March 24^th, 2000

"DEVIL'S PLAYTHINGS"

This weeks grab bag I picked three titles in anticipation of the re-release of the Exorcist in the upcoming month (dubbed, appropriately enough, Exorcist 2000).

The 1973 classic that had people lining-up for blocks to get in, that had people running from the theatre feeling sick and that upset a lot of religious groups. A movie that took pea soup to an all-new level. And Linda Blair's calm before the B-movie storm (and Hell) her career ended-up in.

The Exorcist [1973] is the obvious first choice. Any self-respecting horror movie fan should have seen this one by now. If not, you're not a true horror fan.

Youngster Linda Blair gets possessed by a demonic force (which may just be Satan) which leads to her terrorizing her mother Ellen Burnstyn with head-spinning, projectile vomitting and a little tasteless ditty with a crucifix. Brought in to exorcise the evil are two priests (Max Von Sydow, Jason Miller).

Based on the William Peter Blatty novel, and followed by two inferior sequels, this one is best to see on DVD, but if (like me) you don't own a machine then snag the widescreen release on Warner to get the movie in all its glory, a documentary insert that includes exercised scenes and theatrical trailers.

The Omen [1976] continued to play on the connection between Satan and children as a young Damien Thorne (who's six) seems to be causing all sorts of gruesome deaths around him.

This leads father Gregory Peck to become suspicious and he slowly learns that his son may just be the anti-christ. But in the meantime everyone must die! And die they do.

Popular adapation of the David Seltzer novel (by the novelist himself), this is an interesting look at evil; and who can forget the "look on his scalp for a 666 symbol"? Plus there's plenty of fairly suspenseful moments and gore to chew on.

Followed by three sequels, which all actually didn't turn out too bad (and even if most people hated the TV-made fourth part, I thought it had an interesting spin on the story).

Beyond The Door II [1977] is a visual treat. And though the original in this series would be the more logical choice (being that it rips-off Exorcist in many ways); this one has tons more sinister mood, suspense and well-done nastiness.

A mother and son move back into the house of their deceased husband/father which soon leads to the child acting very strangely (and evil) and the mother having all sorts of wacked-out visions. And take a guess who's responsible? If you didn't say "daddy" then slap yourself.

Directed by Itallian horror legend Mario Bava this is one entertaining time and mostly works thanks to Bava's great use of a distorted camera-lens, some nasty moments (like the razor blades on the piano bit) and a pretty cool 70's techno score.