THE DORM THAT DRIPPED BLOOD
Synapse 1982 88 Mins. Laurie Lapanski, Stephen Sachs, David Snow and Daphne Zuniga star. Written and Directed by Stephen Carpenter. Rated R for strong language, violence, gore, nudity and sexual references.
I discovered this little gem a few years ago on youtube and was kinda blown away by it. I immediately bought it on Blu-ray. It's a mean spirited little gem that just happens to take place on the horrific holiday. Although you'd never really know besides a few references and some lights. A group of college students stay behind on Winter break to clean up an old building and get it ready to be demolished. One by one they are systematically stalked and murdered by a brutal assailant in increasingly mean ways. Stuff like being boiled to death...ick.
What really impressed me about the film is the way in which it's all handled. Although the first half is a bit old fashioned and generic it really feels very modern in the second. The pacing is fast and as we reach the big ol twist and as the chase begins you find yourself on the edge of your seat. Although the movie isn't flawless. There's a bit too many red herrings and some of the performances and dialogue leave much to be desired.
That being said the core of the film is strong, the characters are decently developed with a solid turn from the lead heroine and it's well directed with stylish cinematography. In the film's final third it very much feels like an expensive studio film rather than the low budget indie feature it is. I'm surprised the film hasn't garnered a better reputation and more of a cult audience because it's got the retro slasher goodies.
RATING= 8 out of 10 killer santas
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