FRIGHT FEST: SMALLS FALLS INTO A NIGHTMARE WITH PHANTASM

"You play a good game, boy. But the game is finished. Now you die."

Phantasm: 1. An apparition or specter.
                  2. A creation of the imagination or fancy; fantasy.
               

In Phantasm we follow Mike (A. Michael Baldwin), his older brother Jody (Bill Thornbury), and Jody's best friend Reggie (Reggie Bannister). After the funeral of one of their pals, Mike sees a strange and frightening sight: The Tall Man (The director of the funeral parlor, played by Angus Scrimm), picking up a heavy casket with ease. It quickly becomes clear that there are some strange events surrounding the funeral parlor and The Tall Man himself. When Mike and pals go to investigate, they are sent spiraling into a surreal, bizarre world where they struggle to find a way to defeat the Tall Man and escape with their lives.

The chemistry between our three heroes is quite strong, and it's easy to buy them as best friends. They all do great performances and are super likable. Angus Scrimm as The Tall Man is an imposing figure indeed that feels supernatural and threatening. He doesn't speak much, but stalks around the screen. Make no mistake about it, this is his film and he is in control. Scrimm easily emerges as a horror icon to remember.

Phantasm is bizarrely structured, but is done so on purpose. There is a reason this movie is called Phantasm, and that's because the film is meant to resemble a nightmare. The way it's shot and edited helps to drive this point home. Phantasm is a master class in creating a strong, rich atmosphere and a good deal of tension. I wouldn't go so far as to call it genuinely scary, but it is without a doubt very creepy, suspenseful, and weird.

Phantasm is a film that doesn't waste any of our time. It hits the ground running and doesn't let up until the end credits roll. Yes, it is campy, silly, and nonsensical but in my own opinion this helps add to the film's odd charm (it also oozes 70's style). With strong performances from the cast, a palpable atmosphere (and some really pretty shots), and a cool, creepy villain, I'd say Phantasm is definitely a film you should check out.

4 STARS