"Masters of Horror" Chocolate (2005)

Director:

Mick Garris

Writers:

Mick Garris (creator)
Mick Garris (teleplay)

TV Series:

"Masters of Horror" (2005)

Original Air Date:

25 November 2005 (Season 1, Episode 5)

Genre:

Horror

Plot:

In Chicago, the lonely Jamie works in the food laboratory of a company developing flavors with his best friend Wally...

Plot Keywords:

Blood | Murder | Psychic | Clairvoyant | Masters Of Horror

Cast

Henry Thomas	...	Jamie
Matt Frewer	...	Wally
Stacy Grant	...	Vanessa
Jake D. Smith	...	Booth (as Jake Smith)
Michael Curtola	...	Band Member
Katharine Horsman	...	Sue
Paul Wu	...	Hooper
Leah Graham	...	Elaine
Lucie Laurier	...	Catherine
Ali Staseson	...	Young Girl
Peter Bryant	...	Detective #1
Ken Dresen	...	Detective #2 (as Ken Dressen)

Runtime:

60 min

Country:

USA | Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

USA:TV-MA | Italy:VM14 | Germany:16 | Finland:K-15 (TV rating) (self applied) (2008) | Finland:K-18 (DVD) (self applied) (2007) | Argentina:16

Filming Locations:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company:

British Columbia Production Tax Credit

Trivia:

When Jamie is in his bed, he takes the book "Desperation" by Stephen King off his night stand. Director Mick Garris directed the TV version of Desperation (2006) (TV), in which Henry Thomas also stars.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: The camera operator is reflected in the shower head.

Quotes:

Wally: Who knows, you might meet a rock 'n roll nymphomaniac.

Soundtrack:

Welcome

Mick Garris is a master CREATOR, not a master director.

I'm very grateful to Mick Garris for being the creative mind behind the whole "Master of Horror" series that I truly enjoyed watching, but it's not much use denying that his very own episode is one of the weakest installments of them all. The story, also penned down by Garris, is definitely ambitious but the build up is far too slow and hence the mini-movie lacks a whole lot of spectacle. Also, the script is a little too implausible and we're just supposed to believe that it's perfectly possible for one person to perceive things through someone else's senses, and all this for no apparent reason? Henry Thomas, the annoying brat from E.T. that grew up a little, stars as a lonely food researcher who wakes up one morning and suddenly realizes that he's psychically linked to an unknown woman. It all begins with the inexplicable taste of chocolate in his mouth, hence the title. This mystery woman quickly becomes an obsession and he wants to meet her, even though he witnessed her committing a murder in the meantime. When he finally tracks her down, in Canada, the woman fears him and thinks he's a dangerous psychopath. Can you blame her? The first twenty minutes go on for way too long and most of the footage in this part isn't even that relevant. All the conversations between Jamie his odd co-worker as well as the discussions with his ex-wife are completely pointless. He even hooks up with this incredibly beautiful girl at the supermarket but, apparently, that's all just padding as well. Consequently the finale is too hectic and many questions remain unanswered when the film is over. There's very little gore, especially compared to some of the other entries in the series, and I didn't notice a lot of of suspense, neither. At least the female stars (Leah Graham and Lucie Laurier) look amazing and provide the film with welcome eye-candy. Nonetheless, once again thanks for the whole "Masters of Horror" concept, Mr. Garris.