TV horror anthology is no classic of the genre but still offers some good laughs and chills; its pedigree is most impressive. It was intended to kick start a series, but Showtime decided not to proceed with it. As a result, we get this effort which shows some variance in style - from straight suspense ('The Gas Station') to creepy dark comedy ('Hair') to out and out gore ('Eye'). Most notable throughout are the steady parade of cameo appearances, which I've decided I won't spoil here and leave the viewer to discover for themselves. They help in making this a solid bit of entertainment.
John Carpenter directs 'The Gas Station' and 'Hair' and appears in the wrap around segments as a goofy "coroner" who cracks bad jokes and spins stories about the dead bodies in his morgue - the kind of dead bodies he likes to see turn up, as that old standby "natural causes" just bores him. It really is a treat to see Carpenter sink his teeth into an extended acting role; usually he restricted himself to a small role ("The Fog") or a Hitchcock-type bit part.
'The Gas Station' tells of Anne (Alex Datcher of "Passenger 57"), a new employee at the isolated title location. Her first night is one of terror as strange people make appearances while a serial killer happens to be on the loose (in the town of Haddonfield, no less). This is vintage Carpenter, with good jolts, tense moments, and a bloody conclusion. Robert Carradine co-stars as Bill.
'Hair' strikes a familiar chord for any man who's obsessed over the loss of his locks. Stacy Keach stars as Richard, desperate to get back his hair and his self-esteem. So he goes to the new clinic run by Dr. Lock (David Warner, who's delightful), whose revolutionary treatment gives Richard a long, flowing mane, but at a price. The revelation here is wonderfully squirm-inducing. The segment is a little dull and dragged out in spots but the payoff is worth it.
'Eye' stars Mark Hamill (in what is actually a pretty good performance) as a minor league ball player who loses his right eye in a car accident and receives a transplant from ambitious surgeon Dr. Lang (John Agar, whose presence in anything is always welcome). Basically, this is yet another variation on the old "Hands of Orlac" plot, and viewers will likely guess the ending right away. Still, some of the imagery is effective. This segment is actually directed by Carpenters' peer Tobe Hooper (who also puts in an appearance in the morgue).
KNB do typically impressive work in terms of makeup effects, the score by Carpenter and Jim Lang is good (the jazz in 'Hair' is a nice touch), the acting is fun to watch in general, and overall 'Body Bags' is worth a viewing for genre fans and Carpenter completists.
Seven out of 10.
John Carpenter directs 'The Gas Station' and 'Hair' and appears in the wrap around segments as a goofy "coroner" who cracks bad jokes and spins stories about the dead bodies in his morgue - the kind of dead bodies he likes to see turn up, as that old standby "natural causes" just bores him. It really is a treat to see Carpenter sink his teeth into an extended acting role; usually he restricted himself to a small role ("The Fog") or a Hitchcock-type bit part.
'The Gas Station' tells of Anne (Alex Datcher of "Passenger 57"), a new employee at the isolated title location. Her first night is one of terror as strange people make appearances while a serial killer happens to be on the loose (in the town of Haddonfield, no less). This is vintage Carpenter, with good jolts, tense moments, and a bloody conclusion. Robert Carradine co-stars as Bill.
'Hair' strikes a familiar chord for any man who's obsessed over the loss of his locks. Stacy Keach stars as Richard, desperate to get back his hair and his self-esteem. So he goes to the new clinic run by Dr. Lock (David Warner, who's delightful), whose revolutionary treatment gives Richard a long, flowing mane, but at a price. The revelation here is wonderfully squirm-inducing. The segment is a little dull and dragged out in spots but the payoff is worth it.
'Eye' stars Mark Hamill (in what is actually a pretty good performance) as a minor league ball player who loses his right eye in a car accident and receives a transplant from ambitious surgeon Dr. Lang (John Agar, whose presence in anything is always welcome). Basically, this is yet another variation on the old "Hands of Orlac" plot, and viewers will likely guess the ending right away. Still, some of the imagery is effective. This segment is actually directed by Carpenters' peer Tobe Hooper (who also puts in an appearance in the morgue).
KNB do typically impressive work in terms of makeup effects, the score by Carpenter and Jim Lang is good (the jazz in 'Hair' is a nice touch), the acting is fun to watch in general, and overall 'Body Bags' is worth a viewing for genre fans and Carpenter completists.
Seven out of 10.