Review of Children of the Corn (1984) by Bryce V — 14 Oct 2018

The Omen meets Lord of the Flies.

Children of the Corn (1984) is a surprisingly fun little horror movie. You will not find it scary, but it a neat little survival movie. Fritz Kiersch directs with a neat eye for cool shots of weaponry, corn fields, faces, and abandoned houses. The country setting gives many beautiful and eerie surroundings for the ensuing massacre.

Children of the Corn is very short at 93 minutes and managed to tell a succinct story in that brief time. It moves quickly and builds up atmosphere with lingering shots, growing zealotry, and excellent synth music. The 1980's once again delivers wonderful memorable music with the occasional pounding synths chiming away in the backdrop. The children's choir incorporated into the symphonic part of the score was a brilliant choice. I think the main theme to Children of the Corn is quite mesmerizing and haunting.

The writing from Stephen King's story is great, and the dialogue is generally believable and grounded. I think the religious themes and the idea of questioning radical preachers stills holds water. King always knew how to scare with ideas that could happen. The otherworldly monsters are just bonus fearsome foes.

The acting is pretty decent from the main cast. Peter Horton is a basic and generic everyman, who manages to feel like any member of the audience. Linda Hamilton feels natural like a good and kind woman that wants to do the right thing, but also perceives the danger of her situation. Courtney Gains is perfect as the redneck Malachai. He is quite creepy and disturbing as a serial killer. Lastly, John Franklin is perfect as the little corn preacher Isaac. His shrill, high pitched voice, unsettling eyes, wild sermons, and strange demeanor make for a wondrously evil villain.

Unfortunately, the film's special effects do not hold up. The general action is pretty realistic, but the fights look fairly fake. The CGI is so dated that it's comical. I can forgive the movie this as it is still remarkably entertaining.

Regardless of it's dated effects and fake combat, I found Children of the Corn to be a refreshing horror film. Well directed, scored, acted, and written overall. I'd suggest Children of the Corn for a fun spooky watch one night or afternoon.