Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998)

After a few days I decided to venture back into the world of the Tall Man and watch 1998s Phantasm IV: Oblivion. (Note to self: While I have not done it yet, at some point soon I will revisit the original masterpiece and do up a review.)

Plot/ Taking off immediately where the last one ended, in this episode Mike travels across dimensions and time fleeing from the Tall Man, at the same time he tries to find the origins of his enemy, and what really happened the night that his brother died. Meanwhile, Reggie (accompanied by a beauty he picked up on the road) battles the spheres and the undead in a quest to find Mike before the Tall Man can complete his transformation.

I Know it may be hard to fathom, but honestly, this may be the best and most interesting installment of the Phantasm series since the original and it is definitely the most atmospheric. Yes, there is a lack of gore and even action, bit this series and film are definitely on another plain, focusing on surreal aspects that tugs on emotions. Again, the acting, story and cinematography are very good, with especially great usage of flashbacks throughout. Sure, it opens more questions about the Tall Man and his world and yes, the ending leaves a bit to be desired, but those also can be considered benefits. To me, this series has been more cerebral and entertaining because the focus was on the characters and storyline vice action and gore, and this truly carries on that tradition. While not for everyone, it is truly a work of art and one of the best sequels in any series.

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!

Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead (1994)

Continuing to watch movies that have shaped me and starring some of the people I met at Monster-Mania, like A. Michael Baldwin. With that in mind, I decided to dive into the third installment of one of my favorite horror franchises, Don Coscarelli’s Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead from 1994.

Plot/ The Tall Man, that imposing menace from Morningside Mortuary, is back and once again haunting the thoughts of the now-adult Mike and his friend, ex-Ice Cream vendor Reggie. The two continue their hunt for the mysterious figure and in his path of destruction encounter a variety of dangerous situations, friends and enemies. They also must contend with the resurrected dead plus a growing number of the infamous and deadly silver spheres which aid the Tall Man as he sets his sights on indoctrinating Mike and finishing the fight begun so many years ago.

If you are like me and enjoy this series, you should enjoy this installment. Yes, it is again a bit different than the previous installments, but it does a great job at keeping true to the original idea. It is definitely a gory and exciting entry in this creative horror fantasy. Again, the scenery, acting and plot are solid. The scripting is inventive, mixing the darkness and story of the Tall Man (Angus Scrimm) with a slight dose of dark humor. Is it a perfect flick, No! But, it is definitely fun and a movie that should be enjoyed by fans of horror and the Phantasm series.

Jason X (2001)

After meeting Kane Hodder this past weekend at Monster-Mania, I decided to watch some of his action as my favorite horror character. Last night, I stumbled onto Jason X, the outer space, end of the Earth gorefest.

Plot/ Jason Voorhees returns with a new look, a new machete, and his same murderous attitude as he is awakened on a spaceship in the 25th century.

Jason X, I think the title speaks for itself! If you have not seen this and watch it expecting something even close to the classic original, you should definitely think again. This is not a horror film, it lacks suspense, the acting is uneven to bad, and really the plot is poor even for one of the last Friday the 13th installments (come on outer space, really?). However, what it lacks with all of those flaws, it makes up for it with sheer brutal death and gore. This is just a fun escape from the misery of the surrounding society and pretty laughable (especially the hologram scene at the end). In the end, this is NO classic, but it is a fun way to pass 90 minutes when there is nothing else to do!

Pictures from Monster Mania

While this week has sucked pretty bad as I have been suffering from this flu. Honestly, I shouldn't complain, it could have been worse. However, I had to pull it together as I had promised Jillian a trip to Monster Mania in Cherry Hill. So, suck it up I did... Here are some pictures from the day.

The Batmobile

Doug Bradley (Pinhead)

With our friends at Bad Zombie

With Stella and Hives

With Kane Hodder (Jason)

The Malachi and Issac from Children of the Corn