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Tales from the Crypt (1972)
Rate:
6
Viewed:
12/20
12/20:
It's a strange adjustment for me, going from HBO's famous TV series to the British film for
Tales from the Crypt.
I had probably seen every episode from 1989 to 1996 and enjoyed them all. It's always a different story each time
with zero censorship. So, in true horror fashion, anything went including sex and profanity which was unheard of
back then. The Cryptkeeper was unforgettable as well. Then, I began to watch the British film, and...
Seeing Ralph Richardson in the place of The Crypt Keeper is the beginning of my awkward transition. He isn't
bad but often looks bored although he ends the film at a high note. The entrapment of the five visitors
brings out an evil story from each, hence the anthology format:
...And All Through the House: Joan Collins was considered one of the most beautiful women in the world. Well,
she's ugly, wears too much makeup, and cannot act. There's no explanation to why her character wanted to kill her
husband. It just happens. Moving on...
Reflection of Death: This one is practically the same as the previous vignette. What gives? Some variety
would be nice here. At least this time, there's some motivation for the character to off his spouse. However,
what bothers me is after something bad happens to him how come he looks perfectly fine during his meeting with The
Crypt Keeper? Or is this hell and everybody comes pure and clean of defects before him?
Poetic Justice: It might be the meanest vignette I've seen in my life and yet is the strongest of the film.
Poor Arthur Grimsdyke, he didn't deserve the harsh treatment. Of the five visitors, James Elliott is the only one
who belongs in hell. By the way, it's Peter Cushing who's Grimsdyke, and he was told to act like himself. Well,
the depression is real after his wife's recent death.
Wish You Were Here: Believe it or not, Ralph Jason doesn't belong with the other four people, and I have no
idea what he did do wrong. Hm, it's an odd choice.
Blind Alleys: If the blind man looks familiar, it's because he was in
A Clockwork Orange. The actor's name is
Patrick Magee who has an impressive face. This vignette is average overall but makes no sense because to make
the dog overly hungry, he'll have to be starved for days.
All in all, Tales from the Crypt is an okay anthology horror picture with no discernible style, but I prefer
the TV series more.