Popcorn

1991 / Director. Mark Herrier.

Popcorn is a 1991 horror movie that feels much more like an 80s horror movie, with homages to classic b-movies of the 50s. The film is set inside an old movie-house during a triple-feature horror film festival. With a sell out crowd, all in costume, a killer walks amongst them systematically killing people and assuming their identities. Conceptually the movie is great, and it cleverly abides by the slasher conventions while keeping a b-movie twang about it. It's not exactly scary either (although there are some genuinely creepy moments), nor is it bloody... but there's an overwhelming sense of mischief and fun. It's a film, which lovingly celebrates genre films and wants its viewers to participate. I imagine seeing it in a cinema would have been a whole lot of fun with the story's setting being a reflection of the audience's reality. The script isn't anything special, but the villainous character creation is one of a kind. A true lunatic... deformed, homicidal, child-like and hyperactive... he's a killer we cheer for and have fun with. Popcorn is hokey, a bit creepy and hugely gleeful. Definitely one for buffs.

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