It Runs in the Family (2006) (V)

Director:

Michael Felsher

Release Date:

10 October 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary

Plot:

Using interviews with over 10 members of the cast & crew and rarely seen home video footage, IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY covers the genesis, making-of, and enduring appeal of Tobe' Hooper's THE TEXA CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2. |

Plot Keywords:

Chainsaw | Massacre | Texas | Hooper | Making Of

Cast

L.M. Kit Carson	...	Himself
Richard Kooris	...	Himself
Cary White	...	Himself
Bill Johnson	...	Himself
Caroline Williams	...	Herself
Michael J. Sullivan	...	Himself (as Michael Sullivan)
Lou Perryman	...	Himself
Bill Moseley	...	Himself
Tom Savini	...	Himself

Runtime:

USA:92 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Filming Locations:

Austin, Texas, USA

Company:

Red Shirt Pictures

Trivia:

Included on the "Gruesome Edition" DVD of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2 from MGM Home Entertainment

Movie Connections:

References The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Fun to watch and informative.

This entertaining documentary on the making of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 2" covers all the bases. It's divided into six parts, detailing 1) the development of the script, 2) the look of the film, 3) the casting, 4) the makeup effects, 5) a tribute to series creator Tobe Hooper, and 6) final thoughts on the making of the film.

Interviewees include cast members Caroline Williams, Bill Moseley, Lou Perryman, and Bill Johnson, production designer Cary White, cinematographer Richard Kooris, screenwriter L.M. Kit Carson, and property master Michael Sullivan. Each participant is engaging and shares neat anecdotes on theirs and others' contributions to the film.

Conspicuously absent is director Tobe Hooper, although that's made up in part by the fifth segment. Hooper does, however, contribute to a commentary on the special edition DVD containing this documentary.

Interesting tidbits of information reveal the script dilemma (Carson had to keep re-writing it as the filming went on), the pressures of working under a budget that was slashed by a million dollars early on, Hoopers' amusing predilection for Dr. Pepper, and the like. There's plenty of behind-the-scenes footage as well as footage of the participants at various conventions to enjoy.

Particularly endearing were the heartfelt reminiscences for co-star Jim Siedow ("The Cook"), a true Texas character and spirited, easygoing soul who sadly passed on in 2003.

While I have to admit that it took time for me to embrace this film in addition to the many other people who were disappointed in the change of tone, I've come to appreciate the dark and outrageous humor more and I thought that this documentary was a fitting retrospective to a film that is now considered the cult favorite of the series.

If you like "Chainsaw 2", you will most likely enjoy this as well.

8/10