Review of Children of the Corn (1984) by Alex R — 20 Oct 2011

Children Of The Corn is an often overlooked horror film. Based on the Stephen King story of the same name, Children Of The Corn is the story of a boy preacher who arrives in Gatlin, Nebraska and convinces the local children to murder the adults.

After noticing an injured boy running from the corn field and into the street, young couple Burt and Vicky (Peter Horton, Linda Hamilton) travel to Gatlin to find help. When they get there, they find that the town is empty and is only habited by children.

Soon the new arrivals know what really went on, and find out that Isaac, the boy preacher has brainwashed the children into killing their parents. Children Of The Corn is not the best Stephen King adaptation, but the filmmakers do a pretty good job in creating tense, horrifying moments.

Sometimes the film seems a little sloppy, and cheesy, but this is what makes it a fun film to watch. The fact that we never quit see "He Who Walks Behind The Rows" (the god that the children worship) adds to the eerie atmosphere that this possesses.

We are only given a brief scene with He who walks behind the rows, and when it happens, it reminds you of the shark from Jaws. The payoff of the film was decent, and entertaining, but it was also disappointing.

Children Of The Corn is still a very entertaining horror film despite it's flaws. Just watch it with an open mind, and you may not feel too disappointed.