Oh the joys of VHS!
The Basement (1987)
Directed By: Tim O’Rawe
The Prologue
The super 8 film, The Basement, is a lost film from the 80′s that is finding new life this year with a super duper set release from Camp Pictures, and the fine dudes and dudetts over at Alternative Cinema. The set that comes with this lost film, not only has this film in DVD form, but it has a VHS copy as well that is sure to be a hit with collectors. But how is that very film that the set is based around? Well quality wise, it’s a mixed bag, but the bag has way more positives than it does negatives. And for a fan of 80′s horror like myself, I had a really fun time viewing, The Basement.
The Movie
The Basement, is a horror anthology that is in the same vein as the classic, Tales from the Crypt. Some might say it’s biting it a bit, but that’s part of the fun. All in all we get the film broken down into four parts, as four soon to be damned people find themselves face to face with The Sentinel to learn their fate. Among the group, we have a lady who’s pool seems to be rather hungry and she finds herself in over her head. A man who hates Halloween, but doesn’t seem to want to take the advice of his dead wife. A man who’s movie making is questionable at best. So his way of handling zombies is about to come back to bite him. And finally, we have a young man who ends up at a new home that rolls out a welcoming for him he’d rather not receive. These are simple stories, but fun none the less.
Upon just looking at the surface of, The Basement, this grimy and low budget film could find it’s self being judged without a proper day in court. Even on the commentary of the film they seem to not want to give it a break, and it’s their film. But while some of what you see could be taken as corny or perhaps “cheap”, from one scene where a man goes on a rampage in a class room, to the gore that comes with the last story in the film, it’s a whole lot of fun. And while it has stuff that some might consider “bad”, it’s a major part of the film’s overall charm. I had more fun while watching this than I did many of the bigger budget films of today.
If you loved 80′s films that are loaded with blood and natural effects (some kinda bad and some really good), you’ll enjoy, The Basement. It’s especially a hoot when viewed in VHS form, which I was able to take advantage of due to the fact I still own a VCR (Yay!). At the end of the day, when it comes to this movie, you’ll have people who will love the old school goodness it holds. And you’ll of course have some who detest it for whatever reason. While I won’t lie and say it’s the greatest thing I’ve ever seen, I will admit it has more good effect than it does bad effects. Add that with the fast pace story style and the different stories, you end up with a good way to kill some time if you want to watch a movie.
While it may be best served for a cool nostalgia trip, The Basement, is far from a waste of time. Riddled with all the flaws that bugged every low budget 80′s horror movie, the film tells a cool tale, even if it’s not 100% original. It could be used as a prime example of what you can do yourself with a camera if you are hell bent on making your own film. It’s a great example of how to use your limitations to make a film that is still very entertaining, even if you find people mostly laughing rather than screaming in terror at your horror film. Regardless of the crowd reaction it’s entertaining stuff, and it will get a reaction. That’s all that matters right?
The Conclusion
The movie is fun but not mind blowing. That being said, you can’t beat this cool VHS set it comes with. Now that set comes out in September, but you can CLICK ON OVER and pre-order your copy now I’m sure. If you love the 80′s, campy horror films, and VHS, then you can’t go wrong with, The Basement. And for those facts, it gets my approval and my recommendation.
The Rating (6.5/10)
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