This was a cinematic Holy Grail for me! No, not viewing the movie-that’s happened more than a few times, both in 2D and 3D at home via using those anaglyph glasses for the latter experience. Rather, it was getting to see this movie theatrically in actual 3D—I’ve heard for years that is a much superior to the red/blue lens experience. Never did I think that Regal Cinemas would bring the film for one day and present it in Real 3D as part of a month where they play 31 horror films from the past, but more on that at the end.
I was VERY happy when I read the news on Twitter; ever since, I was counting down the days until the screening. It was worth the wait; not just for how gratuitous the film is at shoving crap at the screen, although that will forever be hysterical. The crowd in attendance did giggle at the most egregious moments involving the third dimension, especially the yo-yo bit. When the movie became more serious, the audience reacted in kind-they weren’t mocking it due to its age or it seeming “dated” by modern horror standards.
This third installment I’ve always had a soft spot for, starting way back during the VHS days of the 90’s. It’s a standard slasher story set in the woods and the characters are stereotypical young adults (except for the stoner couple who look to be in their 30’s) but it will always amuse me. The music and those effects were grand on such a stage. The DISCO theme and the credits popping out of the screen alone made me excited. I now better appreciate the violin-driven score from Harry Manfredini-traditional aside from the collaboration w/ disco musician Michael Zager during the opening/end credits.
There’s also memorable kills-even the ones where the effects are obvious. Who doesn’t love an eyeball out of the skull via a head squeeze, or a harpoon from a spear gun shot at you? Shelly is the most distinctive-if not always likable-character. He’s a chubby awkward nerd who sadly has some incel moments but is the source of Jason’s hockey mask. To copy and paste from the first review of this movie, done almost a decade ago:
“There are some other moments that make me laugh, such as a “biker gang” that only has three members, a girl randomly stating that she's pregnant and it's never brought up again or means anything for the plot, and the final girl driving a stereotypical 70's van. It makes up for some things not making sense. Whether in 2D or 3D, it's a movie I'll always like.”
My opinion still holds after the theatrical experience I hoped for years finally occurred.
As for Regal Cinemas and their 31 Screams on Screen, what a wide variety for the potential customer. Several Universal Horror classics (including the 3D version of Creature from the Black Lagoon), Event Horizon, Prince of Darkness, The Witch (or The VVitch, if you prefer), Demon Knight, Silver Bullet-of all King adaptations… a thankfully diverse and eclectic mix, it is. The idea is to experience their 31 Screams on Screen one more time this month-if not more than once.
No comments:
Post a Comment