Hellraiser

Clive Barker's highly overrated flick about a pandora's box that opens the gateway of Hell falls far short of it's reputation of being one of the most innovative horror films ever made. Zero scares, repulsive acting, pitiful screenplay and cheesey effects add to the sheer stupidity of the film. The one creepy part of the film is the "main man" Pinhead, who has very little screentime. You'd think a movie about a dude with pins in his head that signify eternal suffering and has sadomasochistic themes would be terrifying. Well guess again. (* out of ****)

The Funhouse

One of Tobe Hooper's best Friday-night slasher flicks. Four teens attend a local fair and decide to stay the night in the main attraction- the funhouse. They come to find they made a VERY big mistake. Hooper generates some good quality suspense and scares in the claustrophobic setting, although highly disapointing monster make-up leaves you unsatisfied after waiting so long to see the killer's real face. Alas, it's a must-watch for the Halloween season.

Maniac

Frank Zito is not the kind of guy you want to take home to your father, girls. Besides having a house full of mannequins and a hurt soul from his cruel mother, he'll likely scalp you on the first date. No matter how charming or good-looking he may seem to you, DO NOT fall for his tricks! The puppy-love will likely turn to bloodshed. Joe Spinell, who also wrote and produced the film, does a semi-respectable job as the cold-blooded stalker, also giving a delightful Christopher Walken-style voice. Good make-up and camera angles give us a nice subway scene. But unfortunately, the films many clichés (predictable jump-scenes, familiar conflicts etc....) make this nothing more than your average drive-in fare. I would much rather recommend Deranged. 1980 (** out of ****)