Phantasm (1979)
(8/10):BOOOOOOOOOYYYYYYYYYYY!!
Made on a very low budget, Phantasm has a lot going for it.
For one thing it crea a unique and ominous or even foreboding atmosphere that feels otherworldly in its presence and the ambiguity only adds to said sense of dread.
While a lot of the acting doesn't hold up, one thing is for certain, Angus Scrimm as the main antagonist, The Tall Man is still an amazing performance that whenever he's on screen it's so commanding,imposing and intimidating.
The effects are pretty solid for the time,moreso I find in the gore department, especially given the low budget but much can seem kind of goofy like the little creatures that chase our heroes around.
The score is also very solid as it sets the tone perfectly for the events that are about the unfold.
The set design is also notable because when we see the inside of the mortuary where The Tall Man conducts his work we see a very clean and empty space that feels almost alien and the world presented briefly in the accidental fall through the gateway is such a unique experience as it's like a barren wasteland that gives enough information while also posing more questions and raising the sense of ambiguity.
It is still also a truly fascinating and unique film even today given its presentation, unique atmosphere and stellar performance from Angus Scrimm.
It's a great little film that all in all, with its flaws still can be a great chiller given the right mood.
Highly recommended.
(8/10):BOOOOOOOOOYYYYYYYYYYY!!
Made on a very low budget, Phantasm has a lot going for it.
For one thing it crea a unique and ominous or even foreboding atmosphere that feels otherworldly in its presence and the ambiguity only adds to said sense of dread.
While a lot of the acting doesn't hold up, one thing is for certain, Angus Scrimm as the main antagonist, The Tall Man is still an amazing performance that whenever he's on screen it's so commanding,imposing and intimidating.
The effects are pretty solid for the time,moreso I find in the gore department, especially given the low budget but much can seem kind of goofy like the little creatures that chase our heroes around.
The score is also very solid as it sets the tone perfectly for the events that are about the unfold.
The set design is also notable because when we see the inside of the mortuary where The Tall Man conducts his work we see a very clean and empty space that feels almost alien and the world presented briefly in the accidental fall through the gateway is such a unique experience as it's like a barren wasteland that gives enough information while also posing more questions and raising the sense of ambiguity.
It is still also a truly fascinating and unique film even today given its presentation, unique atmosphere and stellar performance from Angus Scrimm.
It's a great little film that all in all, with its flaws still can be a great chiller given the right mood.
Highly recommended.