GKersh

This is a hodge-podge of highlights and promos from the Detroit pro wrestling scene of the 1970s, tied together with some corny skits and behind-the-scenes interviews. The phony plotline (about a campaign to ban the Sheik or something) and the skits are the worst thing in the film. Virtually all of the wrestling consists of bloody brawls, and even great technicians like the Funk brothers do nothing more than kick and punch. The matches are all presented as quick montages, which pretty much destroys any flow or interest they may have had--although I have to admit I was glad to see matches like Captain Ed George vs. Bulldog Don Kent in the short version. The promos fare better. Managers Eddie Creachman and Abdullah Farouk both do some classic mike-work, and Terry Funk and Dusty Rhodes both deliver promos in their signature styles.

Realistically, though, I can only imagine two kinds of viewer who might actually like this film. The first is the fan of ECW or hardcore wrestling in general who might want to see some early specialists in that style, like Abdullah the Butcher and the Sheik. The other is anybody who watched wrestling in the '70s and wants to get nostalgic. Dusty Rhodes looks almost skinny here, and other well-remembered performers, including Andre the Giant, make brief appearances. There are also wrestlers I had completely forgotten, like Heather Feather.

I can't imagine anybody else would like this. It has clearly been slapped together by amateurs, and a homemade set of rock-and-roll songs only makes matters worse.

Wonderfully atmospheric film with a unique sense of place and well-drawn characters. Karloff's performance here is excellent, yet very different from his work in other films. You may be disappointed if you go in expecting something like his horror classics for Universal. This one is suggestive rather than shocking, and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes the subtle horrors of Cat People, The Innocents, or even Rosemary's Baby. Because of its literate script and interesting character development, Isle of the Dead may also appeal to others who don't usually like horror.

This is a landmark film for its use of violence. Instead of the usual horror movie build-up, with suspense music and the like, Chain Saw springs the violence on you without warning. The deaths are startling for their realism. The horror builds in some subtle ways--shots of road-killed animals unsettle you early on, and a little blood is used suggestively to make you imagine you've seen a lot of gore. The film looks cheap, but Hooper's direction makes sophisticated use of motifs, focus changes, and other innovative techniques. An early scene involving flash photography is incredibly disturbing. Much of the story is implied rather than explained, so the movie gets better with repeat viewings.

This may be too weird and intense for some viewers, but if you're open to that sort of thing, give this one a chance. One of the scariest (but funniest) movies I've ever seen.