[Warren_G]

Ok, before I start I have to tell you that I am totally into B-Horror movies. In fact Peter Jackson's Dead Alive probably has gotten more repeat viewing in my theater in the past 2 years than any other DVD I own, so when Anchor Bay comes out with another DTS-ES, low budget flick, from non other than Wes Craven himself, I was very excited to pick this one up. Now, that I have set the stage, I must say this was not a great movie (IMHO) One of my real pet peeves in horror movies is when the victims are really stupid. If they do stupid things and are not even trying to take care of themselves, it just doesnt make it seem like that much of a los when they are brutally hacked up and slaughtered. These people in this movie, holy cow, I can t beleive they didnt die years before they are so dumb.
Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show) Spoiler  
Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show) I mean, when there are jets passing low over your car, and the map flies up in front of the windshield, my first reaction is always to go as fast as you can on a dirt road. And when the family dog is killed by an unknown assailant out in the middle of nowhere, the best course of action is to keep that a secret from everyone else. The movie is nonstop with these stupid reactions to their surroundings. I have to blame poor writing here for most of the troubles with this movie.


I know this was early stuff from Wes, so I guess I can appreciate that it is part of what made him one of the finest horror/thriller writer/directors later in his career. My recommendation on this one; its a good rental, but save your money and buy a good Dario Argento movie instead.

 

[JayF]

Warren,


I agree. I don't think this has held up well over time. While it's far more watchable than Last House on the Left, it's clear Craven still had a lot to learn about making movies.


If you believe all of his intentions about what he was trying to do with this movie, you have to give him credit. I especially liked the dialog exchange when the mother is "fondly" reminiscing about the time when their german shepard killed someone's poodle.


Jay

 

[PooperScooper]

The reason why the people are so dumb in these movies is because

they never had a movies like this (and others) to learn from!


Good or bad, I had to order this as soon as I saw it was coming

out. It will be good to see it again. It will most likely be the last

distribution of this movie.


larry

 

[lonwolf615]

I dunno,there's something appealing about watching a german shepard kick a**! I do agree Beast is the smartest character in the film-probably does the best acting job too...

 

[Warren_G]

Good point guys, lol


I guess they didnt have the Friday the 13th series as a 'How-to' for when deranged killers are stalking you

 

[danbry39]

well, I've never seen it, but, after reading this thread, I gotta rent it just to see what you all are talking about.

 

[PooperScooper]

I just watched the DVD. I still like the movie - it held up for me.


It's interesting how Craven progessed. "The Last House on the Left"

could be a true story, "The Hills Have Eyes" is a stretch, but not

impossible, and then "The Swamp Thing", "Nightmare on Elm Street", etc.

not possible.


larry

 

[TCB]

I was teaching my high school 10th grade language arts students about this very concept: dramatic irony. Dramatic irony is where we know what is in store for a character but they are blissfully unaware.


There will be a quiz.