Reviews
The Skull (1965)
A skull holds a diabolical influence over its owners.
Based on the Robert Bloch's story "The Skull of the Marquis de Sade", this film really thrills and chills. The Skull is an unassuming title, but this little gem does has a lot to offer on a cold winter afternoon. Peter Cushing stars as Dr. Maitland, a demonologist who comes across the skull after it has been stolen from his friend Christopher Lee. Death or possession has come upon the past owners but Maitland is unconcerned with such superstitions. He must have this occult rarity to add to his large collection. Dr. Maitland has no idea what lies in store for him... I feel that "The Skull" is one of the finest films Cushing and Lee have ever done together, and the best horror film that Freddie Francis has directed. At a glance, one would almost definitely think it is a Hammer film. It was actually made by Amicus, but features such Hammer characteristics as a foggy opening scene portraying grave robbers, occasional bloodletting, a dreary score, and canyons of cleavage. Even by today's standards, The Skull is exciting. Highlights include a very inventive dream sequence, a harsh game of Russian roulette, and the riveting climax. Believe it or not, The Skull even has a few scenes where you tense up expecting someone to jump out and scare you. You don't often see that type of thing in the Hammer/Amicus flicks. The major thing that brings the movie down, though, are the fake-looking scenes where the skull floats in the air to terrorize Dr. Maitland. They could have been done better using shadows or long-distance shots. Also, the "camera inside the skull" scenes looked juvenile and took away some of the film's integrity. Bottom line: definitely worth a viewing. Thanks nm!
The Boogeyman (1982)
A father is losing his children one by one...and his sanity.
This mega-cheap, college film has a way of getting under your skin. The main character is so weird that I didn't know if I was watching a good performance or a bad one. Watch this one late at night with the lights off, then check your closets! I found it when I rented Stephen King's Nightshift Collection which showcases this one along with "The Woman in the Room".
Terror in the Wax Museum (1973)
Who is the mystery slasher stalking a famous waxworks?
A mystery slasher is stalking a famous wax museum. Who is the culprit? Who will survive the terror? This is a pleasant and painless way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon, but don't expect too much. Be warned, it is very hard to find on video.