Hey there fiends, time for another edition of Uncle Tanker’s Tricks or Treats.
Click here for Tank’s Tricks ‘r Treats #1 – 9, highlighting classics such as The Cabin in the Woods, Chopping Mall, and The Hole.
Let’s cut right to the chase.
Movie #10 – Slaughter High
Released in 1986, Slaughter High is about 8 people who are invited to their 10-year high school reunion at their now-closed high school. A former student, disfigured from a prank gone wrong, is there to seek revenge. That pretty much sums up this retread of every slasher movie.
Star Caroline Munro was actually 36 years old during this film where she played a ‘teenage’ heroine. This one is going to be a trick for me. If I saw this with friends and we made jokes during it, I might have had a good time- but aside from a couple decent death scenes and the really fun look of the killer this one is a stinker.
All the teens are played by 30 year olds and it takes almost 30-40 minutes before things get going, and by then you are bored. The music done by Friday the 13th composer Harry Manfredini is left over cues from that series. And the ending is just the pits.
Movie #11 – Sinister
A struggling true-crime novelist stumbles into a grim supernatural mystery that threatens the lives of his entire family. Ellison (Ethan Hawke) is seeking inspiration for his latest book when he moves his wife and children into a home where an entire family perished under gruesome circumstances. Terror soon hits closer to home, however, when the writer discovers a box of old family movies in the attic of his new house, and watches in horror as images of various families being murdered flicker before his eyes.
The deeper Ellison investigates the disturbing case, the more he begins to fear he has stirred an ancient evil that won’t rest until it has claimed his entire family. This is an interesting puzzle. On one hand, I was kind of bored and didn’t find this film too scary. There were lots of disturbing moments and some decent set ups but for the most part I felt the marketing ruined all the great moments of the film.
That being said, this isn’t the best horror movie but is actually a really good film. I know I sound hypocritical but there was a really great mystery/family drama here that had a deep character study of one man’s quest to achieve the fame and recognition he once had, at all costs.
The cast is fantastic, especially Ethan Hawke, who once again proves he is one of the most underrated actors today. The ending has brought some eye rolling from some people but it worked for me. So this was a nice treat in my Candy Pants.
Movie #12 – Stephen King’s Silver Bullet
Based off of Stephen King’s book Cycle of the Werewolf, Silver Bullet is the story of Taker’s Mill- a place that was very peaceful, where nothing ever happened. Until one night, murders begin. The townspeople believe it is some maniac killer on the loose and intend to hunt the man down.
Marty, a young handicapped boy, believes that the killer is no man at all, but a werewolf. Marty, his sister Jane and his skeptical uncle hunt all over town for the killer. I have a lot of fond memories of this film as a kid. My dad took me to see it and I was recently able to experience this film with my son (I recorded the edited for television version from AMC). He is only 11, a smart 11 mind you, but I am not comfortable with showing him an R rated film just yet.
That being said he really dug this flick but said the werewolf design was kind of weak. Too much like a bear. Seeing it from a different prism I still like the film but it has a “made for TV” feel. This might be one of Stephen King’s works that could actually benefit from being remade. Still a delicious treat to munch on.
Last but not least we have…
Movie #13 – Killer Klowns from Outer Space
One of the greatest movie titles of all time. Mike (Grant Cramer) and his sweetheart, Debbie (Suzanne Snyder), are smooching on lover’s lane when they see what appears to be a meteorite. They investigate and find a curious circus tent.
There they discover malevolent clowns who stop their victims with popcorn-shooting guns and acid-drenched pies in order to feast on human blood. The unfortunates are then entombed into inescapable cotton-candy cocoons. Officer Dave Hanson (John Allen Nelson) is called to investigate.
For those viewers who think clowns are a little creepy to begin with, this one will push them over the edge. Another one I watched with the boy and we had a blast with this. This is a ridiculous film but a lot of fun. If you are afraid of clowns you should stay away, if you want a good time then this is the treat for you.
Until next time.. have a good fright!
Chris Tanski (@P0LISHPHEN0M) (the Os are zeroes) lives in Rochester, NY & manages a movie theater. During his free time he wines & dines on pop culture. Being a child of the 80s, nothing gets him going more than a daily dose of movies from his childhood. They are his muse & inspire him to be a better human.
I love Killer Klowns, it’s so cheesy and off the wall, a blast to watch with friends (especially if they are afraid of clowns). Sinister looks interesting, I agree about Ethan Hawke being underrated, but it still looks like a rental to me. I’m glad I’m not the only one who sees a made for TV movie with Silver Bullet, I enjoyed the film as a kid, I didn’t hate it when I caught it on cable a year or so back, but it just lacks something.