Creepshow (1982) | Quick Movie Review

creepshow 1982 movie poster

I’m not usually a fan of anthology movies, which is why I was so hesitant to start watching this Creepshow. Even though there are only five short vignettes in total, starting a new story every 20 to 30 minutes is basically like watching five straight episodes of a TV show you know nothing about. Story-wise, you’re unsure what to expect. Plus I always get antsy anticipating the next story right around the corner. It’s just weird.

Often times in an anthology film, each short has a different writer or director, thus lacking cohesiveness. But luckily in Creepshow each tale in Creepshow is directed by George A. Romero and written by Stephen King, so they all have the same kind of feel.

I won’t go into the premise of each story, but they’re all very strange, yet unique. They usually deal with a certain sense of paranoia from the characters themselves, and not really with jump-scares or chase scenes, leaning towards creepy rather than scary.

Of the five, there aren’t really any that miss the mark.

Even during each segment’s weaker moments, they’re held together by impressive performances. Of the standouts are Leslie Nielsen as a man seeking revenge against his wife and her lover. It’s no doubt he’s a master of deadpan comedy, since he can deliver ANY line with this type of conviction.

Another great performance is by Stephen King, himself, playing Jordy Verrill, a simpleton farmer who becomes infected by an alien fungus. He and the segment are hilarious. It might be my favorite of the vignettes. Not because it’s scary (because it’s not), but because it’s thoroughly entertaining and acts as a curious lament towards this likable character.

Amidst the other segments, which often tend to meander a bit and run a tad too long at times, The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill is short and sweet.

The Crate–perhaps this film’s strongest story–gives us the best scares in the most traditional horror movie fashion, but it does run a little long.

Maybe one day I’ll reconsider my stance on anthology films, but as of right now, this is probably the only one I’ve found worth sitting through.

Twizard Rating: 89

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