Friday, January 3, 2014

Episode 14 - TCM Afterthoughts

Tobe Hooper's original Texas Chainsaw Massacre was a milestone for horror cinema and independent film-making. What they accomplished (through horrific conditions) down in Austin Texas with that film is still important today. Which is why I feel the way I do about the rest of the franchise that followed. It was garbage.


I realize I will be chastised by many for this unpopular stance on these films, primarily the second entry. Yes, I know "Chop-Top" was great, Dennis Hopper was great, and even the artwork for the film was great. I realize that Hooper directed it so it was literally the vision coming from the same mind that provided us with the first.


My problem is that with the second entry, fans were immediately made aware that the integrity and horror of the first one were not relevant in terms of maintaining that through sequels. Really think about that first film for a second. It's absolute brutality, startling visceral imagery, and supremely odd terror that you were given to feast on. Then enter the second film that is basically comedic satirical nonsense. Why I will never know, but I do understand the reluctance to discard the film completely for some of it's merits. The aforementioned qualities certainly should not be overlooked. But they also should not be a reason to discard the failure in decision making either. 

It only set up the rest to follow suit with horrendous sequels. The third, like before, has some merits. But still falls short. I won't even get started on Next Generation because there is not enough time for you to waste reading my hateful rhetoric for that film. It has Matthew McConaughey and Renee Zellweger in it, enough said.

Then we come to rebooting the franchise with a serious approach to remaking them and with money behind them. Many enjoyed it, many new fans were brought in to the franchise because of these films. Yet, many did not find the same enjoyment and the purists ripped on them because how dare the original sacred film be toyed with? That elitism, is the same blind nonsense I listened to in a record store for 6 straight years. The reboot films, whether you liked them or not, certainly took more pride and care for the series than any of the original sequels did. I personally enjoyed all of the new films, especially the first remake. 

So while I know I am a minority with these thoughts on this franchise, I do stand by them. I love the first TCM profusely, and put it in my top 5 of all time for horror films. Which is why I disdain the sequels that followed mocking it or shamelessly trying to cash in without any effort on the behalf of the fans. Which is also why I applaud the reboot films for bringing back some serious legitimacy to the man we know as Leatherface. 

Share your thoughts with me! Whether you agree or disagree, you are obviously a fan of TCM so we all win! Thanks for listening and we are excited to be back for 2014! It looks to be a promising and great year for the show and we look forward to enjoying that with you!




Until next time,
Beware of the moon
The Professor.

2 comments:

  1. I agree with you 100%. There are many classics that cannot be touched. When will Hollywood realize that is beyond me.

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  2. The good news is that most of the remakes are quickly forgotten let alone have a chance at tarnishing any originals:)

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