On F List of Movie Reviews

(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)

---

The Funhouse (1981)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 8/19

8/19: Upon seeing Tobe Hooper's name as the director of The Funhouse, my initial expectations were set to low because he had done nothing noteworthy besides that you-know-what-I-am-talking-about cult movie.

To my shock, he actually made a *gasp* genuine horror movie. Well, good job, Tobe. I've enjoyed The Funhouse which can be scary at times. I also love the plot; it's a lot of fun. Yeah, there's the lack of originality in regard to Halloween and Psycho at the beginning, but it would be better afterwards as soon as everybody is at the freak show carnival.

Headlined by Amadeus' Elizabeth Berridge, the cast has great chemistry. Sylvia Miles is a trashy delight. The winner of the show is Kevin Conway who's familiar for playing Sgt. Buster Kilrain in Gettysburg. Gunther in Frankenstein's monster mask is, of course, Leatherface. By the way, you'll notice a two-headed cow and another one with a cleft palate. They do exist, and it's an unfortunate fact of nature.

All in all, Tobe Hooper made only two genuine horror movies: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Funhouse.

---