Review of The Funhouse (1981) by Timothy S — 10 Oct 2011

Life after "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" has been rough for Tobe Hooper. He has had a string of box office flops followed by an even longer stretch of direct-to-video duds, and most people think that Steven Spielberg directed his best film and biggest hit. However, "The Funhouse" remains one success that the beleaguered director can claim as his own. It was one of my favorite horror films growing up, and it stands the test of time.

It remains a stylishly directed, atmospheric film that stood out from the pack mostly because it was more focused on storytelling than bloodletting. The eerie carnival setting helps to set the mood, and while the four young leads are inexperienced, the more seasoned supporting cast adds a lot to the picture. Sylvia Miles brings a lot of a life to her throw-away part, and Kevin Conway is a lot of fun playing not one but all of the carnival barkers. That was an inspired move.

The film also has the distinction of featuring one of the most memorable movie monsters of my misspent youth. The movie is not big on graphic violence, but the special effects department went all out to create this fantastic creature that I remember so well from my childhood. It doesn't say a word, but he steals every scene that he's in.

The first few minutes that blatantly rip-off "Halloween" sets the audience up for a typical slasher, but the original setting and fresh-faced monster make "The Funhouse" a standout of the era. It's not just another cookie-cutter 80's horror flick.