When a Stranger Calls
by Fred Walton
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Carmen Argenziano, Carol Kane, Charles Durning, Kirsten Larkin, Rutanya AldaDirector: Fred Walton
Brand: Sony
Writer: Fred Walton
Producer: Barry Krost
Producer: Doug Chapin
Producer: Larry Kostroff
Producer: Melvin Simon
Producer: Steve Feke
Writer: Steve Feke
DVD: Region Code 99
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language); French (Dubbed)
Format: Color, Dubbed, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: Anamorphic Widescreen, 1.33:1
Running Time: 97 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2006-01-31
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Movie Reviews of When a Stranger Calls
Movie Review: Have you checked the children?
Summary: 5 Stars
Considering I've been reviewing a lot of the old-school horror classics, I figure I'll give this one a spin. "When A Stranger Calls" is an intriguing late '70s horror film, taking some influence from "Halloween", which came out a year before. Comparatively, this movie is a lot less known, almost a sleeper film, which is one of the reasons I find it so enjoyable. I appreciate movies that have aged to perfection without getting major mainstream exposure, while still standing the test of time. And as you guessed, "When A Stranger Calls" stands the test of time.I'm also grateful for Bravo's 100 Scariest Movie Moments countdown, because had it not been for that, it probably would've taken me longer to find this sleeper masterpiece.
One thing that makes this movie so interesting is the style of it. The first half-hour is like a Hitchcock-influenced slasher film, whereas the middle half-hour is a well thought-out and brilliantly developed police story, before going back to slasher horror in the last half hour. This sort of progression throughout the movie, along with the blending of two different genres of movies, makes for an interesting twist, and quite a unique work of art.
The tension in the first 30 minutes is both incredibly realistic, and nauseatingly intense. I can't think of any concept more plausible than a creepy stranger calling your house and asking to check on the children you're babysitting...over and over, nonetheless! Something that seems so likely to happen makes for some real scares, and a great way to start off the movie.
Within the next 30 minutes, a police story is developed, where the cops pursue the escaped murderer. Although this kind of shifts the focus away from the Hitchcock-influenced slasher elements of the movie, this part of the movie is thoroughly entertaining and interesting. In this half-hour, we also get a look at the maniac, showing what a crazy individual he is, taking us into the psychological aspect of every slasher film.
The last third of the movie takes us back to the edge-of-your-seat slasher-film tension. I don't want to give much more away because I don't want to ruin the movie, but let's just say that this part of the film is where the main characters vows not to let history repeat itself, alongside the recurrence of the killer. The ending is one that'll make your heart pound until it's in your throat!
In short, "When A Stranger Calls" is a timeless and terrifying sleeper of a classic, and proves that even 30 years after its release, nothing in horror is so unnerving as real life. A highly recommended movie! Thanks for the time, and peace.
Summary of When a Stranger Calls
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