Review of Scanners (1981) by Michael W — 28 Feb 2017

Scanners: B+.

In my humble opinion, one of the most underrated horror films of the great 80's. Though Scanners does get recognition for its premise and complementary head exploding scene, the film does have more to offer. There exists a decent story line and a comingling of several great topics like governmental/big corporate conspiracy, world domination, the acceptance of skills bestowed, sibling rivalries and more. Horror movies and comedies are generally subjective. Either you relate or you don't. In both cases, over analyzing the film's methods become its undoing, and ultimately disrupts the sensations conveyed.

Sure, Cronenberg stumbled through this one with some great concepts paired with limited resources. I think with today's technology, 2017, a remake could prove most successful! Maybe it's just me, but I feel this movie really captured the true essence of creepy. I can guarantee that everyone watching, at least for a singular moment in their life, tried to make something happen by the power of suggestion. I can also guarantee, during your viewing, you thought of one person you'd like to scan the crap out of. Maybe Rhonda Bryrne can star in the re-make? The score was perfectly irritating and played well to ensure migraines and nose bleeds.

In any event, Stephen Lack's character, Cameron Vale, really pulled you in as an unstable and unsure recipient of such a blessed gift. Nonetheless, Lack lacked in just about every aspect except creepiness, but more in the pedophile forced to work at a day camp against their will way. Michael Ironside was certainly free of oxidation in his portrayal of the evil Daryl Revok and I believe the polarization in performances between he and Lack may have actually drawn an even greater spotlight upon Lack's limits and ultimately created even weaker optics around the film. Overall, this one goes on my shelf proudly next to The Dead Zone, Gymkata, Communion, Kill and Kill Again, and Something Evil This Way Comes.

Ephemerol Side Effects: Mind blowing...