Review of Cujo (1983) by Ian B — 19 Feb 2008

Definitely one of the best Stephen King film adaptations ever made. The movie works because the people behind the camera understand not only what it takes to make a good horror film, but to make a good film in general.

The first half is spent setting up the characters before the shit hits the fan. These are very real characters with very real problems and conflicts. No cliches found here. All the credit must be given to Dee Wallace, who gives one hell of a powerful performance.

Of course half way through the movie when Cujo shows up you'll be sweating buckets. I completely forgot how insanely intense this movie was! It's suspenseful, emotional, claustrophobic and and very atmospheric.

Director Lewis Teague and cinematographer Jan de Bont create some amazing set pieces and visuals. They do an amazing job of turning a friendly St. Bernard into a rabid killing machine. Some of the best and scariest horror films aren't the ones that deal with a supernatural menace, but with a threat that could actually happen in real life.

And Cujo is proof that sometimes the most realistic situations are the most terrifying.