Bob Clark (1) (1939–2007)

There's no way to go back to 1973 and review this film as I might have seen it then, when it was one of the first of its kind--or at least of its well-made kind, not a cheap exploitation picture. Thw cast is certainly great, but they are unconvincing as sorority girls. Only Hussey looks young enough to pass. Still, they, especially Margot Kidder, are having a great time. The house itself is cool and creepy. The setting (somewhere in America, as indicated by the American flag in one scene on show more John Saxon's desk) is good. It was actually filmed in Toronto, and much of the cast is Canadian. In any case, the best part of the film is the enthusiastic performances, although Hussey has such a strange accent at times, that it's distracting. There are few shocks and little real horror. Although we do get to see some exciting racing through the phone company central office during the call tracing scenes! I guess I'm trying to say that this is interesting and watchable, but it all seems like a series of cliches 50 years later. The police department, especially, is beyond incompetent. Your level of enjoyment may differ and maybe with a few cocktails it improves. show less

I've always pooh-poohed teen slashers, but apparently this was the ur-slasher, the one from which the others are descended. It was actually pretty good. It cut away from the actual slashing before it could turn into gore-porn, and the characters were reasonably well developed. It was certainly better than White Christmas. I didn't immediately realize the funny coincidence of watching the two movies back to back.

A serial killer hides in a sorority's attic.

1.5/4 (Meh).

Some people get murdered, the end. It is not for me. Also, it's not actually a Christmas movie, which I found disappointing. The promise of a Christmas/horror mashup was my whole reason for watching.

Acting: 4.0; Theme: 4.5; Content: 4.5; Language: 4.0: Overall: 4.0

Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) must convince his dad (Darren McGavin) and mom (Melinda Dillon) that he is old enough to own his very own Red Ryder without "shooting his eye out." Recommend with the following cautions.

There are at least 10-15 profanities with at least half being said by the children, which is unfortunate. There were also some additional questionable content throughout.

***December 25, 2024***