Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors

Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors (1986)

*** (out of 4)

Wes Craven, Robert Englund, Elvira, Tobe Hooper, Stan Winston, Rick Baker, Steve Miner, William Katt, Forrest J. Ackerman, Dan O'Bannon, Clu Gulager, Dick Miller and John Carl Buechler are among the people interviewed in this direct-to-video release, which showcases Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors.

This special clocks in at just a hour so obviously it would be even better had it ran on a bit longer but if you're a fan of this type of thing then there's no question that you'll be entertained. The highlight is certainly getting to hear from the various stars on display and this includes Hooper who gets a bit of time to discuss his INVADERS FROM MARS remake. We also get to hear from Englund before the Freddy craze really took off.

There's an extended piece devoted to the short film competition that probably could have been edited down some and the trailer of THE TOXIC AVENGER is cool to see but wouldn't we have rather seen more footage of the event? Still, with that said, there's no question that this here will be fun for fans and it at least gives you an idea of what goes on at these shows.

It's really cool to see so many genre icons mingle with fans at this convention and even see some of the underground short films that were screened there. The hair and fashions are a great time capsule of the era and it's sad that so many people featured in this are no longer with us. It's also hard to imagine a time when there were only two Nightmare on Elm Street movies. It's well put together and moves along at a nice pace, too. It's over before you know it.

The last, best documentary style entertainment done during the height of Horror's popularity in the mid-eighties. Tons of actors, directors and makeup artists from the genre are candidly interviewed within, still in their prime, not the least of which are Cassandra Peterson (Elvira) and Robert Englund (Freddie Krueger)!!! This piece is informative, entertaining and nostalgic, full of clips from your favorite horror films as well as ones you've never seen before! This is a must see especially for anyone who was at this convention in 1986, who may very well see themselves!!! This video cassette comes packaged in a stunning box with Elvira herself in a rare pose on the front cover. Hard to find. Not on DVD yet. Highly recommend getting one if you can!!!

This is a great film for anyone who ever wondered what goes on at at a fan convention. The interviews with the stars and behind-the-scene personnel of horror-movies, and the coverage of events at the show are done with respect for the genre.

Everyone has that one sort of idea they'd like to see be brought to film, and one of mine, is someone who brings along a camera to a film convention and videotapes their travels, interviews, autographs, finds, etc. Then releases it via Createspace onto the internet. Youtube sensations Shawn C. Phillips and M.J. Kelley did something like that in their film Around the Country, but I doubt there is a film quite like mine in existence.

Of course there are probably hundreds of Youtube videos on the subject, but how much can you show in a ten minute Youtube video. My idea would take up to an hour, at least. Fangoria: Weekend of Horrors is a yearly convention that takes place all across the United States in major cities. This documentary takes place in 1986, and was shot in Los Angeles, California, where the convention draws the biggest crowd.

We get interviews from horror masterminds such as Freddy Kruger (Robert Englund), director Wes Craven, and even the Queen of Scream, Elvira. All the interviews are authentic, and are shot more like a teenager with his camera rather than a set up, rehearsed documentary.

The dialog we get from the interviewees is engaging. Englund talks about how he can go from playing a dream-jumping serial killer, to a lawyer overnight if he wanted too. And Wes Craven talks about how horror has lived throughout his life. We get a lot of attention brought to these actors, directors, and special effects artists.

The only thing the film lacks is consumer opinion. I would've loved to see authentic footage of regular people just showing off what they bought, talking about what piece of memorabilia they were looking for, or what people were thinking about buying. We get some consumer interviews, but most of which isn't very deep, and doesn't go very far. Clearly this is more about the actors than the fans, but it would've been nice to see some more of the convention thru regular people's eyes.

Fangoria: Weekend of Horrors also gives a good overview or why people love horror films. Some people love a good scare, the fantasy of it, the imagination, the feel, the look, the actors, etc. What do I like? I just like the imagination that can be brought to the genre. The 2000's have been nothing but a bore in the world of horror, with only few films passing on the level of creativity and execution.

Wes Craven states that all you need with horror is a good idea. You can shoot in a rural area so permits aren't needed, get some equipment, a few College kids, and a great imagination for your idea and you can begin. He's right. And that's what I love about horror. It's so simplistic, and at various times, its accomplished big goals. That's one reason I keep coming back.

Starring: Forrest J. Ackerman, Rick Baker, Robert Englund, Elvira, and Wes Craven. Directed by: Mike Hadley and Kerry O'Quinn.