"Masters of Horror" Family (2006)

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 | Gas Mask | Doctor | Female Reporter

Cast

George Wendt	...	Harold Thompson
Meredith Monroe	...	Celia Fuller
Matt Keeslar	...	David Fuller
Haley Guiel	...	Sarah (as Hailey Guiel)
Kerry Sandomirsky	...	Jane
John B. Scott	...	Grandpa
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 Harold Thompson (as Dr. Donald R. Mintz)

Runtime:

58 min

Country:

USA | Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

USA:TV-MA | Australia:MA (2007) | Italy:VM14 | Germany:16

Filming Locations:

British Columbia, Canada

Company:

Starz Productions

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)

Landis proves he is one of the "Family"...

The second season of Masters of Horror (MOH) got off to a rocky start with The Damned Thing, but Landis puts it squarely back on track with Family, a bright and cheery decent into the mind of a madman.

George Wendt is picture perfect as the neighbor we all wish we had, or at least we think we would like to have. His social skills are spot on, and gone is any trace of the irascible Norm from Cheers. Some might begrudge the obvious mud slinging to all things Republican or Religious Right, but we can forgive those little jabs as simply Landis playing against type.

David and Celia are moving in next door to Harold (Wendt) and all seems like suburban heaven, but something isn't as it seems with Harold. As the new neighbors get to know one another, Harold develops a crush on Celia. It all seems harmless until something happens that gives Harold the opening he was looking for. To give anymore away would be criminal.

The thing that makes this entry so delicious is the environment that Landis creates to unfold this little horror/comedy. He is truly a "master" of the black comedy, as is more than evident in the much lauded American Werewolf in London. As he did in last year's Deer Woman, Landis shows his acute savvy at creating believable characters and surroundings that allow the audience to really hook in. It is this gift which gives his work such power and impact. In too many horror films the circumstances are so alien it is difficult for the audience to identify, but in Landis' work you feel right at home just before the hammer strikes your skull. The darker episodes in MOH have their appeal, but with Landis' entries there is a strange fulfillment that comes after viewing that is difficult to describe. It is as if you are happy that you have escaped the fate of the characters, the connection is that good.

With Family, Masters of Horror once again lives up to its name. Lets hope the rest of the "family" does as well this season.