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I love this movie. Has to be in my top 3 horror movies and (depending on my mood) might even rank as #1. For me, it has everything. The acting is spot on, especially considering the low budget effects that would have been made glaringly obvious if not for the actors making me believe in it. Hell, even the few kind of "off" acting moments made me smile in a good way. A perfect example of this is the shot of Jody's face when Mike cracks him in the foot with a hammer. Priceless.
Speaking of Mike and Jody, their relationship in this movie is really well played. I would have no trouble buying that A. Michael Baldwin and Bill Thornbury were actually brothers, which really strikes a chord when you realize **SPOILER** that Jody is actually dead by the end of the movie. This, of course, opens the door for Reg to become the fucking man throughout the rest of the series, but it's easy to forget that in the original it was mainly just the two brothers **END SPOILER**
Not to say that Reg wasn't brilliant even with his smaller screen time. I defy anyone not to like this guy..."We're hot as love, that's all"
Of course you can't talk Phantasm without talking about the Tall Man. While this isn't the only senior citizen that I'm afraid of (Kane from Poltergeist anyone?) this is the only one that I'm quite sure could take me in a fist fight. Given that he doesn't talk much it would seem like he had a pretty easy job, until you see Angus Scrimm and realize that, in real life, he's just as unintimidating as your grandfather. But, with a simple scowl, he manages to be completely terrifying, even as decades have passed and his character has aged.
The final aspect of this film that really brings it all together for me is the score. Just a few repeating notes on the piano, and the composer manages to encompass the terror, surrealism, and sadness of the movie. This is probably my favorite theme song to any movie.
OK, that should just about do it for my fanboy rambling of this movie. If you haven't seen it, just do yourself a favor and give it a chance.
The Phantasm series as a whole is great. The way things un-fold and remain mysterious is excellent. The Tall Man is one of the best and most original villians ever. My favorites are Phantasm, Phantasm IV, and Phantasm III.
The 1970's really has got to be the best decade for horror movies and Phantasm is no exception. I have not seen the sequels in years but the first movie is one I do watch at least once a year.
Weird and totally original with a great soundtrack too! Disturbed the hell out of me as a kid.
Since I haven't seen any of the sequels I was completely baffled by the end of this one. It had a lot of really great elements to it (especially the music) but I think it will take some time for this to creep up on me. I guess that might happen as soon as the re-release Part II so I can make some sense out of Part I.
THE HORROR HYPE METER Excited to see this movie? Rate it here!
