Buy a bag, go home in a box, October 25, 2002

Popcorn -- It gets stuck in your teeth, it makes your fingers greasy, it makes you thirsty, it's an entertaining movie about a psycho killer murdering kids at an all-night movie marathon.Before horror movies became slick and stylish, staring today's "hottest" actors, there were terrifying movies like "Popcorn". Fun, enjoyable and bloody! "Popcorn" is filled with the screams and jolts that you expect from a horror movie, and the powerful storyline and acting that you don't. The murders are creative and brutal, leaving you unsure of who you should cheer for - the killer, or his victims.Surprise appearances by Dee Wallace-Stone ("E.T.") and Ray Walston ("My Favorite Martian"), make "Popcorn" the perfect movie to watch during those chilly Autumn nights.

I have always had a soft spot for this movie. What I enjoyed most about "Popcorn", is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. It's a fun little movie, and provides some laughs and chills. And I loved the idea of an all-night horror-fest in an old theater as the setting. I also got a good chuckle at the movie titles the students run for their midnight movies; "Mosquito!" and "The Stench". As a huge fan of 50's & 60's B-movies, I got a kick out of the filmaker's tribute to a bygone era of horror. There are some unique kills in "Popcorn", very little gore, no nudity and very little language.....I still am not sure why "Popcorn" has an "R" rating? The special effects are pretty good and hold up well a decade plus later. If you are hoping for another "Halloween" or "Friday the 13th"...look elsewhere. If you just want some harmless, horror movie fun along the lines of "April Fools Day" then give "Popcorn" a try.

Here is a title that doesn't get much notice among the Jason's and Freddy's. The short version of the story involves students doing an all night horror marathon at an old movie theater that was the scene of a horrible murder 15 years ago. The crazed film maker killed his entire family on stage save for 1 daughter. Back to the present, the lead character Maggie thinks she may be the daughter that escaped, and the killer who wears other people's faces may be her father out to finish what he started. Very little blood and cursing, and no nudity. This is a more gentle horror film. I think it is worth a watch, it holds up pretty well.