One of the big 80s horror relics, though Dante's strong point is more a mix of horror and comedy. His purer horror works are a letdown, while the comedy can get a little childish. Still, he made some classics that are simply must-sees.
Movies
Nightmare Cinema serves a prime selection of horror directors, but none of them were able to deliver their best work. Still, there's enough variety to keep things interesting and there are no stinkers either. Like most anthologies, the sum is bigger than its parts and if you're a horror fan, this film should have enough to keep you entertained.
Dante isn't the director who makes sprawling masterpieces, but his films often have a lightness and breeziness that makes them very easy to watch. The 'Burbs is a perfect example. A little ghastly, but mostly just a comedy that flashes by and reaches its climax well within the comfortable 100-minute mark. The film reminded me a bit of Fright Night, only with adults and without the vampires. The focus lies on one of those typical neighborhoods (hence the title), where everybody walks in on everybody and every place is a good place to gossip. Add one eccentric family to the mix and you have solid setup. Dante handles it well. The pacing is solid, there are some fun stereotypical characters and the film never gets too serious. The ending is a bit too silly (the film could've done without the final twist) and it's nothing too memorable or outstanding, but it's nice, honest filler. A typical Dante film in other words.Read all
Cheesy comedy with a few more misses than there were hits. The film is fragmented and little more than a collection of comedy sketches, most of which go on for way too long. Luckily it doesn't overstay its welcome and there are some genuine giggles here, but unless you like really predictable jokes this is little more than random filler.
The start of the film is not so bad, somewhat mysterious and creepy. But once it becomes a full-on werewolf flick things get iffier by the minute. The special effects are poor, the acting is mediocre and the werewolf scenes look incredibly silly. Not my favorite genre to begin with, Dante couldn't do anything to change that.
