I don't think anyone knows just how evil old women can be. I do, and they terrify me. I dread the day my mother officially becomes "old". I don't know what I might do.
The star of this movie from a horror point of view therefore isn't the redneck father, the kid or even the pumpkinheaded creature but the creepy old bint in the hut. I don't know why Stan Winston hasn't done more directing. He has managed to create the freakiest of old freaks in the hag (appropriately called "Haggis") who has the reputation around inbred town of having "powers", and no they aren't talking about electricity.
The story surrounds the death of a little boy run over by Evil City Folk(tm). After the boy dies the father seeks out the aforementioned abomination to conjure up a demon to avenge his family. Cue lots of running around the woods by scared teenagers, blood. screams and no nudity. Which was unfortunate for all involved.
Visually the movie is stunning. It almost looks like a pastel drawing and moves like a comic book. The contrast between the eery blues and warm orange and reds is striking. The overall effect is to produce an atmosphere which is the strongest part of the film. The story isn't the most original, but does contain some nice twists. Lance Henricson of course is the man, although his facial expressions while holding his dead son are bizarre and confusing to put it mildly. The supporting cast aren't much cop and are just fodder for the creature as par the course for films like this. The creature itself is pretty neat. Its not mindblowing and can look incredibly awkward at times. If remade today I think this is one instance that CGI could make a huge improvement, although I would still keep the suit for close up shots. It would be criminal not too.
These may sounds like criticisms but the whole film comes together to create something which is greater then the sum of its parts. Its as charming as a horror film can be, creepy and beautifully shot. The ultimate halloween film and deserving of cult classic status without a doubt.
The star of this movie from a horror point of view therefore isn't the redneck father, the kid or even the pumpkinheaded creature but the creepy old bint in the hut. I don't know why Stan Winston hasn't done more directing. He has managed to create the freakiest of old freaks in the hag (appropriately called "Haggis") who has the reputation around inbred town of having "powers", and no they aren't talking about electricity.
The story surrounds the death of a little boy run over by Evil City Folk(tm). After the boy dies the father seeks out the aforementioned abomination to conjure up a demon to avenge his family. Cue lots of running around the woods by scared teenagers, blood. screams and no nudity. Which was unfortunate for all involved.
Visually the movie is stunning. It almost looks like a pastel drawing and moves like a comic book. The contrast between the eery blues and warm orange and reds is striking. The overall effect is to produce an atmosphere which is the strongest part of the film. The story isn't the most original, but does contain some nice twists. Lance Henricson of course is the man, although his facial expressions while holding his dead son are bizarre and confusing to put it mildly. The supporting cast aren't much cop and are just fodder for the creature as par the course for films like this. The creature itself is pretty neat. Its not mindblowing and can look incredibly awkward at times. If remade today I think this is one instance that CGI could make a huge improvement, although I would still keep the suit for close up shots. It would be criminal not too.
These may sounds like criticisms but the whole film comes together to create something which is greater then the sum of its parts. Its as charming as a horror film can be, creepy and beautifully shot. The ultimate halloween film and deserving of cult classic status without a doubt.