Reviewed by Melissa Garza
I’m a huge fan of the 50 packs of horror collections that MillCreek Entertainment puts out. Sure, some – even most – are bad, but generally at least 10 are worth seeing and at least 5 are movies to watch again and again.
It was in this latest pack, that my brother, husband and I found a little known gem called Horror High. The plot has been done before – a bullied teen seeks revenge on those who have wronged him all the while trying to swoon the pretty nice girl.
Science student Vernon (Pat Cardi) is constantly tormented. The English teacher, the gym coach and fellow students all push him too far. The jocks tease and threaten him and the only light at the end of the tunnel is a girl named Robin (Rosie Holotik). From the beginning, she has true affection for him. Vernon however is too self-conscious to make a move.
Soon, he concocts a mixture but doesn’t drink it. That is until he is forced to by an abusive janitor. The next day, the police arrive stating that the janitor was killed. Vernon begins turning into a part-time monster. During the hours when he is not a monster, he starts feeling better about himself going as far as to kiss Robin who reciprocates.
Even when he is the monster and is murdering those who have previously hurt him, one cannot help but to root for him. The ending is predictable but works just the same.
The film in fact is very reminiscent of movies like Trick or Treat, Kingdom of the Vampire, Christine, Shock ‘Em Dead, and Slaughter High. Back in the day, these films were made in dozens. I miss the times when horror fans could watch a movie that showed the bullies getting destroyed by the hands of the one they had done wrong. Many times it would open with a prank gone wrong or hazing taken too far, but the instigators were always jerks and the bullied always evolved into the villain. It was a formula that worked and Horror High is no exception.
I always root for the nerd even when they’ve turned to killing. I sympathize with their plight and their reactions and want them to win.
Overall, Horror High, is a great flick with wonderful actors and great pace. The entire 50 pack was only $10.00 and definitely worth it. It’s on the Sci-Fi Invasion 50 pack and though listed as science fiction there are quite a few great straight-up horror movies within.
Scared Stiff Reviews: 7/10
