Reel Horror

Reel Horror is a full-on exploitation of classic horror film stereotypes directed by Ross Hagen and released in 1985. The movie includes star performances from Alexandra, John Hayden, and Howard Honig, making it a distinctive addition to the horror film genre of the 1980s. The film does not attempt to be philosophical, introspective, or moralistic. Its only aim is to provide pure, unadulterated scares and thrills to the audience, leveraging nostalgic movie-style clips to engage the viewers in a unconventional cinematic narrative.

The plot of Reel Horror involves a motley crew of individuals who find themselves trapped within a forgotten and decaying cinema. The theater, a symbol of an opulent cinematic past, brings alive a mingling of various time frames, which blurs the line between past and present, reality and film. This plot device gives way to a horror-scape rarely tapped into during that era and provides a fresh take on using the environment of a movie house as the setting for a horror film.

Alexandra portrays the young protagonist trapped in this haunted cinema. She provides a riveting performance, embodying the fear and courage of an ordinary person facing extraordinary situations. She conveys confusion, terror, and resilience with conviction, making her one of the standout performers in the film.

John Hayden delivers an equally impressive performance, using nuanced facial expressions and body language to convey a wide range of emotions. His work does not rely on dialogue alone, giving his character depth and relatability. This established the connection with the audience, guiding them through the frightful journey portrayed in the film.

Howard Honig gives an edgy performance, adding to the suspense and terror atmosphere of the movie. His portrayal leavens the narrative with dark humor and unpredictability, adding a different layer to the horror entailed in the storyline. It breaks away from the conventional horror film stereotypes, making his performance noteworthy.

The grand theater is littered with discarded film reels and forgotten screening rooms, appearing almost like a labyrinth that could easily leave anyone lost in both space and time. The characters encounter chilling footage from classic horror films, including monsters, vampires, mad scientists, and other time-tested horror tropes. These reels come alive, making the protagonists relive the horror, resulting in a mashup of timeless terrors and modern frights.

What sets Reel Horror apart from its contemporaries is the manner in which it taps into the nostalgia of classic horror films. It intertwines the elements of vintage horror with the shock and adrenaline that characterizes the slasher films of the 80s, thereby creating an intriguing, dynamic, and captivating horror film.

Reel Horror makes ample use of its unique concept - the blend of the tangible cinema house and the intangible terrors of the films within it. The film uses eccentric cinematography to weave together scenes from different eras and genres into a coherent storyline, playing with light, sound, and visuals, keeping the viewers on the edge.

Moreover, the film employs creative editing to immerse the audience in the chills and thrills of the movie. Echoing screams, eerie soundtracks, abrupt scene switches — all these elements add to the chilling ambiance that the movie worked tirelessly to build.

Reel Horror embraces its B-movie status, unapologetically featuring cheesy dialogue, over-the-top effects, and plot twists. Yet, it successfully marries these elements with competent storytelling, leaving viewers entertained and captivated throughout the film.

In conclusion, Reel Horror is a film for every horror film enthusiast who relishes an old-school B-movie experience. It submerges the viewers in an unprecedented horror-filled adventure, packing in a well-crafted storyline with remarkable performances. It captures the essence of the horror films from the glorious cinema past, yet manages to retain its own identity. So, if you're a fan of the horror genre, this movie is a must-watch!