Tuesday, October 30, 2012

House (1977)


Introduction:
Don’t confuse this with the 1986 horror comedy with William Katt. Although this movie has a cat in it, it is not the Greatest American Hero. Instead, this is a Japanese movie that may be scary, may be funny and most often is one of the weirdest things you’ve ever seen. I don’t use that phrase lightly, but I can honestly say, there are things in this movie that you’ve never seen before. Scared yet?

Summary:
Seven teen girls are off to the country. Each of them has a cute nickname based on their personality. They are lead by Gorgeous (Kimiko Ikegami) who always looks good. Her aunt has a neat old house and plenty of room. But Gorgeous just wants to get away from her dad’s new girlfriend. At first all the girls are excited by the journey and the nifty old house. But soon things start to get weird. The white cat seems to be watching them all the time. The piano seems to nip at anyone who plays it. And Gorgeous’ aunt is just… well creepy. Soon one by one, the girls start disappearing, and it comes down to the daydreamer, Fantasy (Kumiko Ohba) to figure out what’s going on. I should also mention there are dancing skeletons, singing cats, whole musical numbers, floating body parts, kung fu battles, every in-camera special effect imaginable and the catchiest main theme since Suspiria. This is one House where anything can happen, and it actually does.

Good Points:
  • Visually exciting and surprising
  • Absurd humor that warps easily into horror and back
  • A sense of fun all around the movie is infectious

Bad Points:
  • So filled with “What the Hell!?!” moments it will scare viewers away
  • The horror is so over the top it never gets scary
  • The plot is really, really bare 

Overall:
What a fun blast of craziness! From the opening moments of the film you know you’re in for something so unique you’re a bit afraid. But once the random musical number kicks in you’ll either be hooked or turning this off. If you’re intrigued by this mini review, then go check this flick out. I don’t want to spoil any of the surprises. This is perfect mix of trick and treat, for anyone who doesn’t mind a wacky movie with subtitles and a really catchy musical theme.

Scores (out of 5)
Visuals: 5
Sound: 4
Acting: 4
Script: 3
Music: 4
Direction: 5
Entertainment: 5
Total:  5

Bonus fun!
A trailer that only hints at the bizarre antics to be found in this movie:


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