced by Stuart. Meanwhile, Alden's rebellious daughter, Laura (Michelle Pfeiffer), takes up with Will to spite her father. Will's mysterious change of personality makes him more aggressive in business and in his nightly wanderings, which he can't remember. When Charlotte is murdered, he suspects himself. But is he the only wolf victim? Will he bite Laura, the hand that loves him? A dark, suspenseful tale told with humorous touches, this film has some howling good moments for those who don't take it seriously.

Violence is surprisingly subdued except for a few graphic scenes. On his first night out, Will captures a deer, bites it and breaks its neck. Later, a trio of youths attack Will, who turns on them. The next morning, two severed fingers fall out of Will's pocket. Chasing Will, Stuart runs over a gate guard with his car. The fight between Will and Stuart includes body tossing, a pitchfork impaling and shooting. When Charlotte asks Will to forgive her for her unfaithfulness, Will refuses. Sex is implied between Will and Laura when they are seen sleeping under a sheet, and Stuart attempts to rape Laura once. Many regular profanities and obscenities also detract from the film. The occultic flavor of WOLF, along with some gruesome violent scenes and offensive language, will disturb discriminating viewers.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232