Tourist Trap
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Movie Reviews of Tourist Trap
Movie Review: See my Friend! Molly!
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the best horror films of the 1970's has finally been given a long overdue home video makeover. TOURIST TRAP is the most frightening movie ever made about mannequins, and a classic example that a low budget can be a horror film's greatest asset. In today's predictable, estrogen-driven MTV style of filmmaking wherein the writers believe that blood, gore, and throwaway lines are the ingredients necessary to make a horror film, TOURIST TRAP blows that notion out of the water. The film possesses an air of originality thanks to Nicholas Von Sternberg's beautiful visual style and superb editing by Ted Nicolaou. The story itself is similar to PSYCHO, but it's done with such pinache that one might not initially realize it. Brian DePalma's SISTERS (1973) is another great PSYCHO inspiration that you should check out if you already have not. I first saw this movie one Saturday afternoon on TV in the mid-80's and it left one hell of an impression on me. It begins with what is unquestionably one of the most bizarre and frightening openings ever done in a horror film. A group of friends are on vacation when one of their tires blows out. Woody, the driver, walks to a gas station to get some help, but he finds himself in a situation that would give just about anyone a heart attack.
Enter Chuck Connors. He gives a wonderful and ultimately surprisingly sympathetic performance as Mr. Slausen, a congenial and charming gentleman who owns a now-defunct roadside souvenir shop/wax museum. When he meets up with Woody's friends who are concerned about Woody's whereabouts, Mr. Slausen comes to the rescue, but a series of horrendously bizarre events begin to transpire. As the story progresses, the natural inclination on the part of the viewer is to refute the plausibility of the bizarre set pieces that slowly mount. I find that if you watch it from the standpoint of falling asleep and having a nightmare about mannequins that come to life, this film is much more frightening and enjoyable.
When I was seven, I used to play in my grandmother's basement that was populated by some truly horrific dolls. One of them had outstretched hands with no hair that walked when you wound it up, and let me tell you - they were frightening. This film has that kind of effect.
This film inexplicably received a PG rating during its theatrical release which, the director states, killed it at the box office. I would have demanded an R rating if I were him! While the film contains no overt bloodshed, one of the murders is particularly gruesome and cruel (that's not counting the opening scene!)
The DVD transfer of this film is a revelation. Colors that were originally muted on the old 16mm faded prints that made the rounds on late night cable are now rich and vibrant. Pino Donaggio's score, which is one of the best elements in the film, comes through in full force. As a bonus, director David Schmoeller gives a running commentary throughout the film, though I wish he divulged more information than he actually does. Although he mentions TOURIST TRAP's origins - a film school thesis project called THE SPIDER WILL KILL YOU - he fails to disclose the film's budget. Disappointingly, why wasn't this thesis film included on the DVD? Why does the DVD state that it contains 40 trailers to other horror films when I can only access seven?
Despite my carpings, the DVD is well worth the asking price. The trailer for TOURIST TRAP is included.
For those of you who love gaffes, check out the left side of the screen at the 72:52 point during Tanya Robert's death scene. A stage hand can be seen behind a pane of glass.
Forget SCREAM and I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER. If you don't have a DVD player yet, this is one reason to purchase one. The film is currently out of print on VHS, but VHS stinks anyway!
Thank you, David Schmoeller, for making one of the best horror films EVER.
TOURIST TRAP is superb.
Movie Review: We Are Going to Have a Party!
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the best horror films of the 1970's has finally been given a long overdue home video makeover. TOURIST TRAP is the most frightening movie ever made about mannequins, and a classic example that a low budget can be a horror film's greatest asset. In today's predictable, estrogen-driven MTV style of filmmaking wherein gore and insipid throwaway lines have replaced mood, cinematic style and character development, TOURIST TRAP blows current horror films out of the water. The film possesses an air of originality thanks to Nicholas Von Sternberg's beautiful visual style and superb editing by Ted Nicolaou. The film's theme is familiar by now to die-hard horror film aficionados, however it's done with such panache that one might not initially realize it. Other watershed horror films that come to mind are PSYCHO and THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE. I first saw this movie one Saturday afternoon on TV in the mid-80's and it left a big impression on me. It begins with what is unquestionably one of the most bizarre and frightening openings ever done in a horror film. To say anymore would possibly ruin the effect of seeing this film for the first time.
Chuck Connors gives a wonderful and ultimately surprisingly sympathetic performance as Mr. Slausen, a congenial and charming gentleman who owns a now-defunct roadside souvenir shop/wax museum. As the story progresses, the natural inclination on the part of the viewer is to refute the plausibility of the off-the-wall set pieces that slowly mount. I find that if you watch it from the standpoint of falling asleep and having a nightmare about mannequins, this film is much more frightening, believable, and ultimately enjoyable.
TOURIST TRAP inexplicably received a PG rating during its 1979 theatrical release which, the director implies, killed it at the box office. I would have demanded an R rating if I were him! While the film contains no overt bloodshed, one of the murders is particularly gruesome and cruel (that's not counting the opening scene!)
The DVD transfer of this film is a revelation. Colors that were originally muted on the old 16mm faded prints that made the rounds on late night cable are now rich and vibrant. Pino Donaggio's brilliant score, which is not only one of the best elements in the film but also one of the best in the whole genre, comes through in full force. As a bonus, director David Schmoeller gives a running commentary throughout the film, though I wish he divulged more information than he actually does. Minutes of commentary are separated by minutes of silence, or of Mr. Schmoeller shifting in his chair. Although he mentions TOURIST TRAP's origins - a film school thesis project called THE SPIDER WILL KILL YOU - he fails to give the film's budget. Disappointingly, why wasn't this thesis film included on the DVD? I would have loved to have seen it. Also, why does the DVD state that it contains 40 trailers to other horror films when I can only access seven?
Despite my carpings, the DVD is well worth the Amazon.com asking price. The trailer for TOURIST TRAP is included.
Forget SCREAM and I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER. If you don't have a DVD player yet, this is one great reason to purchase one. The film is currently out of print on VHS, but VHS stinks anyway!
Thank you, David Schmoeller, for making one of the best horror films EVER.
Movie Review: "EVERY YEAR YOUNG PEOPLE DISAPPEAR..."
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of those excellent low-budget 'B' movies of the late 70s. Unfortunately, it didn't do too well at the box office during its release and was long forgotten and neglected until today. Now, the original cult classic makes its way to DVD with good sound and so-so picture quality (Not the best, but it DOES fit the horrifying atmosphere quite well) In addition, there is also an interview with director, David Schmoeller and even a commentary track included! At first, I was not too sure about checking this one out or not, knowing that the film had gotten mixed reviews here. But I'm actually very glad I did! Once I saw the trailer, I decided to take a chance. I wasn't disappointed!
While the plot may not be all that original (Much of it hints that the creators were probably inspired by other classics such as Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho", Tobe Hooper's "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre", & Steven King's "Carrie") it still never fails to keep the viewer terrified and send chills down the spine! You won't find as much blood/gore here but unlike many horror films, "Tourist Trap" uses the unique element of creepy atmosphere involving a rundown wax museum with some of the most grotesque and scariest looking mannequins you will EVER see! Originally, the movie was rated PG when it first hit theaters in 1979 (which is why it didn't stand out so well when it was first released, according to Mr. Schmoeller) but the DVD version has been changed to an R rating, considering the fact that some scenes may be too intense and scary for a younger audience and the death sequences are pretty cruel. (Who can forget the poor, innocent girl who suffocates from the molten wax covering her face?) Honestly, I think that it was reasonable for them to up it a bit.
The story concerns four youths who take a summer afternoon drive (Again, this shows a bit resemblance to TCM) and end up having their car broken down. Coincidently, an old wax museum is nearby and after meeting the owner, Mr. Slausen (given an AMAZING performance by Chuck Conners) they decide to check it out, unaware of the horror that awaits them! Mannequins suddenly come to life and begin to commit acts of murder (laughing and screaming insanely in the process) while Slausen's mysterious younger brother who lives right next door in an abandoned house, holds the teens captive and terrorizes them with unspeakable horrors! The truth behind the mannequins coming to life and Slausen's brother later unfolds, but I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen it yet.
Yes, the acting drags, a little at SOME points but it is really hardly noticeable. Despite the limited budget that this film received, it is truly one of the BEST horror movies I've ever seen! The special features claim to contain over 40 Full Moon trailers for other movies, but this is actually a lie because there are only seven! However, the original theatrical trailer for this film is included, which is quite nice nevertheless! All horror buffs (such as I) should definitely give this one a try! I also recommend Tobe Hooper's "The Funhouse" & Steven Spielberg's "Poltergeist"! All carry the same style to horror and haunt you to the bone!
Movie Review: PRETTY GIRL... You're such a PRIIIITY GUURRRL
Summary: 5 Stars
Yes, I also enjoyed this treat of a movie on cable sometime around 1980 (I was probably 14). My older sister would love to watch this kind of movie with me. We both loved TOURIST TRAP right away! It was what we considered a "camp classic" and a real cozy little horror movie. For us, it would neatly slot in next to other campy movies like, Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark(1973), a TV movie that featured the line: "Sally, Sally, Sally" or EQUINOX(1971)"My cross, MY CRRROSSS!!!" Soon, the rest of the family enjoyed TOURIST TRAP. Once in a while you would hear someone say "MOLLY!!", "PRETTY GIRL!" or "SEE MY FRIEND!" and we'd all laugh. It's particularly disappointing, however, when you see snobishly cold reviews like Leonard Maltin's above. While he sometimes praises small horror films, he will gleefully dump on others, seemingly without understanding the camp value of the film. TOURIST TRAP not only has tons of camp value, but some beautiful cinematography (the 'waterfall' scene with Tanya and the girls skinny-dipping for one) and GENUINE SCARES!(find them for yourself, but for me, there are 3 or 4 that still make my hair stand on end). Yes, TOURIST TRAP has slow parts but the scares and the overall fun of the movie more than compensate for that. I guess it's hard for Leonard Maltin to review this film properly because he DIDN'T see it on cable when he was 13 or 14. He's most likely not much of a 'horror film guy' either. Trust Stephen King's opinion of TOURIST TRAP, a guy who KNOWS a good campy horror flick. King also thinks highly of THE BOOGENS(1981), another frightening little gem. The DVD release of TOURIST TRAP was suprising and leaves me hopeful that other films like the ones mentioned above, will also get the treatment they deserve. I imagine that people who are between the ages of say, 29 and 37, will be more excited than others. But hey, there are alot of people between the ages of 29 and 37! And since we grew up during the GOLDEN AGE of horror films, I think we deserve some respect!..release the damn films already! This DVD of Tourist Trap features a good widescreen transfer(the waterfall scene really comes alive now!), the original trailer and decent menus that feature the great musical score. I do wish there were some promotional materials culled up. Cast interviews would have been great! But again, it's just great to have it released 'widescreen' on DVD. One last and ALL IMPORTANT thing, the forever beautiful TANYA ROBERTS is in Tourist Trap. Here's the bonus!: her outfit throughout the film(that is until they ruin it by killing her) is a tube-top and 'high' cut-off jean shorts. Daisy Duke has got NOTHING on this gorgeous woman! She literally takes Tourist Trap to another level, visually. ( Geeze, I hope my wife doesn't read this review...) Ah, what the hell, I love Tanya Roberts and I love TOURIST TRAP!Movie Review: Mannequins can be really 5 Stars
Although widely under appreciated, "Tourist Trap" is still a notable and worthwhile entry into the horror genre. The first film directed by David Schmoeller (of Puppet Master fame). Pino Donaggio's score is nothing short of amazing; elevating the film to a whole other level in terms of both tension and atmosphere. Tourist Trap is directed by David Schmoeller (who also made another great horror flick The Puppet Master), features Tanya Roberts, and superbly mixes elements from the original House of Wax, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Carrie. The result was truly a one-of-a-kind horror film which wonderfully exploits the fear created by wax dummies and mannequins. This was something Mario Bava had touched on in his films Blood and Black Lace and Hatchet for a Honeymoon.Director Schmoeller and his co-writer J. Larry Carroll took it even further in Tourist Trap by having the dummies laugh, scream, and even move which is very creepy to say the least. The score was composed by Pino Donaggio, who also created the memorable music for both Carrie and Dressed To Kill. As with those films, his work on this one was typically classy. The story was about a group of young people who are traveling through the desert. Eileen (Robin Sherwood) is with her boyfriend Woody (Keith McDermott) while their three friends Becky (Tanya Roberts), Jerry (Jon Van Ness) and Molly (Jocelyn Jones) are driving separately in a jeep. When the car Molly and Woody are driving in gets a flat tire, Woody takes the tire and goes off to find a gas station.
He finds one but it appears to be deserted. They end up in a place called Slausen's Lost Oasis and it includes a western museum and they also meet the proprietor Mr. Slausen (Chuck Connors) and that's when the horror starts. The film uses atmosphere instead of gore whichy is a nice change of pace and some of the visuals in this film were quite stunning and very memorable including the killer with the blond wig and doll mask "You look sooooo pretty!!". The scriptwriter delivers many original moments, and the final ten minutes are simply splendid. And, apart from the killer's costume there are no predictable cliches either, this excellent horror flick has quickly become one of my favorites. A must see for fans of supernatural 70's horror and slasher films.