Directed by Neil Marshall. With Sean Pertwee, Kevin McKidd, Emma Cleasby, Liam Cunningham. A routine military exercise turns into a nightmare in the Scotland wilderness. Battledogs (Werewolf Transformation) I had very low expectations for Battledogs -after all, it's a 'SyFy Original Movie.' And, truth be told, I fast-forwarded through most of it (life is short, so sue me). Battledogs movie clips: BUY THE MOVIE: Don't miss the HOTTEST NEW TRAILERS: CLIP DESCRIPTION: C.
“Battledogs,”is a film that demonstrates the fine art of retooling a movie and having a good time doing it. In this instance, Writer Phillip Van Dyke retreads 2008’s “The Incredible Hulk” but tailors it more for werewolves. Every plot device and moment in the film is shamelessly derived from the 2008 action film. Hell, there’s even a moment where one of the infected humans is kicked out of a helicopter in mid-air and sent crashing in to the Earth as it transforms in to the rabid werewolf.
Like the aforementioned film there’s a genetic infection that can be spawned when its host becomes stressed or angry, there’s a clandestine government who wants to use the infection as a means of manufacturing it as a ware weapon, while a single human believes the infected individuals should be treated like humans despite their abilities to wreak havoc when enraged. Instead of a young woman, Craig Scheffer plays up the role of Betty Ross as Brian Hoffman, a CDC expert who garners a military background but still holds pity for the monsters. A now fully grown Ariana Richards (Jurassic Park) is a female Bruce Banner named instead Donna Voorhees. After returning from Canada with a bitten arm from a mysterious wolf, Donna transforms in to a werewolf in the middle of an airport and massacres an entire group of hapless travelers. Those who don’t die from the attacks are infected and become werewolves when they’re enraged, stressed, or emotional.
Bird Transformation into Ostrich. Featured Gallery. Felidae, Battledogs. Favourite TV Shows. Kuroshitsuji, Steven. Avoiding a fight and waiting out the transformation time seems to avoid the issue. 360 Sometimes, while transforming, if you press the attack button the Dragonborn will stop transforming mid-transformation and be able to carry on attacking with a weapon, but with a werewolf head and some werewolf skin. However, this only lasts a few seconds.
Voorhees feels she can control it and wants to be thought of as human, but the evil government won’t allow it. Dennis Haysbert plays up the Thunderbolt Ross role as Lt. General Christopher Monning, a scowling soldier who considers the infected void of any rights and wants to use them as weapons and soldiers in the battlefield by command of the government. The derivations continue as Hoffman tries to reach Voorhees and help her control her anger in hopes of gaining control of her transformations, while villainous Monning rubs his hands together and insists on capturing Voorhees and using her blood to synthesize a formula that will give American troops some sort of advantage on the field involving the positive traits of lycanthropy. The similarities are remarkable and I’m assuming not at all coincidental. There’s even a moment where Monning purposely pisses off Voorhees allowing her to transform and she’s brought back to human form thanks to the utter kindness of Hoffman.
And of course, like Abomination, the werewolves are what happens when you use the infection for nefarious purposes. True, I mock and patronize, but “Battledogs” could be so much worse. With a more unique spin on the premise, the concept is ripe with entertainment value as a raucous time killer. The special effects are tolerable for most part, opting for the four legged werewolf variety, while director Alexander Yellen assembles a really good cast of actors. From Richards, Scheffer, and Haysbert, there’s also a cameo from Bill Duke (easiest role in the film), a small role from Ernie Hudson as captain deus ex machina, and Wes Studi as Monning’s subservient sidekick. The lovely Kate Vernon is also memorable as the noble doctor Gordon who is torn between hating and empathizing for the werewolf hordes.
Surely it’s a B grade science fiction horror hybrid so there are moments of inherent silliness including human rights protestors at what is supposed to be a top secret facility for the werewolves, and soldiers battling the massive werewolves with small dart guns rather than high tech trapping weapons that could bring them down with ease. In either case, Ariana Richards does a great job as Voorhees giving her character a heart. It’s tough to hate anything Richards is in, and she tends to rise above the camp. Scheffer also does a respectable job as the humanitarian Hoffman who struggles to bring this rapidly chaotic situation to a peaceful resolve, knowing it will likely end horribly for everyone. The main caveat of “Battle Dogs” is the ending is so abrupt and ultimately unsatisfying.
Battle Dogs Transformation
Granted, “It’s been a hell of a day” is a nice hero one-liner for Scheffer, but when all is said and done, aren’t he and the doctor fugitives from the American government or something? Oh screw it, I just want to see more of Ariana Richards. In spite of being a shameless re-working of “The Incredible Hulk,” Director Yellen takes a creative premise and turns it in to an entertaining B movie with a very good cast of genre notables. With more re-tooling, a better studio, and a bigger budget this could be a hell of a great movie.
Arts Illustrated interview with
Wayne W. Johnson
1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Wayne W. Johnson. I’m an actor based in Syracuse, NY. I’m also the singer / guitarist for CAROLINE BLUE-a Melodic Hard Rock Band whose music is similar in style to KISS with touches of LA Guns, Dokken, Megadeth, Chevelle and Type O Negative thrown in.
WWJ as Dr. Musko in the film “Zillafoot”
2. Why acting?
Growing up, I started to get drawn more and more into the creative arts. Believe it or not, I initially wanted to be a scientist. My first year in college, in the science program, basically killed that idea off. I was barely treading above C level. I just seem to be more geared towards the creative arts. They hold my interest longer and I get more satisfaction from them. In addition, thru out most of my life, I’ve been in front of a camera-whether it be still and / or video so it’s seemed like a natural extension. Being a musician also had me performing in front of people for years, so there’s that as well. There are actually a lot of parallels with music and acting (as well as other creative arts like writing, painting, dancing, etc.)
In addition, there are times when acting just seems kind of easy for me to do. I know its not-it’s actually a lot harder than people think, but it’s also a lot easier. How’s that for some Zen? One of my main attractions to music was that it was a field where I could honestly express myself and I found that I can also do that with acting. Yes, I’m playing a role but, to me, the ideal is to become the role. That can be quite hard-especially if the role is not like the real you. Many people will just play any type of role as they would play themselves-whether it calls for that or not. There’s nothing wrong with that approach per se, but to me, the challenge is to play something that isn’t the real you and be able to pull it off. I don’t always succeed at that (but I’m working on it), nor do I approach every role like that. Each role is treated individually depending on many factors. However, when I get a part where I get a chance to spread my wings, so to speak, that’s the challenge. Some examples for me are the roles of Captain James T. Morris from “Slade Collins 2: In & Out of Time” (Mad Angel Films), Dr. Mosku from “Zillafoot” (SRS Cinema LLC), Malachi from “Transformation” (Hewitt Films), Corneilus from “Night of Something Strange” (WLPFilms / SRS Cinema LLC / Virtua Interactive) and Dracula from “Tales of Dracula” (Wolfbane Productions).
WWJ as Captain James T. Morris, in the film “Slade Collins 2: In and Out of Time”
3. What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an actor?
I dabbled in it in 2010, but didn’t get serious about it until 2011. Before that, my focus was primarily with music. I mean, growing up, I did do a few acting things here and there like school plays-but that was all just for fun and /or because I had to. I’d say the seed was first planted when I got a lot of positive feedback from a music video and commercial I did for a class towards the end of high school (sadly-no copies are known to exist, but if they do, contact me!) Then I took a theater class and I received even more positive feedback, to the point where I was actually at a crossroads as to whether to pursue music or acting. Music won out, but it’s kind of ironic that I eventually switched my main focus to acting. In 2010, the acting bug got reawakened in me during the filming of a music video for my band CAROLINE BLUE. Not soon after I was laid off from my then job and at another crossroads. It was at that point I made the decision to get serious about acting and I’ve been on that path since.
4. What are your favorite subject(s)/genre(s)?
I was always a big fantasy fan-probably cause I used to be a hardcore gamer in regards to RPGs like Advanced Dungeons & Dragons and video games like the Final Fantasy series. Sci-Fi could be thrown in there as well. For ex., when I saw Star Wars (ep.IV) for the first time, it made quite an impression on my fragile little mind. I also like comedies and action / superhero movies.
WWJ as the lead zombie Corneilus, in the film “Night of Something Strange”
5. How do you work and approach your subject/character?
First I’ll print out & read the entire script. Then I’ll go over it again, focusing on my character and the people I’m interacting with in my scenes. The next step would be memorizing the lines. If there are a lot of lines and /or a lot of interaction, what I’ll do is something that I learned from a friend in theater. I’ll audio record the lines-both of my role and the others-in the scene. When I get to my part, I’ll just say the character’s name and then continue on. In that way, when I get to my role, I know when to hit “pause” so I can say my lines and then resume playback. This is also very helpful if you don’t have anyone to run lines with you. After the lines are memorized I’ll work on making them my own, so to speak, and on the flow. Ideally, an actor wants to become the role, not just “acting” the role.
6. What are your favorite performance(s), actor(s)?
With acting, it varies-especially since, for the longest time, I didn’t really watch a lot of TV or go to many movies, so I’m now slowly catching up on stuff. My initial favorite actors were Bruce Lee and Arnold Schwarzenegger, but not necessarily due to their acting (although I enjoyed their movies a lot-still do actually). What attracted me the most was their drive and I’ve incorporated parts of that, and what they do, into my own makeup.
Of the top of my head, some of my favorite moments with acting are Heath Ledger as The Joker in “The Dark Knight”, Ricardo Montalbán as Khan in “Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan”, Bruce Lee in any of his movies, Arnold in “Conan The Barbarian” and “Predator”, Star Wars & The Empire Strikes Back, several Clint Eastwood and Mel Brooks movies, “The Final Countdown” w/ Kirk Douglas, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children . . . just off the top of my head.
WWJ as Malachi in the film “Transformation”
I also have to add another big influence in my makeup-and that is KISS, specifically Paul Stanley. Anyone who has seen my band performs and / or our music videos know I wear this influence on my sleeve. Interestingly enough, I just recently read his book “Face The Music-A Life Exposed” which revealed many things-primarily his drive to succeed, which is on par with Bruce’s and Arnold’s.
WWJ as General Czar in the film “Slade Collins and The Tree Of Life”
7. What are the best responses you have had to your work?
I’ve had people say to me “That’s you?” and / or ‘I didn’t know you could do that” and that is always wonderful and appreciative to hear. It’s also great when producers / directors / writers I’ve worked with ask me to come back in their next productions. The best is when I’m told a lead / supporting role was made specifically for me to play. The only thing better to hear, in addition to the role being tailored to me, is that the role is paying :).
8. What do you like about your work?
That I’m in it (HA!). Actually, I can be my harshest critic. In addition, I have this strange feeling of detachment when I watch myself performing; almost like it’s another person and not me. Ever had a dream where you are watching yourself in 3rd person? It’s like that-a whacky feeling…
WWJ and Wes Studi in a scene from the original SyFy movie “Battledogs”
9. What advice would you give to other actors?
While there can be many parallels, everyone’s path on the creative arts is unique and there are no surefire guides to success with it (if there are, contact me-HA!). Not to mention I’ve only reached certain points on my own journey and still have a long way to go, but I can say a few things . . .
• PREPARE FOR THE LONG HAUL – A lot of people see others skyrocket to fame and fortune within a year or so and don’t realize that, for the most part; those are the exceptions more than the rule. Even then, many of these people have worked as much as 10 or more years to be labeled an “overnight sensation.” You may get lucky and hit the jackpot early-but I wouldn’t bank on it. There’s a common phrase in acting called “Hurry up & Wait.” The waiting kills a lot of people. An example would be a call time at 7 AM, but not even be in makeup till 1 PM and then not filming till 5 PM. I once had, on a production, a call time at 10 AM, went into makeup at around 11 AM, got out at around 1 PM (I wasn’t the only one being done) and then sat around till 10 PM, only to be told “Oh, we don’t need you today.” Believe it or not, that’s not my record in regards to this 🙂
• DEVELOP YOUR “ARMOR” – This relates with preparing for the long haul. If you’re doing stuff that will be consumed by the public, be prepared for their opinion on it-whether you want it or not. While I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion, that doesn’t mean you have to always listen to it. Destructive criticism should always be ignored. With constructive criticism, weigh it in and then decide whether you choose to heed it or not. It’s your choice and whatever that is doesn’t necessarily mean that you or the other person is wrong. Sometimes other people can see things you can’t. On the flip side, sometimes you see things other people can’t. Do what is best for you. People’s opinions can really get to you if you let them, causing all sorts of doubt, frustration and stress. You have enough going against you as is. In the end, it’s your path and you have to make the decisions that move yourself on it.
Battle Dogs Transformation
• ALWAYS WORK ON IMPROVING YOURSELF & YOUR CRAFT – Get as much experience and training as you can and always set the bar higher for yourself. The higher you go, the more opportunities you will be exposed to, but they won’t do you any good if you’re not ready to tackle them.
• WORK / NETWORK AS MUCH AS YOU CAN –The more work you do, the better you potentially become-as well as the possibility of someone higher up seeing your work. Networking is very important-more so than many realize. I’ve been in a number of productions due to working with someone, them liking what I did and / or my attitude on set, and wanting me to be in future productions of theirs. Or someone I work with refers me to another production and I get in that way.
• GET WISE WITH BUSINESS – Now, when I say this, I’m not saying you have to know as much as an entertainment lawyer, but at least get familiar with the basics-especially on how to read a contract. If you only take away one thing from this “advice column,” let it be this: It’s not a case of “if” you’re going to get screwed over, it’s “when”-and how many times. Worse-it will come from people and places you’d never expect. Always read over something you have to sign and if you don’t know what something means-ask.
10. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Ideally alive. and (in one year, every year) doing the following…be in one major movie (min.), record / release one CD of music (min.), put out 1-2 music videos (min.) and write / release one book (min.). When I reach this point consistently, I’ll be a happy lad! 🙂
WAYNE W. JOHNSON LINKS
Website – http://waynewjohnson.com/
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wwjofficial
Twitter – https://twitter.com/WWJ13
IMDb – http://www.imdb.me/waynewjohnson
You Tube – https://www.youtube.com/user/WWJOfficial
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/pub/wayne-w-johnson/24/30b/2a8
Google Plus – https://plus.google.com/+WayneWJohnson/posts
Battledogs Transformation Scene
CAROLINE BLUE LINKS
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/carolineblueofficial
Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/caroline-blue
Twitter – https://twitter.com/CAROLINE_BLUE
You Tube – https://www.youtube.com/user/CarolineBlueOfficial
Reverbnation – http://www.reverbnation.com/carolineblue
