I must say
I was pleasantly surprised with this little Thriller, maybe I wasn't
expecting much, but there were some unique twists and turns that make
this one work a look. Larry Drake, who played "Dr. Giggles"
and "Benny" on L.A. Law has always kind of disturbed me, even
in his good guy roles, so I was bound to find this one a little creepy.
It starts out with a young woman, who I SWORE was Alanis Morisette at
first, who is under counseling due to the brutal murder of her parents
25 years ago. Now the murderer, Larry Drake's character, is actually
getting out on parole as he continues to harass her through the internet.
Drake's performance again gave me the willies, but again, I already
had pre-disposed notions about him. I do know there was some neat
surprises that I didn't see coming, and for that I appreciate the effort.
FEAR FACTOR: 6 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 2 - SFX: 4
PHANTASM
- 1979 - Director: Don Coscarelli
"BOOOOY,
I've been WAITING for you!" This is more of a nightmare than
an actual story as there's so many things that don't really make sense,
but you get sucked into this crazy world created by director/writer
Don Coscarelli. There's evil little dwarfs that look like Jawa's
from Star Wars, Flying Metal Balls with spikes and other nasty things
attached, and of course, "The Tall Man" played by Angus Scrimm.
Tall Man is a caretaker who steals dead body's and transforms them into
evil creatures that do his bidding. There's really no rules here
as you never really know what the Tall Man is. He could be Satan
or maybe some sort of alien, but you don't know or really care.
Coscarelli keeps the action movie at a fast pace, even in today's standards,
you really develop a liking for the characters, especially "Reggie"
played by Reggie Bansister, who appears in all the sequels to date.
There's really no good way to explain this movie, you just have to watch
it and enjoy the nightmare. There's some dark humor mixed in as
well that makes it even more enjoyable. One of the characters
delivers this line without even cracking a smile; "Are you sure
it wasn't that retarded kid Timmy from down the street?"
Now that's funny.
FEAR FACTOR: 6 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 2 - SFX: 6
PHANTASM
2 - 1988 - Director: Don Coscarelli
It took
around a decade for part 2 of the series to come out, and they did a
nice job of starting right where they left off with very little flashback
time, (unlike part 4). The only thing different was the character
Michael was replaced by James Legros, which was a big improvement.
Legros went on to be in some pretty big projects including "Enemy
Of The State" and TV Series "Alley McBeal" (we forgive
James for this horrible mistake in judgement). This time around
the story is not quite as convoluted, probably because the first one
got most of the story lines moving along. It's 8 years later and
the weird things start to happen, Michael is dreaming about the "Tall
Man" and other disturbing premonitions. I can't help think
that some of the story was conceived after numerous successful "Nightmare
On Elmstreet" movies... even though the original Phantasm came
years before Freddie. Michael and Reggie actually go out looking
for the Tall Man and find destruction in his path. There's some
genuine good scares in this one and some pretty disturbing images too...
and of course, the ball is back and nastier than ever. In my opinion
this is the best of the series to date, two more sequels follow.
FEAR FACTOR: 7 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 2 - SFX: 7
PINOCCHIO'S
REVENGE - 1996 - Director: Kevin Tenney
I can not
tell a lie... this movie "wood" have been allright if not
for a few key elements. It's your basic "evil-doll"
story based around a wooden Pinnocchio doll that was owned by a convicted
serial killer. His defense attorney, played by Rosalin Allen (Ticks),
accidentally leaves the doll in here car where her young daughter finds
it and becomes attached to it. There's nothing really particularly
scary about this film as they "cry wolf" way too many times
in the first half to the point that any hope of scaring you is gone.
Brittany Alyse Smith, who plays "Zoe", the young girl who
befriends the doll, is a wonderful young actress, and the entire cast
is also quite good, but the story, and the way it is handled ruin a
potentially good little horror flick.
FEAR FACTOR: 4 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 1 - SFX: 4
PIRANHA
- 1978 - Director: Joe Dante
Early in
Joe Dante's career, he made a little film about some killer mutant fish
that had been accidently set loose in a freshwater river. Dante's
other works include "The Howling", "Gremlins" and
"Small Soldiers". You can see flashes of his later works
in this B-Movie that plays off fear already established by "Jaws".
I will admit there are some pretty tense moments here, but of
course, I grew up near Lakes country and already am leary of murky waters.
You barely can see the Pirahna, but Dante creates a decent amount of
fear with sound effects and blood-soaked water. There's you average
amount of bad acting and stupid people in this one, along with some
questionable effects. Overall, Dante creates some good B-Movie
mayhem with dark-humor and some very dry wit. Not as effective
as "Jaws", but I'll bet you think twice about dangling your
feet in the water off the end of the dock.
FEAR FACTOR: 6 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 5 - SFX: 4
PIRANHA
2: The Spawning - 1981 - Director: James Cameron
It's hard
to believe that the director of "Terminator" and "Aliens"
had anything to do with the debacle. James Cameron made the biggest
turnaround in history going from this to "Terminator" three
years later... maybe in those three years he learned what NOT to do.
This is a blatant rip-off of "Jaws" with a local Policeman
(Lance Henrickson) trying to put an end to the menace, while the locals
refuse to pay heed to the warnings of danger because of financial reasons.
Henrickson (Man's Best Friend, Millenium) does the best he can with
this ridiculous script. He's the only reason I could watch this
movie without throwing something through the television. I should
mention that this time, the fish can "fly", and when they
finally do towards the end of the movie, it's one of the dumbest scenes
in cinema history. Do NOT bother with this movie, it's slow moving,
bad acting, and all around garbage. Anytime Cameron starts getting
to cocky, he should be tied down to a chair and forced to watch this.
FEAR FACTOR: 6 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 5 - SFX: 4
PITCH
BLACK - 2000 - Director: David N. Twohy
A crash
landing on a mysterious planet leaves it's survivors stranded and confused.
There's more than meets the eye here and the tension mounts as they
gradually realize how much trouble they're in. You'll probably
find this one under "Science Fiction" but it's scarier than
most "Horror" films. Vin Diesel plays a convict who
was hitching a ride on a commuter ship and he steals the show easily
as you find out that everything is not as it seems. The cast is
tremendous and very effective as the stereotypes don't apply.
The tension is incredible after they realize this planet has 3 Suns,
and it's almost time for one hell of an eclipse. What comes next
can only be seen to be appreciated. Some might claim it steals
from Aliens, but personally I don't care, it's one of the better Sci-Fi
Flicks ever made.
FEAR FACTOR: 7 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 4 - SFX: 9
PLANET
OF THE APES - 2001 - Director: Tim Burton
An amazing
new look at the "Planet Of The Apes". While based on
the movie from 1968, this is NOT an actual remake of that movie.
Burton does a spectacular job reversing the roles of humans and apes.
Burton treats the relationship much like that of slavery. Of course
Hollywood is going to take a liberal slant, but even the most conservative
will find this more interesting than offending. Burton takes a
fairly comedic view and keeps the views more light-hearted in the interest
of entertainment. Now, throw out ANY and ALL political views
and what you have is an amazing spectacle of cinematography. Burton
uses light and darkness brilliantly, it's more accessible than some
of his more gothic work. If you look at this a simply an action/adventure
film, you won't be disappointed even though there is a lot of dialogue.
Charleton Heston, who starred in the first film returns as an elderly
dying Ape. Mark Walberg does a respectable job as Astronaut Leo
Davidson. Walberg is not an overpowering front-man, but handles
the material well. This movies will be frightening to children,
much as the 1968 version, some adults will find it silly, as they do
the 1968 versions, and others will embrace this for it's entertainment
value. Part of the fun is recognizing the actors behind the Apes
makeup and guess who they are! Without giving away anything, it's
defiantly primed for a sequel.
FEAR FACTOR: 7 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 4 - SFX: 9
This story
by Steven Spielberg's is a mystical journey in the "other-side".
Tobe Hooper (Texas Chainsaw Massacre) actually directed this classic,
even though it's considered by many as a Spielberg fim. Hooper's
use of effects and lighting are incredible, and bringing children into
the mix made this one even more frightening. Only the youngest daughter
can hear "them" talking through the television set which has
created a line people STILL use today. "They're HERRRREE.",
is delivered with such innocence by the pre-schooler it still sends
shivers up my spine. Spielberg has so many side stories going
he keeps your interest even in slower parts of the movie. For
awhile after they discover the poltergeist in their presence, it's,
dare I say "fun"... but soon it becomes quite clear they need
professional help. Craig T. Nelson is fantastic as the father
long before his days as the overbearing Hayden Fox in "Coach".
FEAR FACTOR: 7 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 4 - SFX: 8
POLTERGEIST
2 - 1986 - Director: Brian Gibson
It's four
years later and Steve Spielberg has moved on to bigger and better things.
Tobe Hooper has moved on too as Brian Gibson directs this one.
I'll give everyone involved credit for bringing back the entire cast
and having a similar "feel" as the first one. However,
it doesn't live up to the first one, probably because of all the movies
influenced by the first Poltergeist, the storylines had been overdone
by now. They do create quite a disturbing character in "Kane",
the ghost who continues to harass the family. "Kane"
is, or was, a religious cult leader who comes off as a cross between
a Southern Baptist Minister and an Amish wacko. He's actually
quite frightening as he literally approaches the family and attempts
to steal their youngest daughter Carol Anne. I was very happy
to see the family decide to LEAVE as soon as the weirdness begins, unlike
in the first movie. As far as sequels go, this isn't a bad one, Craig
T. Nelson shines again and there are some pretty good effects as well.
They even manage to fit "They're Baaaack.", into the movie,
which I guess is appropriate considering this IS a sequel.
FEAR FACTOR: 7 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 3 - SFX: 6
POLTERGEIST
3 - 1988 - Director: Gary Sherman
Gary Sherman
takes over as director and writer of the third instalment. Sherman had
directed one of the more underrated Horror films of the 80's called
"Dead And Buried". It's always hard to take over right
in the middle of the series, but manages to do some creative work here.
"Carol Anne" (Heather O'Rourke) has gone to stay with her
Aunt and Uncle, played by the very capable Nancy Allen and Tom Skerritt.
There's some pretty weak dialogue, especially in the beginning where
they try to establish "Carol Anne" as polite young lady and
throw here some very cheesy lines. Once the action starts, Sherman
starts to shine. The entire film takes place in a high-tech high-rise
apartment building which lends some great elements to play with.
Sherman makes great use of mirrors and utilizes the "Kane"
character just enough to make him scary. One reason he may have done
this is because the "Kane" character is a different actor.
The only other consistent than O'Rourke is Zelda Rubenstien, who reprises
her roll as "Tangina". Lara Flynn Boyle (Wayne's World,
The Temp) plays Carol Anne's cousin. This wasn't a bad effort
despite what a lot of critics might say, fans of the series should enjoy
this even though by 88' the ghost story had been done many times over.
On a sad note, this was Heather O'Rourke's final movie as she passed
on from intestinal stenosis that same year. This movie only started
to show us a more mature O'Rourke, who has etched her place in Cinema
history with one of the most famous lines ever... "They're Heeerree."
FEAR FACTOR: 6 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 3 - SFX: 7
POPCORN
- 1991 - Director: Mark Herrier
This was
actually one of the last Horror films from the 80's "Slasher"
genre. There was pretty big promotion for it, you may remember
the tagline "Buy A Bag... Go Home In A Box". The first
part of this film is just weird enough to have some disturbing moments,
but then becomes more of a "Nightmare On Elm Street" meets
"Phantom Of The Opera". The film is set in a small town where
the school's theatre department decides to show some "Classic"
films as a sort of old fashioned "Horrorthon". I think
people had grown tired of the genre by this point and a new generation
of Horror had spawned with films like "Silence Of The Lambs".
Ironically this one has some very similar elements of modern films like
the "Scream" series. There's some funny moments here as the
material isn't taken very seriously and they are using the Classic Horror
film as a source of Parody. It's actually a pretty entertaining
film with some good actors like Dee Wallace-Stone (Cujo), Jill Scholen
(The Stepfather) and the goofy Tom Villard. I wish the film had
maintained the creepiness of the beginning, but it was still entertaining.
FEAR FACTOR: 6 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 5 - SFX: 5
THE
PREMONITION - 1976 - Director: Robert Allen Schnitzer
A disturbing,
but slow moving film about a little girl's natural mother trying to
kidnap her daughter from her adopted parents. Sharon Ferrell,
who just played the mother in "It's Alive" two years earlier,
is again the victimised mother in this one. For some reason
she is having "premonitions" of her adopted daughter being
taken, and of her completely insane real mom. The always creepy
Richard Lynch (Bad Dreams) plays the boyfriend who's trying to help
steal back the little girl. Ellen Barber plays the neurotic girlfriend
who's a very convincing wacko. Her screaming and crying are at
time very annoying, but effective. Director Robert Allen Schnitzer creates
some scary moments during Ferrell's "premonitions" and the
film has an overall eerie feel to it. All the elements are here
for a great film, but the sometimes lethargic pace really prevents it
from being anything more than an average thriller. With some fine
tuning, this one might have been much more memorable.
FEAR FACTOR: 6 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: N/A - SFX: 4
PRINCE
OF DARKNESS - 1987 - Director: John Carpenter
There's
"scary" movies, and there's "creepy" ones... this
without a doubt is the creepiest. This is vintage John Carpenter
and perhaps his most underrated film. The plot is very deep, in
fact it's on the verge of too confusing, but the overall theme is the
threat of the "Anti-Christ" awakening to walk the Earth.
A group of scientists is formed to study some strange phenomenon's in
an urban-based church. Carpenter has assembled a very workable
cast including Jameson Parker (Simon & Simon), Lisa Blount (Dead
And Buried), Victor Wong and Dennis Dunn (Big Trouble In Little China),
Alice Cooper and the legend Donald Pleasance (Halloween). This
cast makes the story legitimate, and along with Carpenter's use of eerie
background music, this one becomes a very disturbing journey.
Having the scientists basically locked inside this church creates a
Closter Phobic feeling that heightens the tension and fear. For
those of you on the religious side of the fence, this movie is even
more disturbing, even though it's not all based on fact, the whole idea
of a "Prince Of Darkness" coming to walk the Earth is a bone-chilling
concept. Fans of "The Thing" and "Escape From New
York" will really appreciate this film as it rivals with both of
those films as Carpenter's best.
FEAR FACTOR: 8 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 3 - SFX: 6
PRIMAL
RAGE - 1988 - Director: Vittorio Rambaldi
This is
the only movie Vittorio Rambaldi ever directed... thank GOD! The
overall look of the movie but the writing and dialogue is horrible!
The entire movie is based around a test monkey that bites a student,
he goes "ape" and starts killing people. They never
really explain what really happened and why this monkey is infected,
but it's spreading, and those who have been bitten release their "primal
rage". The acting is so completely cheesy 80's it's beyond
annoying. Every stereotype applies here, the frat boys are rapists,
the instructors are messing around with the female students, and the
science department is up to no good. It has a lot of the elements
of the traditional "slasher", stupid victims and bad acting.
Watch only if being tied down and forced to do so. About the only
thing it has going for it are some decent bloody effects.
FEAR FACTOR: 3 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 6 - SFX: 4
THE
PROPHECY - 1995 - Director: Gregory Widen
Christopher
Walken, Elias Koteas, Virginia Madsen, Eric Stoltz, Viggo Mortensen
and Amanda Plummer help make up this qualified cast in a movie about
the war between Heaven and Hell. There's arch-angels, fallen angels,
flying angels and angels with no eyes... if you want angels, you got
em'. I really don't know how accurate any of the story was, but
Christopher Walken plays the evil Gabriel who's basically raising "Hell"
on Earth. Elias Koteas plays the cop trying to figure out why
these angels are killing each other left and right. Director Gary
Widen submits the story to the audience with a dark sense of humor and
dry wit. In other words, this is prime material from the likes
of Christopher Walken. The mid-90's didn't offer much for Horror,
but this one was a beacon of light if you will. If nothing else,
it's always fun to watch Walken at work, and he's in top form in this
one. Sequels would follow, with less mainstream success.
FEAR FACTOR: 5 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 2 - SFX: 5
PSYCHO
- 1960 - Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Hitchcock's
masterpiece actually came towards the end of his career. I don't
think many people would argue this is his best, and quite possible the
best Horror/Suspense Thriller of all-time. If you don't know
the story already, Norman Bates is a tortured soul, consumed with his
mother and on the breaking point. Anthony Perkins should have
won an Oscar for his portrayal, Janet Leigh, who played Marion Crane
did win for supporting actress. The infamous "Shower Scene"
is easily Horrors most memorable moments, it it still disturbing to
this day. From the way you see an outline of the killer through
the curtain, to the way Janet Leigh slowly slides down the wall after
being stabbed repeatedly, to the blood streaming into the drain, and
from the camera angle that starts at her pupil and moves outward to
show her face pressed against the tile floor. John Russell also won
an Oscar for his Black And White Cinematography, which was well-deserved.
Some of the shots of the house and the shadows cast are simply brilliant
work that have yet to be duplicated. Last, but not least Hitchcock
won the Oscar for Best Director, another well-deserved achievement.
He gets the most out of his cast and the settings and creates a disturbing
profile of a man obviously struck with insanity. One of the most
unsettling moments is when Norman Bates is visiting with Marion Crane
shortly before her demise. The conversation is full of foreshadowing
and insinuation. Norman comes of as a nervous young man, who was
sheltered by his mother... the kind of guy you'd humor in a conversation,
while desperately trying to get away. It's still a shame Perkins
was not heralded more for his portrayal, instead he was type-cast and
spent most of his career trying to find an identity, he would fall back
on the Norman Bates character in numerous sequels.
FEAR FACTOR: 2 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 5 - SFX: 4
PSYCHO
- 1998 - Director: Gus Van Sant
Oh, here's
a good idea, let's remake one, if not the best Horror/Suspense film
of all-time. Let's set ourselves up to be unmercifully criticized
for eternity. Well, here it goes. This movie should never
had been made, it's a blatant attempt by mainstream film-making to remake
a classic film using actors and actresses that are hot at this moment
in time. Vince Vaughn's "Norman Bates" is about as convincing
as a turd (or terd, depending on your preference). Hey Vince,
just because you were kind of funny in "Swingers" doesn't
qualify you for anything near this nature. Anne Heche plays Marion
Crane, and we all know her character from the shower scene, which incidentally
is botched badly in this one. They say they retraced the footsteps
of the original and filmed this the same way the 1960 version was filmed.
This makes it even more despicable. When Vaughn says "We
all go a little mad sometimes" he follows it with a moronic laugh
that makes you want to hurl. If you haven't figured it out yet,
FEAR FACTOR: 2 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 5 - SFX: 4
PSYCHO
COP - 1988 - Director: Wallace Potts
Not to be
confused with "Maniac Cop", this is a meaningless story of
a cop stalking a group of college kids in a house out in the country.
They never really explain why this guy is killing people, other than
a brief news alert on a radio (that no one hears of course).
Officer Joe Vikers is played by Robert Schafer, and does a reasonable
job as the loony cop. He's got a bad one liner for everything,
and looks like a younger Tom Sizemore (The Relic). It does lend
to to interesting scenarios as the kids don't realize the cop is the
killer. The victims aren't as stupid as they are bad actors, which
makes them seem useless.
FEAR FACTOR: 5 -
STUPID VICTIM SCALE: 7 - SFX: 4
PUMPKINHEAD
- 1988 - Director: Stan Winston
Great little
horror flick about a Demon that can be brought to life to exact revenge
on those who have done you wrong. In this case, journeyman Lance
Henrickson (Alien) conjures up the monster to get back at some college
kids who accidentally killed his child. He soon regrets his decision
once the killings start, but at that time, it's too late. The
lighting effects are used very well, it makes the creature 10 times
more menacing. This is one of the most underrated horror films
out there and over time has become a cult-classic.
FEAR FACTOR: 7 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 4 - SFX: 7
PUMPKINHEAD
2: BLOOD WINGS - 1994 - Director: Jeff Burr
Unfortunately,
this one doesn't live up to the first installment. This time Pumkinhead
is brought back to get revenge for a crime that happened many years
ago. This sequel isn't even close to the original, the scares
are scarce and the creature looks way too "rubbery" to be
taken seriously. Bill Clinton's renegade brother Roger plays the
mayor... yeah that's what I thought. It's not the worst I've seen
and does have some mild entertainment, but not enough to keep you interested
for long.
FEAR FACTOR: 3 - STUPID
VICTIM SCALE: 6 - SFX: 4
PUPPET
MASTER - 1989 - David Schmoller
Most likely
Full Moon Productions biggest series is based around a group of killer
dolls or "puppets" created by a man named "Toulon".
To hide his inventions from falling into the wrong hands, he commits
suicide, taking his secrets with him. A group of psychics are
brought to the mansion where they are stalked by the puppets, who are
now under new ownership. The plot is pretty fuzzy actually, and
it's probably secondary as the important part is the puppets and their
abilities. For some this might seem silly, for others, it could
be rather scary, although creator Charles Band and Director David Schmoeller
(Tourist Trap) handle this with a dark sense of humor. Unfortunately,
this one came out a year after the first Child's Play, which caused
a lot of accusations as a copy-cat. In reality, Charles Band had
created "Dolls" a few years before "Chucky" was
around. It wouldn't surprise me if "Child's Play" was
derived from Band's earlier work, although I have no proof of that.
Personally, I like this series, as silly as it gets, it's all in good
sick twisted fun.
FEAR FACTOR: 6 -
STUPID VICTIM SCALE: 4 - SFX: 6
PUPPET
MASTER 2 - 1990 - David Allen
A group
of scientists return to the scene of the crime, the mansion from part
one where the Puppets inhabit. It seems almost as if they were
trying to cash in on the first movie by putting together a sequel without
a lot of direction. I'm not completely sure what was going on
here, there were some flashbacks to how Toulon got his start in the
"Puppet" business. Now his little friends have have
brought him back and are collecting brain tissue to further his evil
ways. At least I think that's what's going on, much like the first,
it's a little foggy... but maybe I'm reading to much into this.
Bottom line, it's good harmless fun and you shouldn't have to think
to hard like I do. More sequels to follow.
FEAR FACTOR: 5 -
STUPID VICTIM SCALE: 4 - SFX: 6
PUPPET
MASTER 4 - 1993 - Jeff Burr
For some
reason, or at least in my case, this is the hardest one to find.
I happen to think this is one of the better movies in the series.
I give a lot of that credit to Director Jeff Burr (Stepfather 2), the
settings and lighting are better than the previous movies, even if the
story isn't. This time around the Puppets from the previous movies
are the good guys as a new group of little bastards is out to destroy
them. The new puppets are sent by the demon that Toulon stole
the power to animate from many years ago. A young scientist moves
into the old mansion where they discover Toulon's Puppets and reanimate
them. Allright, I admit they are really reaching here, but if
you've seen all the others up to this point, you shouldn't be too disappointed.
You'll notice parts that remind one of "Star Wars", "Frankenstein"
and "Gremlins".
FEAR FACTOR: 5 -
STUPID VICTIM SCALE: 2 - SFX: 6
This one
seems to be made only for fans of the previous movies as it starts with
Andre Toulon telling the story of his first batch of puppets.
We then flash back to 1892 and learn the origins of Toulon and how he
aquired the power to animate his puppets. The action is much more
limited and there's not much gore or even blood for that matter.
David DeCoteau does some nice directing as the lighting and settings
are very effective. The villians in this one are three "servants"
brought back to life by "Sutekh" to get back power to animate
that was stolen by a 3,000 year old Egyptian sorcerer, who in turn passes
this power onto Toulon. Hardcore fans may be dissapointed due
to the lack of violence. I see an advantage to the film however.
It's very safe for a younger audience, and could be a great way to introduce
them to the series.
FEAR FACTOR: 4 -
STUPID VICTIM SCALE: 2 - SFX: 5
THE
PUPPET MASTERS - 1994 - Director - Stuart Orme
Slick Science
Fiction thriller that is a hybrid of "Invasion Of The Body
Snatchers", in fact, Donald Sutherland stars in this one just as
he did in the remake of "Invasion...". You might say
this is an updated version of the classic 50's Sci-Fi genre as Earth
is threatened by an Alien force threatening to take over the world if
we don't stop it. The alien "slugs" attach themselves
to humans and take control of their minds. Personally, I enjoyed
the movie, it moves along pretty well and it's well cast to help make
a potentially silly story believable. The main characters are
vulnerable as well which ads to the intensity, although I didn't find
this one particularly scary. This one is a lot of fun if you let
it be, it's purely for entertainment purposes only and shouldn't be
viewed any other way.
FEAR FACTOR: 5 -
STUPID VICTIM SCALE: 2 - SFX: 7
PYTHON
- 2000 - Director: Richard Clabaugh
Good until
about three-quarters of the way through, and for a big snake movie it's
one of the better ones. There's a lot of cameos in this one including
Jenny McCarthy, who makes the most of her 5 minutes, Casper Van Dien
and Robert Englund. The material is treated with high doses of
humor and never takes itself to serious. The problem is when a
few brave souls try to capture the giant reptile. It loses it's
fear factor and becomes cluttered and silly, and not the good kind of
silly. However, I still maintain this is a very entertaining film,
it just could have been a little better. I wouldn't put it up
with there with "Anaconda" but it's easily better than most
of the other onslaught of "Snake" films that came out in the
late 90's.
FEAR FACTOR: 5 -
STUPID VICTIM SCALE: 2 - SFX: 7
