Terry O'Quinn makes this horror story of a man obsessed to have the perfect family a watchable, fun treat. His performance is dead-on: humorous, terrifying, and slimy all in one.
SPOILERS
The movie's beginning is undeniably well done: rather than show a maniac viciously killing his screaming victims, as most standard slasher fare does, instead shows a calm, collected man splattered with blood, take a shower, apply face-changing makeup, and then sport a blazer and a genuinely nice, fake smile. Then as he descends the staircase to leave, we see where the blood came from: he has killed his family, blood smeared on the walls and destruction littering the home. It's a shocking beginning, and when O'Quinn begins non-chalanty humming "Camptown Races," it is very clear this is a cut above normal horror flicks.
There's other great scenes in this flick, and while the story may sometimes waver a bit and plod along, O'Quinn's brooding rages and his subtly funny dialogue ("You know...family, home sweet home, ALL THAT CRAP!") revives the film and makes it a thrilling ride.
7 out of 10.
SPOILERS
The movie's beginning is undeniably well done: rather than show a maniac viciously killing his screaming victims, as most standard slasher fare does, instead shows a calm, collected man splattered with blood, take a shower, apply face-changing makeup, and then sport a blazer and a genuinely nice, fake smile. Then as he descends the staircase to leave, we see where the blood came from: he has killed his family, blood smeared on the walls and destruction littering the home. It's a shocking beginning, and when O'Quinn begins non-chalanty humming "Camptown Races," it is very clear this is a cut above normal horror flicks.
There's other great scenes in this flick, and while the story may sometimes waver a bit and plod along, O'Quinn's brooding rages and his subtly funny dialogue ("You know...family, home sweet home, ALL THAT CRAP!") revives the film and makes it a thrilling ride.
7 out of 10.