Is it wrong for me to like 'Pelts' just because it's so darn excessive? As a horror fan, I shouldn't be so apologetic. Simply put, Dario Argento's efforts in the "Masters of Horror" arena are very offbeat, with stories that are far from his usual giallo/fantasy stylings, but still passionate about the excesses he holds so near and dear. God bless this dirty old man! 'Pelts' is an over-the-top supernatural exercise wherein trapper John Saxon (of Argento's "Tenebrae" and numerous other genre offerings) comes across some stunning raccoon pelts in a mysterious-looking shrine; but the skins come with a price, inflecting those who dare touch with murderous and/or suicidal tendencies. Argento gives us in-your-face gore, from a bear trap tearing off a face to a climactic act of self-mutilation that has to be seen to be believed. While creative gore is a given from this director, 'Pelts' also has its fair share of prurient, guilty-pleasure sleaze: if you like lesbians and sultry strippers (and hell, who doesn't?), then welcome aboard! While the film's tone is less serious than 'Jenifer' (Argento's season 1 offering), its escalating madness veers more into surrealism than camp. Contains an impressive, tongue-in-cheek performance from Meat Loaf Aday, as well.