By Geno McGahee
In 2001, we were still reeling from the horrible SCREAM series. Yes, I liked the first SCREAM, but it sent horror in a new direction and it was an unwelcome one. So, we get away from the silly 90’s horror like SCREAM 2-3, I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER and URBAN LEGEND and get a monster movie.
JEEPERS CREEPERS had a lot going for it and I had it pegged as a future horror series with a monster that could do a lot of positive things in the world. Well, we then got JEEPERS CREEPERS 2 and the “Creeper” fizzled away, but before that disaster we had the good and bad that was the 2001 entry, JEEPERS CREEPERS.
What I Love About JEEPERS CREEPERS
The Atmosphere
From the opening shot, the movie has this old school feel to it. You are immediately brought into the film with creative cinematography, direction, and locale selections. This felt like NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD immediately, thanks in large part to the choice of the vehicle that the two stars were driving. This film was just beautiful to watch and it had a feel that many fail to generate.
The Creeper
When it comes to horror movie monsters, there aren’t many that are as cool as the Creeper. Yes, Jason Voorhees is badass looking, especially in part VIII, but the Creeper was very unique. He had bat wings, flew, and was very demonic in nature. He was just cool to look at, which is why there are so many horror fans hoping for another that will do this character justice.
Cool Shots
This could fall under the “Creeper” category, but I believe it deserves its own mention. There are certain shots in this film that are just amazing and will sit with you. At one point, Darry (Justin Long) and his hot sister, Trish (Gina Philips), are driving and they drive past the Creeper dumping dead bodies down a pipe. The Creeper turns around very menacingly, which was just neat. The other shot that deserves mention is the car surfing that the Creeper does. When the police are escorting Trish and Darry, the Creeper lands on top of the cop car and as the camera lifts, you see his feet and then him in his entirety, standing there, ready to kill the cops. Another scene was when the Creeper invades the police station and is eating an inmate…the sounds of his eating remind you of a fat relative at Thanksgiving…terrifying.
What I Hate About JEEPERS CREEPERS
The Tank Ass Psychic, Jezelle (Patricia Belcher)
Why did they add this terrible character?!!! This movie was moving right along and then they add the stupid psychic to muddle things up. She warns Darry and then brings up the song “Jeepers Creepers,” singing it a few times over the phone to him. She also is immune to the rage of the Creeper for some reason. He could feast on her for weeks. Every second that she was on the screen, I wanted to change the channel.
Where’d You Get Those Peepers
WHY?! OK, I get it. The movie is named “JEEPERS CREEPERS,” but why did he like the song so much and why did the Creeper feel to need to listen to it over and over again and on a record of all things?! I know some idiot had to say: “wouldn’t it be cool if he listened to the song Jeepers Creepers and then takes one of Darry’s peepers?” It was another garbage element to this film.
23 Years for 23 Days
What the fuck is that about? Every 23 years, the Creeper comes out for 23 days to feed and then he goes away. How can you have a horror icon that only works three weeks every 23 years? Jason and Freddy aren’t lazy like that. They’ll keep killing until somebody stops them. This was a major flaw of the movie if there was ever any intention to make sequels and in horror, you always have to leave room. They did have one out…when his home burned down, maybe he can’t hibernate anymore and now is killing 24/7, but it would have been easier had they just not come up with this stupid rule!
Who Pays for his Car Insurance?
The Creeper can fly without problems and flies far quicker than a car can drive. So, why drive? That’s not the best question though. Who pays for his car insurance and plates? He has a novelty plate where he flaunts the fact that he’s eating people and he has a vehicle that is road ready. Now, he must know somebody because even if he just owned the vehicle, it’s been sitting 23 years and you know that the inspection is overdue and that it needs a tune up, new battery and so on. I understand why he wears clothing…so he can blend in if need be, but how he has a car, knows how to drive, and so on is beyond me.
JEEPERS CREEPERS is a decent movie. It’s got flaws, but it’s still very memorable and could still be resurrected. There has been consistent talk of a third film in the series and hopefully, with all the time that has passed, they will take it more seriously and iron out all the kinks. Most likely, they won’t, but why not be optimistic.