Film 23 on the 31 Films for Halloween 2011 is another non-living dead classic by George A. Romero. Although, there are some zombies, these are supernatural in nature. While this is an anthology film akin to Tales from the Crypt, this film is based on stories by Stephen King. Yet, they are presented in a manner of actually reading a horror comic book. This installment, we look at Creepshow.
- Title: Creepshow
- Director: George A. Romero
The film opens with a little boy being scolded by his father (John Carpenter favorite Tom Atkins). He throws his son's horror comic in the trash and warns him if he should ever find him reading that stuff again. After the father leaves, the son sees the comic's mascot, The Creep, outside his window. The boy grins sinisterly.
The stories in this film range from a zombie coming back from the grave for his cake, a hick who stumbles upon a bizarre meteor, and a mysterious crate found under a set of stairs at a university. To say more of the stories would ruin the surprise for any first-time viewers. All the stories have amazing cinematography that resembles the frames of a comic book. With the exception of “The Crate” all the stories are about the same length. Each one has a great group of actors that showcase the film's gallows humor.
The Review
Creepshow is a combination of elements that work perfectly with one another. The direction of Romero, the writing of Stephen King, the effects of Tom Savini, the music of John Harrison, and one of the best horror casts ever assembled, and you have nearly the perfect horror movie. Cinematographer Michael Gornick must get some credit for his inventive camera angles that compliment the stunning editing.
The cast is full of stunning performances. Everyone plays their roles with the right amount of humor. However, there are a few standouts that make the most of their screen-time. Adreinne Barbeau and Hal Holbrook have impressive comedic chemistry as the dysfunctional husband and wife. Leslie Nielsen shows he can play a straight bad guy, which shows he has some dramatic chops. Stephen King as Jordy Verrill steals the show from everyone in the funniest segment of the whole movie. Last, but far from least, E.G. Marshall as the mysophobic Upson Pratt is a great foil for the horror shenanigans that take place in the film's last story. First time I saw this, I laughed at the sight of Ed Harris with a full head of hair.
Tom Savini's make-up shines in this film. From creature designs to zombie make-up, this stands as work that is up there with Bub from Day of the Dead and young Jason in the first Friday the 13th. This film serves as a nice change from his regular work, which was killing people in realistic fashions. Here, the violence is over-the-top and appropriately cartoonish.
Conclusion
Creepshow is the right film for those who are accustomed to the gory, comedic antics of the Tales from the Crypt TV show. If they thought Amicus pulled its bloody punches, throw this in to satiate their celluloid bloodlust. One of horror's revered directors, one of horror's top writers, one of the best casts, and horror's head make-up effects mad scientist give the best anthology film and a touching salute to EC horror comics.
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