Horrorthon'08: NIGHT OF THE CREEPS (1986)
Once again the new Irish horror (GHOSTWOOD) got ditched for 80s nostalgia as I went to see NIGHT OF THE CREEPS, a fondly remembered zombie-ish teen horror that was every bit as stupid and entertaining as I remember it.
Interestingly, the showing here was thought to be a premiere of sorts. The film never received a cinema release in the UK or Ireland - many people discovered the film either through video or, like me, late night BBC screenings - so this was a special occasion, particularly since it's not available on DVD yet either. It was made all the more special by the fact that the print they showed was absolutely pristine.
The plot essentially boils down to alien parasites turning people into zombies while a bunch of teenagers worry about drinking, getting laid and playing frat pranks. Hilarity ensues. Much of it is genuinely, intentionally funny while parts of it are more funny because of how dated it is. Have you ever noticed that 80s films actually seem to have dated more than most films from the 60s or 70s?
The real star of the show however is stalwart character actor Tom Atkins, who plays the police officer in charge of the case. Having lost his (unfaithful) girlfriend in an unfortunate incident involving a serial killer, an axe and a crashed UFO, he's a washed up, miserable man who gets all the best lines and delivers them with deadpan aplomb, whether he's answering the phone ("Thrill me!") or displaying a real weapons fetish.
Gore, pretty ladies, alien parasites and a bitter but hilarious cop all add up to an immensely enjoyable cinema experience. Thrill me indeed.
Horrorthon coverage to be continued soon...
Interestingly, the showing here was thought to be a premiere of sorts. The film never received a cinema release in the UK or Ireland - many people discovered the film either through video or, like me, late night BBC screenings - so this was a special occasion, particularly since it's not available on DVD yet either. It was made all the more special by the fact that the print they showed was absolutely pristine.
The plot essentially boils down to alien parasites turning people into zombies while a bunch of teenagers worry about drinking, getting laid and playing frat pranks. Hilarity ensues. Much of it is genuinely, intentionally funny while parts of it are more funny because of how dated it is. Have you ever noticed that 80s films actually seem to have dated more than most films from the 60s or 70s?
The real star of the show however is stalwart character actor Tom Atkins, who plays the police officer in charge of the case. Having lost his (unfaithful) girlfriend in an unfortunate incident involving a serial killer, an axe and a crashed UFO, he's a washed up, miserable man who gets all the best lines and delivers them with deadpan aplomb, whether he's answering the phone ("Thrill me!") or displaying a real weapons fetish.
Gore, pretty ladies, alien parasites and a bitter but hilarious cop all add up to an immensely enjoyable cinema experience. Thrill me indeed.
Horrorthon coverage to be continued soon...
Labels: Film festivals, horror, Horrorthon, zombie movies
posted by Alan at 8:11 pm
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