The interesting thing about this movie is that the four narratives in it overlap and intertwine in fairly unique ways. The Hell themed anthology Southbound tries this same trick but I think they pull it off slightly better here. The first story is about a murderous principal from the local school killing off problem children who come to trick or treat. He has a lot to deal with on this particular Halloween. The second story is about a group of kids going to the local quarry to give a sacrifice to the kids who died during the Halloween school bus massacre, years earlier. The third story centers on a group of girls having a fun night out but one is kind of bummed out. Before her night can turn around she appears to be attacked by a vampire. Fun ensues. The fourth story is about the neighbor of the principal from the first story being terrorized by a little guy named Sam in a homemade costume.
While none of the individual parts are all that amazing, the world they weave together works pretty well. Characters who don't get a comeuppance in one story meet their fate in another. Dangling plots from earlier stories are resolved later and even the future of this little town is hinted at by the end. Michael Dougherty directs the whole thing pretty well (although I would argue he is a little more comfortable with the comedy parts than the horror). Dylan Baker as the principal, Brian Cox as the old man neighbor and Anna Paquin as Little Red Riding Hood all do a great job.
If you like anthology horror, this is a good modern example. I would recommend this movie for most any horror fan.
No comments:
Post a Comment