Despite how this sounds, in case anybody is confused, it means that although there are problems with 'The Snarling' there is more than enough good in my view to stop it from being a film to completely dismiss. Was in two minds as to whether to see it and was not expecting a lot, apprreciate comedy and horror and do like films that combine both (that aspect has varied in success though), the premise seemed nice enough. Seeing too many potential wastes and that it did not look good made me nervous though.
While it is not a great film and did have a lot of room for improvement, 'The Snarling' turned out better than expected. Much better than its generic and cheesy title suggests, another thing that put me off when watching considering that there are many instances of films where the title is quite appetising. 'The Snarling' may not look good visually and budget does badly hinder it, but to me it managed to be fun and seemed to know what it wanted to be, what it was trying to do and what to aim it at, that was good considering that there are numerous films that struggle in this aspect.
As said, the low budget does show in 'The Snarling' and it really does look cheap. The editing lacked slickness, it looked drab and the special effects and some of the werewolf action look as though it was made in a rush at last minute on the small remainder of budget that was left. The pacing can be an issue too, it can drag in places with scenes that are longer and slighter than they should have been.
Personally would have liked more of the horror elements, which does play second fiddle to the comedy. Both are not done badly at all, with the comedy faring better, but it would have been even better with a more equal balance between the two (though that is difficult to do having said that).
'The Snarling's' comedic and horror elements however fare well individually. There may not be anything terrifying here, but there is a creepiness to the atmosphere and it was evident to me that it was made by people that loved the genre and understood it. The comedy is what makes the film work, there was a lot that made me laugh out loud and the neat and knowing references to the likes of 'An American Werewolf in London' came over as clever and affectionate. The dialogue didn't seem stilted and seemed like the writers were enjoying themselves, especially in those corking one-liners sprinkled throughout.
Despite the cheap look, the threat are still quite menacing and their scenes unsettling, the film not over or under using them. The audio doesn't spell things out too much and doesn't overbear. Some problematic pacing aside, the story has enough fun, atmosphere and content to still compel. The direction more than shows competence and the acting is above average, with Laurence Saunders effective in two roles.
Overall, not without drawbacks but decent. 6/10
