By Melissa Antoinette Garza
I can still remember, how long, I anxiously anticipated this movie. As soon as it hit theaters, my brother Geno and our good friend Steven Joseph Adams went to see it. I can’t believe it’s been 10 years, since we were sitting in Steve’s car discussing how good the film was. The conversation is still so fresh in my mind.
For those horror fans that haven’t seen the movie, it’s quite fantastic. The movie follows two couples, who after visiting a small scary tourist site decide to venture out and look into the myth of a crazy murderer, Doctor Satan. The owner of the attraction, Captain Spaulding (Sid Haig) reluctantly creates a map for them.
On their way they see a gorgeous blonde by the name of Baby (Sheri Moon Zombie) hitchhiking. They pick her up and the girls find her to be odd but the men are definitely into her. The car breaks down and Baby brings them back home.
She flirts with Bill (Rainn Wilson) much to the chagrin of his girlfriend who peels Baby off of him and throws her to the ground. Baby doesn’t take that and draws a knife.
The group decides it’s time to leave just as the car is fixed, but as they try to escape they are taken captive by Baby’s insane family.
As most know, this a homage to the original THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (1974); and a very good one at that.
The pace is terrific, the acting is outstanding and the premise is successful in being both original and a tribute. The movie definitely has some of the creepiest scenes every put forth. It’s very interesting to see Rainn Wilson in a role prior to Dwight on THE OFFICE. He does a fine job and one just wishes he was in the film more.
Sid Haig also is great! I remember Sid Haig from a little known production called THE FORBIDDEN DANCE (1990). In that movie, he has no lines, yet still acts up a storm. One must appreciate the acting ability of someone who can give a great performance while never uttering a word.
One of my favorite actors Michael J. Pollard has a small role. I loved him in AMERICAN GOTHIC (1988), SLEEPAWAY CAMP III: TEENAGE WASTELAND (1989), and SCROOGED (1988) Whenever I see him, I instantly am on his characters’ side and always love the portrayals he gives. Even in AMERICAN GOTHIC when he was a psycho, I absolutely adored the character. He makes horrible movies watchable and great movies better.
HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES is most certainly Rob Zombie’s finest work. True horror fans will enjoy this immensely.
The conclusion is expected but still awesome.
Scared Stiff Rating: 7/10
