Grandmother's House

Poor David and Lynn! Their father, the only parent they have left, has just died. As a token of their sympathy and concern, Lynn's and David's grandparents allow the kiddies to stay with them. But little do the kids know, their grandparents are actually bloodthirsty killers! ...Or are they? Who cares. I don't, and you won't either. Trust me. This has got to be one of the most painfully uninteresting movies I've ever had the discontentment of seeing. Even with the disgraceful attempts at shocks and unnecessarily complex and nonsensical plot twists, I still wasn't amused. The only thing that kept me watching was an insightful quote made by a boy talking to David: "If I had a sister like that, I'd boff her." Did somebody get paid to write this?!??

Better then you would expect picture about a two teenagers who have lost both of their parents. They are shipped off to their grandparents house to live, but the sudden arrival of a mysterious woman eventually results in an outbreak of violence. Twisty, complicated thriller with its fair share of surprises throughout. The movie is well plotted and thought out, but is negated by routine performances. Still, very suspenseful and thrilling at times.

Rated R; Violence, Adult Themes.

My review was written in March 1989 after watching the film on Academy video cassette.

"Grandmother's House" (alternately "Grandma's House") is a clever nailbiter, providing suspenseful variations on a gothic thriller theme. Pic should get a good reaction in the video rental market, bypassing theatrical release.

When attractive youngsters Eric Foster and Kim Valentine go to live with their grandparents following their dad's funeral, Foster immediately becomes suspicious of the old folks' behavior.

He's soon convinced that kindly looking Ida Lee and Len Lesser are murderous crazies preying on passers-by. Cinematographer Peter Jensen's script takes an excellent turn midway when Foster frees a mystery woman (Brinke Stevens) seemingly held in bondage by his grandfolks and she immediately tries to kill him. She turns out to be the kids' long-gone mom (they thought she was dead) whom grandfolks were hiding.

Hectic final rel is loaded with switcheroos, including a surprise incest subplot and morbid final twist. Tightly directed by Peter Rade, pic definitely will keep the viewer guessing.

Both Foster and Nastassja Kinski-esue Valentine score in the lead roles, while Len Lesser is properly ambiguous as granddad. Usually a decorative beauty, Binke Stevens is scary in the character role of mom.

When you come across a movie that no one else has heard of,even amongst fellow horror enthusiasts,and discover it to be both a tense and enjoyable romp,it gives a great deal of pleasure,grandmothers house gave me that feeling.The story itself is nothing to write home about,kids go to live with their grandparents,who have a dark secret, there's a mad woman in the house!! hardly original but then not many films are. But this film has some good heart stopping moments,yes there are some rather gaping holes in the plot and the ending is a bit of a let down but if getting the girlfriend to jump into your arms is a major benefit you can do a lot worse.

Kids get orphaned and have to go live with grandma and granddaddy,

How many times have you heard this premise? Never mind, this time it's gory 80s fun with a couple of twists

So get that the mousse on your hair, put on some spandex and enjoy crank up the cassette player, You'll enjoy this schlock.