The Funhouse

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Harry R Nov 14, 2018 Here is a lousy horror movie that doesn't manage to be tense, scary or even creepy, being just slow, dull and mostly uneventful - and the most ironic (or pathetic, actually) is that it gets even worse and dumber when things finally start to happen, with only thirty minutes left. See more

Finn S Nov 2, 2018 I was about ten when The Funhouse came out. I don't believe I was even aware of Texas Chainsaw. But there was brilliance in the TV ads for the movie. I mean, what boy doesn't love carnivals, and...funhouses? Well, I sure did. And the anticipation to see this movie grew and grew. My dad was great. Even though he HATED scary movies, if his kids wanted to go, he'd take us. So, the day comes when The Funhouse opens. Not hugely wide, like today, but it was in one theater not too far from where we lived. One screen. My dad got me and one of my brothers in the car, and off we went. I remember sitting in our seats, in a semi-packed house, waiting for the movie to start. Finally it did. I liked to sit next to my dad, because he got scared easily. He'd cover his eyes and moan "Oh no." But he always stayed. From the opening credits, it's obvious (now) that this was Tobe Hooper's first (for him) big budget movie. I love the credits. And John Beal must be singled out for a truly terrifying carnival-themed horror score. I loved it. I liked the kids. I liked the villain, the plot...and the last ten minutes are truly scary. At the point in the movie where the boy tries to sneak into the funhouse, but here's a noise and momentarily looks away, only to be grabbed by the 'monster' scared the bejeesus out of me. In its theatrical run, I saw it three times. Better writers that I have talked about the homage.to other horror films. So I won't. Yes, it takes a good thirty minutes before it really, really gets going. And that is to the film, and Tobe Hooper's genius. It perfectly sets up the carnival mood, lets us get to know the four leads, and sets a pervasive "something is not right here" vibe that's perfect. I've seen this movie now about thirty times. And I love it every darn time. See more

Draco R Oct 12, 2018 A double date decide to investigate a travelling carnival that has just come into town. After strolling around the different attractions they decide to hide overnight in the actual funhouse (like a ghost ride) which is on the grounds of the carnival. This film starts out so well with the carnival and the people who work there being shown as being utterly sinister and delightfully sleazy. When the teens stow away in the funhouse they witness a murder following a paid for sexual tryst (seeing Sylvia Miles from Andy Warhol's Heat give someone wearing a Frankenstein mask a handjob is worth the price of admission alone). When he prematurely ejaculates but isn't given his money back (the quickest $100 she's ever earned) he bumps her off. But then, unfortunately, the film falls flat. Yes, the direction by Tobe Hooper is pretty good, the lighting and colour design make sure that the sets look amazing. But this can't hide the fact that the script from here on in is badly lacking. There is also no characterisation and the teens might as well be robots. It's a shame as earlier in the film the lead teen is shown at home with her parents who seem to not care about her whatsoever. Was this a sliver of social commentary from Hooper as to how he saw the American family at this time? Also, when the Frankenstein mask disappears from the inbred freak (no doubt he would be labelled as 'mentally and facially challenged' today) who stalks the teens in most shots he just looks like a dude in a mask. Time had been spent on the look of the movie without a decent script being written or the killer being made to look convincing. All surface, no substance. This is such a shame. This film was shown in the UK with the MPAA pillaged version of My Bloody Valentine. The poster stated it was 'the most terrifying 3 hours of your life'. Swap 'terrifying' for 'distinctly average' and you're nearer the mark. The Funhouse ran into problems years later as part of the 'Video Nasties' furore in the UK. If anything shows how inept the police involved in this case were then this is it. Unless they were seizing horror films that had sub-par second halves, that is. See more

Rey W Jul 22, 2018 A true classic horror/slasher film with some fun twists. The book was a great read with a lot more back story. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. ?? ?? ?? ?? See more

Theodore S Jun 26, 2018 can't see that this was seen as a great film even when it was made 35 years ago. very average fayre, with a few big plot annoyances along the way See more

Leia S Mar 28, 2018 Nothing happens for so long, then it hits the gas but it's a little too late. Didn't do anything for me.

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The Funhouse

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