Creepshow (1982) Review

So what’s so good about the eighties horror classic Creepshow? And what makes it such an ideal choice for Halloween viewing?
Well, it’s probably best to answer the second question first. Today is ALL HALLOWS EVE after all!

Creepshow is a collection of 5 horror tales, an anthology if you will, and probably one of the finest examples of its kind in the genre.

And being an anthology, the stories are short and broken, which means they don’t require your undivided attention (though you will find it hard to drag yourself away from the screen while it plays). This gives you the opportunity to converse, carve a pumpkin or make some nice snacks during your Halloween gathering.

What makes Creepshow generally a great film is its unique combination of comic book style horror filled with chills and also a good helping of dark humour.
Add to that the killer combination of a legendary director (George Romero), an equally legendary writer (Stephen King), Tom Savini providing the gore and a bunch of stars (including Leslie Nielsen and Ted Danson) and your final product? A shining example of a cinematic translation of pulp horror.

Each of the simple, moral filled tales are short, punchy and entertaining. They literally ooze (in the slimiest sense) atmosphere and character, drawing you in inexorably.
From the tale of the Father’s Day cake that’s good enough to rouse the dead, to the mysterious and hideous creature that lurks under the stairs, the viewer is drawn in and left hungry for more.

The transition to and from the comic book wraparound works very well and the only thing about Creepshow that doesn’t make sense is why this same magic hasn’t ever been captured since, even in the sequel, which retained some of the crew and did have some of the charm.
Creepshow won’t disturb you to the point of having nightmares, but it does leave an indelible impression, most of which can be attributed to its striking visual style and quirky twisted subject matter (courtesy of King).
And it’s retro appeal is just as strong today as it was upon its release way back in 1982.

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Trailer: