The 90s were not kind to horror.
It it this reviewer’s contention that other than maybe Candyman, no other 90s horror would crack the Top 10 if it were released in the 70s, 80s, 2000s 2010s, etc. This premise, however, holds only if you don’t consider Silence of the Lambs a horror film, obviously a strong effort but which more of a melange of police procedural and thriller (kinda like Se7en). It’s probably the same argument you could have about Deliverance – that it is more action adventure than horror.
Popcorn, however, stands head and shoulders above a sea of self-referential meta horrors (and of course, odious 90s frosted tip hairstyles). And with apologies to stone cold classic, Halloween, it might be more of a fun viewing choice for October 31.
LA cinema studies students put on a film festival. And a William Castle-esque figure gives them a pep talk, and brings along a treasure trove of theatre props in several suitcases.
The team sets up shop in a cinema that has a couple of weeks of life left before it has a date with a wrecking ball. And they set out to put on the most entertaining show they can for their fellow students, with assistance from their prof, played by Tony Roberts (The Taking of Pelham, 1 2 3, Serpico, Annie Hall).
The monkey wrench in their plans comes from a figure lurking in the shadows…a masked master of disguise with a wildly cinematic backstory.
The characters are spirited and fun, the effects, super fun as well, as are the references to cheesy atomic bug movies from the 60s. The backstory and narrative, wonderful.
Popcorn calls to mind the cinema/theatre-related horrors likes of New Year’s Evil, Demons, Opera, Stagefright, The Abominable Dr. Phibes, The Blob, The Phantom of the Opera (as a meta callback, the star of the 89 film, Jill Schoelen, is the compelling star here as cinema student, Maggie) and of course, William Castle’s The Tingler.
**** (out of 5)
For a broader discussion, tune in and subscribe to the Really Awful Movies Podcast, Popcorn episode.
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