Stephen King’s Children of the Corn (1984)
Reviewed by Melissa McGahee
In small town Gatlin Nebraska, a murderous cult of children have overtaken the town. Isaac (John Franklin), a young, confident, pale-faced evil looking boy captivates and controls the kids with teachings from “He Who Walks Behind the Rows.” Isaac informs that this deity, in essence, the Cornfield God, has instructed the poisoning and slaughter of all adults in Gatlin. Once the cult follows the plans, Isaac and his lead follower Malachai (Courtney Gains) work to keep order by using pagan rituals, restrictions, and sacrifices.
All is working according to the plan until a young couple, Vicki (Linda Hamilton) and Burton (Peter Horton) drive through Nebraska and are stopped by the dead body of a child who was trying to escape. The need to report the incident brings them to an old gas station, where a mechanic who knows too much refuses help. Confused and irritated, they have no choice but to drive directly into Gatlin.
Upon entering they meet, Job (Robby Kiger) and Sarah (AnneMarie McEvoy), who though are very young, are unbelievers. They secretly break the restrictions and draw pictures, play games, and go in places that are off-limits. Isaac however, does not punish them, claiming he is only following the will of his deity, however the real reason is that the pictures Sarah colors foretell the future. When he sees that the couple are visiting Isaac states that they are the outlanders that prophecy has warned about and that their blood is needed. Job and Sarah attempt to help the couple as they struggle to leave before they too are victims of “He Who Walks Behind the Rows.”
By far the greatest performance in the film is portrayed by John Franklin. Isaac, even
when not speaking, is menacing and a powerful presence, especially for such a young
villain. He delivers the over-the-top dialogue believably and allows the audience to fathom that these impressionable kids could be swayed to kill their own parents on his command.
Vicky and Burton’s constant bickering does become annoying and at times it is tough to view them as heroes of any kind. The deed of reporting the death is no doubt a good one, nonetheless they just seem to have way too many conversations about matters that the audience cares nothing about. Thankfully there are Job and Sarah, who are impossible not to root for. They doubt what all others blindly accepted, they think instead of follow, they fight for what they believe is right, and neither one is above the age of eight.
There are several points where an actual creepy atmosphere is created, however most scares are cheap. For example, in one scene Vicky has a dream that the dead child sits up with his arms out stretched. Will you jump? Maybe. Will you lose sleep? Probably not.
The film is well paced and there are cool elements that help it standout above other movies with similar plots even without Stephen King’s name attached. The Blue Man who demands sacrifice and is really a policeman hung scarecrow style is enough to disturb. Also the schools and stores are all vandalized with corn making Gatlin seem more isolated and deserted. The choice in old music helps keep a feeling of unease but rarely is there any sort of real payoff.
Scared Stiff Rating: 6.5/10 A good film but with King you expect a little
more.
|
|
FAMILY SECRET
