Al filo del hacha

That was the question I was faced with. The answer? A little of both. I guess my comments will be a mixture of both of those that I followed. This film is a good mixture of horror and mystery. I liked the pretty scenery and the identity of the killer was certainly a mystery. The identity of the killer is not who you think! Jack Taylor (Pieces '81) was good as always. He always seems to play a mysterious weirdo, is that a hint towards his private life? Maybe! The problem with this film is it is strictly formula. It has been done a million times before and will be done a million times again! While this is an interesting twist on my favorite genre, it is also a cliche. Some slashers, though, could learn from this one. Not bad! ***out of****Good acting, directing;writing is formula.

Computer geek Gerald Martin (Barton Faulks) moves to a rural California town and quickly falls for Lillian Nebbs (Christina Marie Lane). So much so that he gives a computer on their second date. But the little town of Paddock is on edge because some guy in a white mask is running around killing women with an axe. Is it this new guy in town? Or does someone else...wait for it...have an axe to grind? Middle entry of three unrelated slasher films that Spanish director Jose Larraz (VAMPYRES) made in the late 80s. This might be the best of the lot (other two being REST IN PIECES and DEADLY MANOR aka SAVAGE LUST) as Larraz gives us some well shot and gory axe murders. Also noteworthy for its depiction of 80s computers. Did anyone very portray computers accurately during that decade? There are so many red herrings that you might actually be surprised to find out who the killer is. I know I was. Spanish horror vet Jack Taylor has a few scenes as a choral leader.

EDGE OF THE AXE is a cavalcade of senseless slaughter, brought to us by a masked lunatic in a raincoat. In between the gory murders, we're treated to the denizens of the town, and their romantic prospects.

This movie is pretty much by the numbers, featuring a mysterious madman on the loose, a host of suspects, stumped law enforcement, and fairly likable central characters. It's not overly tedious or stupid, and unfolds at a tolerable pace. This late, lesser-known slasher film even contains a few jolts and memorable set pieces, including the opening car wash scene, which sets things up nicely. The final revelation is far-fetched and the ending is predictable, but not a total embarrassment.

Worth a watch for the die-hard fan...

This is an underrated horror slasher movie. I think every video store should carry this one. Don't get fooled by the cover. The acting is good and the death scenes are written just right. Plenty of gore in this one. If you see this one do rent it. It's highly worth your time. 8/10

This is what might be described as a late Larraz, being made more than ten years after his much finer works such as Vampyres and Symptoms and the best things about it is probably the title and the fact that he manages to make his Spanish locations to look so American. The film moves well enough and, this being Larraz, always looks good. Style and just the slightest of artistic pretentious mixed in with the wanton brutality, is almost a Larraz trademark. Trouble is here seems to be that the Spaniard is so keen to keep us guessing as to just who is wielding that axe so furiously that he looses track of the fact we need someone to help us remain interested in these seeming random kills. It doesn't help that the cop in charge is so self obsessed and uninterested and although the central young couple do well enough they are not sufficiently charismatic to carry the whole film. So, great moments and visually arresting but ultimately uninvolving and dull.