In 2008, Damien Leone directed a short film titled, “The 9th Circle.” One night on Halloween, a young woman named, Casey is kidnapped by a clown dressed in a black-and-white outfit. She wakes up in a dungeon filled with other women captured. Casey and the others attempt to escape or they’ll be plunged to the depths of hell. Five Years Later, Damien made his directorial debut. An anthology horror film called, “All Hallow’s Eve.” Two kids and their babysitter watch a VHS tape featuring Art the Clown in three stories all connected.
Three Years Later, Damien directed “Terrifier.” His intention to make this film was to make Art the Clown a modern day horror icon inspired by horror villains like Leatherface, Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger & Jason Voorhees. Rather than redoing another anthology films Damien went with a straightforward story set on a Halloween night involving two young women stalked by Art.
Released in 2016, (same year 10 Cloverfield Lane came out) it received mixed reviews from critics and managed to recoup its low budget. Terrifier spawned a franchise consisting of two sequels, merchandise, costumes, clothing, toys, collectibles, video game appearances in “Call of Duty,” “Dead by Daylight” & “Fortnite.” I have one good reason why I wanna review Terrifier. It’s officially Halloween Month. I intend to watch horror films throughout October.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you a chance to see the first installment.
Right & Wrong Aspects
Right: David Howard Thornton did a great job for his performance as Art the Clown.
Damien Leone mostly did a solid job directing.
Death Scenes are brutal and not for the faint of heart. If you have a weak stomach, bring a barf bag.
Practical Effects were heavily involved making kill scenes realistic. Not too shabby for a low budget flick.
Cinematography’s shot in a good condition lacking technical problems.
Pacing wasn’t slow. Felt natural.
Random Thought: First time I heard about Terrifier. I saw an animatronic statue of Art the Clown at a Spirit Halloween store. I was curious to know about him. I saw the first film and second entry. I’ve yet to see third installment.
We get a big reveal of the identity of the disfigured woman from the opening scene.
Wrong: None of the characters outside Art were memorable. I didn’t care about Tara & Dawn. They are just one-dimensional protagonists who aren’t well-written like Laurie Strode from “Halloween” or Ellen Ripley from “Alien.” Damien admits regrets he didn’t fully develop Tara & Dawn as wooden characters in favor of blood and gore.
Story isn’t properly coordinated as a three act structure.
Acting felt stiff. Damien didn’t work on additional for the actors to deliver their lines in an authentic manner. Delivery’s subpar.
The Final Verdict: B-
Even though the acting, (except for David Howard Thornton) story and one-dimensional protagonists are the weak parts, I thought Terrifier was pretty average. Not a bad flick, an adequate start of a franchise. If you’re new to the Terrifier series, check out All Hallow’s Eve and Terrifier 1-3. Which horror films should I review next? Please leave a comment.
