Popcorn is one of the most iconic horror films of the early 90's.
Even if you didn't happen to see it...the cover (with the skeleton pulling off it's face) would have stuck in your memory from when you parused by it on the video store shelf (ahhhh...those were the days *sigh*).
That aside, however...it's also one of the best.
Chock full of reflexivity and references to the history of horror- with a particular focus on special effects- it's constructed like a 4-D cinematic version of Dead Of Night; and acts as a commentary on human nature...well, when it comes to bloodlust and herd mentality, at least.
Things begin when a highschool videography club begins to plan a fundraising event.
They all agree that holding an all night movie marathon in a classic Los Angeles movie theatre (Dreamland)- screening only schlock 4-D films from a bygone era of cinema- is the best idea.
While setting things up, they find an odd old short film called Possessor.
Turns out that it was shot by a cult leader named Gates, who is believed to have screened the film for his cult; before attempting to murder his entire family live before the audience; and burning down the theatre with all the members of his cult inside.
And it just so happens to mirror the dream that Maggie- our protaganess- has been having (and which she has been planning to shoot as a movie, herself).
Putting this aside, they move forward with the fundraiser...which is a hit!
Sold out!
Though, things aren't exactly going as smoothly as they might seem...
Turns out that something nefarious is going on behind the scenes. Someone has infiltrated the event with evil intentions.
Could it be Gates? Could he have survived the fire and returned to reap his vengeance?
As the marathon progresses...the members of the video club start dropping like flies; one-by-one...often to the gimmicks they are in the process of employing (for comedic effect).
By the time there is only a handful of them left, Maggie figures out that she is actually Sarah Gates- her real mom was in the cult; Gates was her dad; who she thought was her mom, is, in reality, her aunt (who saved her from the fire); and her dreams are recovered memories from her past, that she had been repressing as a result of the trauma.
So perhaps this Gates has returned to finish the job he failed to complete the first time around, after all?
A double twist won't leave YOU hanging...but it might expose the roman sport observer in you (a commentary on the affect of horror storytelling on it's audience).
And when all is said and done (and you find yourself rocking out to the bomb reggae tracks that play during the credits) you won't be able to help but leave satisfied.
Tom Villard's performace is outstanding. The special effects from Bob Clark and Georgio Ferrari are great. And what's even better, is that you get to see the whole process of the transformation as part of the film (it's reflexive element).
It's these things combined that make this 90's horror classic such a gem.
And that's without mentioning the live performance by Lloyd Lovindeer and Chalice...
This film is also notable for going on to inspire Troma's Chillerama (which also rules).
So see both.
8 out of 10.
Even if you didn't happen to see it...the cover (with the skeleton pulling off it's face) would have stuck in your memory from when you parused by it on the video store shelf (ahhhh...those were the days *sigh*).
That aside, however...it's also one of the best.
Chock full of reflexivity and references to the history of horror- with a particular focus on special effects- it's constructed like a 4-D cinematic version of Dead Of Night; and acts as a commentary on human nature...well, when it comes to bloodlust and herd mentality, at least.
Things begin when a highschool videography club begins to plan a fundraising event.
They all agree that holding an all night movie marathon in a classic Los Angeles movie theatre (Dreamland)- screening only schlock 4-D films from a bygone era of cinema- is the best idea.
While setting things up, they find an odd old short film called Possessor.
Turns out that it was shot by a cult leader named Gates, who is believed to have screened the film for his cult; before attempting to murder his entire family live before the audience; and burning down the theatre with all the members of his cult inside.
And it just so happens to mirror the dream that Maggie- our protaganess- has been having (and which she has been planning to shoot as a movie, herself).
Putting this aside, they move forward with the fundraiser...which is a hit!
Sold out!
Though, things aren't exactly going as smoothly as they might seem...
Turns out that something nefarious is going on behind the scenes. Someone has infiltrated the event with evil intentions.
Could it be Gates? Could he have survived the fire and returned to reap his vengeance?
As the marathon progresses...the members of the video club start dropping like flies; one-by-one...often to the gimmicks they are in the process of employing (for comedic effect).
By the time there is only a handful of them left, Maggie figures out that she is actually Sarah Gates- her real mom was in the cult; Gates was her dad; who she thought was her mom, is, in reality, her aunt (who saved her from the fire); and her dreams are recovered memories from her past, that she had been repressing as a result of the trauma.
So perhaps this Gates has returned to finish the job he failed to complete the first time around, after all?
A double twist won't leave YOU hanging...but it might expose the roman sport observer in you (a commentary on the affect of horror storytelling on it's audience).
And when all is said and done (and you find yourself rocking out to the bomb reggae tracks that play during the credits) you won't be able to help but leave satisfied.
Tom Villard's performace is outstanding. The special effects from Bob Clark and Georgio Ferrari are great. And what's even better, is that you get to see the whole process of the transformation as part of the film (it's reflexive element).
It's these things combined that make this 90's horror classic such a gem.
And that's without mentioning the live performance by Lloyd Lovindeer and Chalice...
This film is also notable for going on to inspire Troma's Chillerama (which also rules).
So see both.
8 out of 10.