Superstition
February 16th 2007 00:11
Sure, it’s cheesy and low-brow with simple plotting, dodgy acting and uneven production values. But there’s also a tone and atmosphere which permeates the film that gives it an edge many other films of its kind from that period simply lacked.
The evil lies dormant, and when a young man of the cloth recovers a cross from the pond the evil is fully awakened. The house is owned by the church and they are dead set on sub-letting. In move a family of five (curious young boy, two buxom teenage daughters, dreary mom and alcoholic dad), with the reverend at hand to make sure the change-over is smooth and trouble-free (he’s aware of the house’s history, but the witchery is brought to his attention by the nearby hag).
Yup, this film is gung-bloody-ho the for the whole concise 80-odd minutes. And what makes it that little bit more interesting is its nihilism, take-no-prisoners approach. Basically, everyone bites the dust. They’re hanged, nailed, sliced, ripped, pierced or thrown around like a rag doll. All the while the dark vengeful witch cackles away.
Director James W. Roberson wisely keeps the identity of the witch hidden for the entire film, except for her silhouette and those long black talon hands. Sounds risible, but it works. There are some genuinely suspenseful moments with victims being stalked and grabbed by the large spindly witch claws. What helped, unintentionally, was the dark cinematography being further “enhanced” by the murky VHS copy I watched it on.
Superstition is probably best enjoyed with several friends stacked around the sofa, a large tub of popcorn and plenty of beer, so you can all jeer and guffaw at the girls’ fashion (long legs and hideous short shorts), the resident mute and peering hag, and the ever-so-slightly unnerving Elondra as she spits and leers from the giant crucifix.
* images on this page are courtesy of www.horror.com
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Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
If it's the same movie I'm thinking of, it scared the bejesus out of me. It was great!!!
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Keep the forgotten schlock coming