Quick Reviews: THE PROWLER

THE PROWLER

"Ms. Allison just made an announcement. There's some kind of prowler outside, or something."

IMDB.com Rating: 6.1 out of 10

Availability: In-print and usually cheap.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stnK1-uPVX0

Watch Online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-6JbG0E16c

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Tonight's feature is an almost-forgotten gem from the golden-age of slashers. This is the film that Tom Savini personally considers his best work. I'm speaking, of course, of 1981's, 'The Prowler'. Directed by Joseph Zito ('Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter', 'Missing in Action', 'Invasion U.S.A.', and 'Red Scorpion') and starring the poor man's Kevin Sorbo, Christopher Goutman; although, Kevin Sorbo is the poor man's recognizable actor, so, yeah. . . Also featured in this picture is Lawrence Tierney, who later went on to fight the entire cast of 'Reservoir Dogs' and scare the hell out of the entire 'Seinfeld' cast and crew when he stole a butcher's knife from the set. Obviously, he acted in both of those productions; but I'd make the case he's better remembered for his off-camera shenanigans. Going back to Christopher Goutman, however; he later went on to win an Emmy for directing 'As The World Turns', so he's got that going for him.

With a hint of William Fitchner, we have the poor man's
Kevin Sorbo -- Christopher Goutman .

'The Prowler' begins during World War II. Rosemary, tired of waiting for her boyfriend to return from the war, breaks-up with him via a letter. Some time later, on July 28th, 1945, Avalon Bay is having their graduation dance. Rosemary and her new boyfriend leave the dance to make love in a gazebo, only to meet their untimely death. And roll beginning credits. Thirty-five years later, Avalon Bay is finally preparing for another graduation dance; the first one since the violent murders. But a new set of grizzly killings begins; and the mystery of these gruesome attacks begins to unfold. 

What makes 'The Prowler' so enjoyable is the creativity of the film. It takes a similar route of 'Halloween' and 'My Bloody Valentine'; but does it in a more-brutal manner. The film tosses a few red herrings our way, but ultimately, the plot is easy to figure out (Unfortunately, this was one of the films I figured the killer out in the first ten minutes); but getting to the end is the slasher equivalent to a fun time. The film manages to keep a decent amount of suspense; and with a body count of 8 (9, if you include an off-camera death from a few towns away), through-the-skull stabbing, throat-sawing, hanging, and a brutal skull-splitting end with a 'Carrie'-esque finale, 'The Prowler' will surely leave the viewer feeling fulfilled with this virtual bloodbath. Tony says, "check it out". 4 Stars. Best of 1981.

On my scale:
Overall Enjoyment ----13
Redeeming Qualities--17
Rewatchability---------7
Fun/Special Effects---8
Directing/Quality------7
Plot/Storyline----------5
Pacing-----------------6
Dialogue/Acting-------6
TOTAL---------------69

Bonus points for kills (9) ---0.9
FINAL TOTAL: 69.9