Waxwork/Waxwork II: Lost in Time

I decided to revisit these after I came across a DVD double feature with them at Movie Gallery.  It's been years since I had seen either.  The first time I watched part one it was actually on Beta-Max, because that was the only way the unrated version was available. 

Both films are written/directed by Anthony Hickox

I always thought this movie could have worked much better as anthology film. The stories that occur inside each of the Waxwork exhibits could have been expanded slightly and made a more interesting film.

Vampire supper

The film as it is suffers from a script that doesn't let the characters develop much before they are killed off. The worst character is Sarah who is said to be a prudish virgin, suddenly develops a love for BDSM when she gets one look at the Marquis De Sade display. Another thing I found annoying is that the characters are said to be in college, yet their "college" has lockers in the hallway. I've never been to a college that did that. 

 

From never been kissed to whipped for pleasure.

The make-up effects are good, but some of the visuals at the end are laughable even by 1988 standards. The ending sets up the sequel that would follow four years later.

The sequel dropped the horror and played up the comedy angle.  It really tried hard to be like "The Evil Dead II", but it went way to far with the slapstick.  It did have a great cast though with Bruce Campbell, Marinia Sirtis, Michael Des Barres, and David Carradine. 

It's just a flesh wound.

The movies are worth seeing for a few scenes, but overall they are not that memorable. 

Gremlins

The rules were so simple

One of my Christmas traditions is to watch a Christmas themed horror movie.  This year it was one of the best "Gremlins"

There isn't much more to be said about the movie, it's horror classic.  It was one of the few horror movies that was a hit from day one.  There was no slowly building it's audience like a lot of movies. 

It's been a while since I've watched this so I thought I would share a couple of things I noticed. 

1.  Why don't the Gremlins multiply when they walk on the snow, it's wet after all.

2.  Why is Zach Galligan's character the only one with a job in the family? I know dad is supposed to be an inventor but couldn't he work a regular job too?  Their financial situation doesn't seem that great, yet the mom doesn't work either.  Seems a shame to put all the burden on the son. 

3. When people talk about kick ass women in horror they forget Lynn Peltzer (played by Frances Lee McCain).  When she hears the Gremlins upstairs, she doesn't run, she doesn't call for a man, she grabs a butcher knife and takes care of business.  She managed to kill three out of five by herself.  Not a bad record.  

4. For an additional commentary go to: The Movie Crypt Adam Green, Joe Lynch and Zach Galligan do one that has some great info in it. 

Merry Christmas, and always follow the rules when given a mystical creature.