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Phantasm (1979)
10/10
Ground Breaking
19 February 2006
First off, let me start off by saying that computers have done a lot of good in the field of communication. Unfortunately they also give a forum for cynical bitter "(choose your own expletive)'s"! One must take into consideration the circumstances behind the production being reviewed, like budget, age of director, means of distribution. etc (the intangibles are endless). So with that disclaimer out of the way, here we go.....

Phantasm is without a doubt, one of the most original horror, sci-fi,drama,comedy films of all time. (Did not realize that was a genre of film until now, how ingenious.Don't forget,made in 1979!) It is about a small town under siege by an other worldly, sinister, mortician. The story takes so many twists and turns, it is better watched then described. There IS plenty of character development, that is what made Phantasm so appealing. Even after witnessing something outlandish, because of the sense of family established throughout the film, you sort of entertain the thought that it could happen in Small Town, USA. You do care what happens to the brother's,and/or their friends. At it's foundation, Phantasm is about the loss of loved one's,and the impossibility of escaping death. Another innovative move on Don Coscarelli's part was making the hero , a young, innocent boy,who must confront evil in of all places, a creepy mausoleum.

So all you nay sayers, next time you pass judgment, make sure you "peel back all the layer's" before you criticize the "core".

This movie has stood the test of time, over 25 years.
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8/10
Second best out of four
16 January 2006
If you remember the first movie at all, and you approach this movie with an open mind, you will find OblIVion quite satisfying. Though not as atmospheric as the first movie, there are several creepy scenes scattered throughout, including the opening scene and a dream sequence involving Reggie. In addition, there are several scenes from Phantasm (I) cleverly woven into the storyline creating continuity between the two films. Some, but not all questions are cryptically answered, which steadfastly adheres to the "nothing is as it seems",non linear flow to the movies. It definitely leaves room for one last movie. Maybe the last movie can spell it out (or at least somewhat) for "phans" needing closure.

In conclusion, if your not a fan of the Phantasm movies, or are just randomly renting movies out of boredom, I strongly suggest you don't bother and keep your cynicism to yourself. But if your willing to at least watch the first film, or if your addicted to Phantasm I, Phantasm IV will clearly keep you wanting more.
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