HOWL (2015)

An indie British thriller hearkening back to the Hammer horror hey-days, Howl stars Ed Speleers as Joe, a good-guy train conductor just passed over for another promotion, who finds himself working a double shift when someone doesn't show for the midnight train heading out.  Oh well, at least the pretty female co-worker who sells the commuters food and drink on the train is working, too; a good thing, as the passengers are kind of surly.  But they're nothing compared to when the train hits something and is forced to a stop in the middle of some woods - the driver disappears - and Joe and the others soon realize there is something out there, something prowling under the light of a full moon and trying to find its way in.  Low budget and a bit schlocky in places, with some stereotypical horror film characters, Howl is still a crazy, quite fun ride through werewolf country, with decent performances and good effects and some truly nail-biting moments.  If nothing else, it will certainly make you think twice before taking another late-night commuter train home. (unrated)  B

HOWL trailer