The Mutilator
A film I've been happy to (lovingly) mock as a somewhat inept slasher has been given a genuinely terrific makeover from Arrow. So much so I'm going to (moderately) revise my opinion on the film. It still has some 'issues' including some ropey acting work, a lack of suspense in several key scenes and the usual slasher headaches of people making stupid decisions. However it's a lot more enjoyable seen uncut and widescreen in a decent quality transfer. The gore effects from Mark Shostrom are fantastic, one scene previously cut by the BBFC is genuinely horrific and the final act actually sort of comes together. Don't expect it in any top 10 slasher picks from me but I'm actually glad I punted out for this.
Pranks (aka the dorm that dripped blood)
Another one with a bad reputation that I actually like, Pranks is essentially a student film. Unlike the cliche of student pictures, bad Ingmar Bergman pastiches full of teen angst and lingering shots of vases, director Jeffrey Orbrow delivers a nasty, low budget slasher picture with some well crafted kills and a terrific early score from Christopher Young. Like the mutilator its far from perfect, but on its own merits its a perfectly serviceable slasher picture with a great final act. It also actually makes a great double bill with that picture.
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