Children of the Corn 666: Isaac's Return

Children of the Corn 666: Isaac's Return is a thought-provoking and spine-chilling installment from the franchise, directed by Kari Skogland in 1999. The movie centers on a compelling mix of horror, mysticism, and the unknown, flawlessly woven together by the skilled line of cast including Natalie Ramsey, Gary Bullock, Alix Koromzay, Stacy Keach, and other brilliant actors. The film marks the sixth iteration of Stephen King's chilling tale of children from Gatlin, Nebraska.

In this movie, the narrative unfolds from the perspective of Hannah (Natalie Ramsey), a young woman who embarks on a journey back to Gatlin, Nebraska in search of her birth mother. Destined by her mysterious birth, her journey uncovers eerie secrets and dark histories surrounding the town. It's not long before she unearths the sinister truth about the children who execute unbeknownst adults at the behest of their prophetic leader, Isaac.

As Hannah arrives in the town where she was adopted 19 years ago, she brings back more than mere memories. She unintentionally awakens Isaac (John Franklin), from a long coma—a character whose influence on the devout children of Gatlin is immovable. Isaac, after decades of being in frail health, regains consciousness and does not hesitate to continue what he started long back.

Gary Bullock pulls off his role as Dr. Michaels with commendable flair, a medical practitioner who doubles as the town's only sheriff. On the other hand, Alix Koromzay, portraying Cora, capitulates the audience into the poignant grip of her emotional turmoil and unease. Cora is a woman trapped in her dubious past, caring for the comatose Isaac. Stacy Keach as Doc Appleby delivers an unforgettable performance. His character is kept wonderfully mysterious, upping the suspense and adding to the gripping narrative of the film.

Director Kari Skogland masterfully embeds suspense and terror within ordinary settings, creating a sense of horrific unease. She makes the ordinary, terrifying and succeeds in keeping audiences at the edge of their seats. Matt Falletta and John Vulich, the Special Effects Makeup creators, deserve a nod to their exceptional effort in bolstering the horror atmosphere. Their work made the horrifically gruesome scenes and charred bodies look convincingly real, adding to the fear factor.

In addition, the place, the cornfields, and rural Nebraska effectively create a creepy and unsettling backdrop to the story. The presence of cornfields, a recurring motif in the series, doesn't fail to stay true to what it represents—a key metaphor for the sinister, dark forces that are still existent in Gatlin. The cinematography is skillful, the camera's haunting glance both in and around the cornfields makes the corn an almost eerie secondary character in the film.

The movie also cleverly uses the element of prophecy and religious fanaticism. The children’s blind following of Isaac and his belief neatly ties into the critique of following leaders or religions blindly. This touch of intellect and criticism blends well with the outright horrific overtones encountered within the film.

Moreover, the musical score holds a significant role in contributing to the suspenseful atmosphere of Children of the Corn 666: Isaac's Return. The background score complements the narrative, amplifying the tension and creating more fear and suspense as the movie moves forward.

In conclusion, Children of the Corn 666: Isaac's Return remains a classic entry in the Children of the Corn series that thrusts audiences into a world imbued with clever symbolism, suspenseful storyline, and outstanding performances. Despite its dark theme, the movie manages to engage viewers with subtle social commentary, underpinned with an intense storyline. For horror enthusiasts, it offers a bloodcurdling journey into the heart of Gatlin, Nebraska—a town where innocence seemingly masks sinister motives. The narrative sharp turns and chilling scenes contribute significantly to the abiding legacy of Stephen King’s enduring horror franchise.