By Melissa Antoinette Garza and Arino Bun-Bun Garza (my bunny who keeps chewing on the screen and pushing buttons)
NIGHT KILLER (1990) is a movie which for years was a difficult find. Even now, when purchased on DVD, French subtitles are on the bottom on the screen as that’s the only print that could be found. In Italy the film was originally titled, NON APRITE QUELLA PORTA 3 or TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 3 (1990). It has nothing to do with the genre and was only titled that by the director to sell it quicker. Surprisingly, this was allowed as copyright laws were lax overseas.
Speaking of the director, many will know Claudio Fragasso as the mastermind behind the cult classic TROLL 2 (1990). Though many pan TROLL 2 and enjoy it for reasons contrary to what the director imagined for the production, it’s a hit nonetheless.
NIGHT KILLER also has a cult following and is enjoyed for reasons similar to TROLL 2 . Many point out the absurdity within the movie, and though not as well-known as TROLL 2 it does have a moderate following.
Personally, I don’t see the absurdity of NIGHT KILLER. Some claim it’s a complete rip-off of NIGHTMARE ON ELM. STREET as the villain wears a glove with blades and the mask worn has a Freddy-esque quality to it. Though, I agree the villain was inspired by Freddy, I disagree that the movie is a complete rip-off and I disagree that the plot is absurd. I think NIGHT KILLER is a great horror movie that stands on its own and dare I say has original aspects and creepy moments.
It’s a whodunit which has elements of the original BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974) and HALLOWEEN (1978) within it. Scary phone calls and near demonic voices make this such an amazing film. It legitimately scared me, which is difficult to do.
I think Fragasso gets a very bad rap. TROLL 2 can be a horribly odd yet fun ride, which most will concede. In the documentary regarding TROLL 2, Fragasso’s original vision was discussed and in the right situation could have been compelling in a completely different way than how it turned out.. I’m happy he may be making a TROLL 3 and I’ll be first in line to see it.
Here Fragasso’s talent is shown both as a talented writer and great director. He builds suspense and terrorizes the audience with visions of assaults on women. The villain acted in a manner that American audiences are not accustomed to seeing. The viciousness of the actions and how much is shown makes it an in-your-face movie. It’s the type of film that the SAW franchise wants to be but the difference is that NIGHT KILLER is able to terrify and keep a solid plot.
This is one film I would highly recommend purchasing. The quality of the transfer is not perfect but if you’re a nostalgic fan who remembers VHS movies, you may find yourself enjoying it a little more. HD is great but there is something that fills me with joy when a film has the old fashioned look to it. It’s a little fuzzy, but watchable. I miss VHS.
Anyways, seek out NIGHT KILLER and give Fragasso the props he deserves. I’m sure some hipster douchebags will criticize it and like it ironically, but those are the ones too focused on disliking the production to actually watch and follow the story.
Watch it with an open mind and enjoy. The conclusion sat with me at the end and was very freaky. It was expected but the way in which it was filmed still made it creepy as hell. It was reminiscent of the ending of DON’T GO TO SLEEP (1982). I won’t give it away but it’s definitely something that one shouldn’t watch alone.
Scared Stiff Rating: 8/10
Great review…you can get a good copy at cultaction dot com…No subtitles either..
Thanks. I’ll have to check that out. cultaction.com 🙂