“Cursed” (2005) has a lot of behind-the-scenes hooks. It’s the only non-“Scream” saga collaboration between writer Kevin Williamson and director Wes Craven. And the cast is loaded with Young Hollywood talent from the turn of the century.
Weird werewolf rules
But the writing and/or editing needed more attention. In the final act, a veteran werewolf tells newer werewolves that “It comes and it goes; I should’ve told you that earlier.” Yeah, that would’ve been nice – for a viewer, too.
Early in the story, thinking he might be turning into a werewolf, Jimmy (Jesse Eisenberg) researches lycanthropy and finds that the effects cover the three days around the full moon. Williamson borrows (steals?) this from “Buffy.”
“Cursed” (2005)
Director: Wes Craven
Writer: Kevin Williamson
Stars: Christina Ricci, Jesse Eisenberg, Joshua Jackson
Until the end, the film doesn’t tell us the effects are random. Sometimes werewolves turn during this lunar period, sometimes they don’t. This is sloppy writing or unfortunate editing. I was kept off balance, in a bad way.
Also keeping me off balance: I kept forgetting Jimmy is supposed to be a high schooler. Eisenberg was only in his early 20s, granted, but his screen presence reads as mature. And Milo Ventimiglia as the school bully is even wilder casting. He’s six years older than Eisenberg, and three years older than Christina Ricci, who plays Jimmy’s older sister.
Light comedy
Still, “Cursed” almost finds an identity as goofy throwaway fun, as Williamson peppers in light comedy. Ellie (Ricci) sniffs around her office space at the Craig Kilborn show. A werewolf scratches its nails on a car door and the cowering target (Mya) cringes at the sound.
Eisenberg and Ricci are plausible as siblings who have lost their parents in a car crash. Both have natural acting styles that make you smile if there’s anything remotely funny – intentional or unintentional – going on in a scene.
The film sometimes benefits from this odd trait. But it also makes “Cursed” seem like it should be funnier than it is. And it makes emotional moments land with a thud because we feel like something funny is coming.
Parade of familiar faces
“Cursed” has random celebrity cameos (a conceit that was losing its appeal by 2005) such as Kilborn and Scott Baio – but for no purpose of commentary. I guess Baio is brave enough to make himself look like an ass, as he hits on Ellie, but why?
Joshua Jackson – post-“Dawson’s Creek” and pre-“Fringe” – might’ve taken this role as a thank-you to Williamson. If Jake’s status is supposed to be a surprise, then Jackson plays it too strongly.
Ventimiglia goes broad as homophobic bully Bo, which allows for entertaining interplay with Eisenberg. But it plays out the same as the Larry-Xander gag on “Buffy.”
Should’ve been better
For being gay himself, Williamson delivers a rather nuance-free, unoriginal commentary on the situation. He doesn’t even lean into the werewolf metaphor.
I’m mostly ripping “Cursed,” but it should be noted that Craven and Williamson aren’t considered masters of horror and meta commentary by accident.
Craven delivers light thrills amid decent set pieces – a celebrity bash, a hall of mirrors — but it’s never scary. It’s that PG-13 brand of slick pseudo-scariness. Williamson comes up with occasional slick lines, which Eisenberg effectively delivers.
“Cursed” is watchable. But it’s surprisingly generic considering the amount of talent lined up on- and off-camera.