"Masters of Horror" Family (2006)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

John Landis

Writers:

Mick Garris (creator)
Brent Hanley (written by)

TV Series:

"Masters of Horror" (2005)

Original Air Date:

3 November 2006 (Season 2, Episode 2)

Genre:

Horror

Plot:

Harold is a seemingly peaceful neighbor in a quiet midwestern neighborhood, but underneath, he's a murderous psychopath who sets his eyes on a couple that have moved in across the street.

Plot Keywords:

Neighbor | Psychopath | Bludgeoning | Father Daughter Relationship | Cigarette Smoking

Cast

George Wendt	...	Harold Thompson
John B. Scott	...	Grandpa
Meredith Monroe	...	Celia Fuller
Matt Keeslar	...	David Fuller
Haley Guiel	...	Sarah (as Hailey Guiel)
Kerry Sandomirsky	...	Jane
Nancy Whyte	...	Grandma
Emily Tennant	...	Teenage Blonde Girl
Emily Hope	...	Teenage Punk Girl
Aleita Northey	...	Teenage Sad Girl
Frances Flanagan	...	Housewife
Donald R. Mintz	...	Interior George Wendt (as Dr. Donald R. Mintz)

Runtime:

58 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

USA:TV-MA | Australia:MA (2007) | Italy:VM14

Filming Locations:

British Columbia, Canada

Company:

Starz Media

Trivia:

In the hospital scene, when 'George Wendt' is waiting in the lobby. You can hear on the intercom "Calling Doctor Howard. Doctor Fine." It's a reference to The Three Stooges.

Goofs:

Continuity: After Harold returns from the dinner and he speaks with his 'wife', she finishes her glass of wine twice while Harold holds the bottle the entire time without pouring any more for her.

Movie Connections:

References Men in Black (1934)

John Landis does it again; Deer Woman with more horror

This is the first episode I've seen from Season 2 and I must say I am very impressed. Considering the amount of flak Season 2 was receiving I was considering just passing them by but I gave in to temptation and I'm glad I did. John Landis yet again proves he is definitely one of the Masters of Horror with "Family." Like with "Deer Woman," Landis blends horror and comedy flawlessly but with this one he adds a little more horror than comedy. The script is very well written, the acting is great and there is a good amount of gore to satisfy gorehounds.

Harold (George Wendt) seems like a peaceful, friendly enough neighbour but in reality he is a murderous psychopath who has his eyes set on his new neighbour Celia (Meredith Monroe) who has just moved in with her husband David (Matt Keeslar, of Scream 3 fame).

As I said before the acting in this is great. George Wendt gives a very funny performance as the Psycho neighbour and Meredith Monroe and Matt Keeslar are great as the married couple. The script is very witty and funny but there are plenty of odd, disturbing bits to make you shiver or squirm in disgust.

Overall a pleasant start to Season 2. I'm hoping for the rest of them to be as good as this.

4½/5