Ginger Snaps attempts to create a metaphor -- menstruation and the changes it brings to personality and sexuality are like the raging blood lust of the werewolf. There's something interesting in that parallel, but ultimately the film doesn't follow through on the idea, but becomes simply a parade of attacks, some brutal, some darkly funny. The two girls give very strong performances, particularly Perkins, and Brigitte's own transformation from mousy sidekick to werewolf hunter is impressive. It's refreshing to see a young girl take on the hero's role in this kind of film.

Teenagers may enjoy though they may not pick up on the "message" it's trying to convey. As a horror film it works fine. As a satiric commentary on adolescence it doesn't succeed quite as well. It's extremely violent, and parents should use discretion in allowing their children to see it. Older teens will think it's fine, but younger kids could be terrified.