4 Movie Marathon: Cult Horror Collection

The 4 Movie Marathon: Cult Horror Collection set that I picked-up at Walmart prior to my surgery for $5 bucks was one of the best DVD purchases I have made in some time. The vast variety of the four films were definitely interesting and in some ways they actually seemed to be connected with none of the films being snoozers. 

Check out the links for reviews of the four flcks.

The Funhouse

Phantasm II

The Serpent and the Rainbow

Sssssss 

The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)

Now that I have watched 3 of the 4 Movie Marathon: Cult Horror Collection, I decided to finish the set with Wes Craven’s The Serpent and the Rainbow from 1988.

Plot/ An anthropologist goes to Haiti after hearing rumors about a drug used by black magic practitioners to turn people in zombies.

This is definitely one of Craven’s best works. While more of a psychological thriller than horror flick, this takes the viewer through a maze of darkness that is truly entertaining while paying respects to a genre long gone by, zombies and Voodoo. Yes, the pacing is a bit off, almost slow, it is interesting and has a high production value. The acting is solid and the effects are pretty good, but it is clearly the supernatural occult driven detail of Voodoo that makes it one of the best of the era. A must see!

Sssssss (1973)

Continuing with the 4 Movie Marathon: Cult Horror Collection, I decided to venture into the man and creature flicks that made the 1970s so entertaining. My selection to follow The Funhouse, 1973s snake fest Sssssss!

Plot/ David, a college student, is looking for a job. He is hired by Dr. Stoner as a lab assistant for his research and experiments on snakes. David also begins to fall for Stoner's young daughter, Kristina. However, the good doctor has secretly brewed up a serum that can transform any man into a King Cobra snake-and he plans to use it on David.

The 1970s boast some of the greatest movies and movements in the horror genre, especially when it comes to man vs. nature horror. This film in some way definitely fits into that category (although maybe man-becomes-creature is more fitting). There is a lot to like in this flick, good production values, solid character development, creepy effects and an interesting storyline backed-up by solid acting and a good soundtrack. Sure, the plot may be a bit outlandish and overall it carries a touch of “B” Movie cheese but that really adds to its likability. This is definitely an underrated gem of the 1970s and one that is definitely worth watching!

The Funhouse (1981)

After reviewing  Torture Garden, I decided to keep going with the Sideshow / Circus theme. Next up, in the Ringmaster’s Realm is the 1981 Cult Horror Classic, The Funhouse by Tobe Hooper, one of the four films in the 4 Movie Marathon: Cult Horror Collection.

Plot/ Two young couples on a double date go to a mysterious carnival. As a prank they decide to spend the night in the funhouse. When they witness a brutal murder, they suddenly find themselves in horrific danger.

This has always been one of my favorites; combining two creepy elements and creating an above average 1980s slasher/thriller. The story and script are solid, the acting decent, the effects are awesome (especially Rick Baker’s creation) and the soundtrack is perfect. Most of all, Hooper’s direction creates tremendous suspense within an atmosphere of dread that permeates through the entire production. Perfect, no, but what movie is? In the end, this is a tremendous effort and definitely one of the best slasher/thrillers from the 1980s, and definitely a must see!

Phantasm II (1988)

After watching Phantasm III, I could not help but to jump into another entry from that franchise, with the second installment of one of my favorite horror series, Don Coscarelli’s Phantasm II from 1988.

Plot/ Mike, now released from a psychiatric hospital, continues his journey to stop the evil Tall Man from his grim work.

This installment of the Phantasm series was a very important film from my youth. I had seen the original as a kid and was disturbed by the imagery, but for the life of me could not remember the name of it. That was until the trailer, and those words, the ball is back. Yes, to me, this one could never have the power of the first flick, but it is still a good film in its own right. While it did lack the creepiness, it did add some more action and better special effects than in the first film. The acting (although raplacing A. Michael Baldwin was noticible) and story were solid and as usual Angus Scrimm was terrific. In the end, this is not a spectacular film, but it is really enjoyable. Different from the original, absolutely, but still a tremendous effort in its own right!