Phenomena (1985)

Good movie but grossly overrated

For all the hype it got I was expecting a lot more!

A waste of 90 minutes of my life

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

I like to keep my reviews brief and in list form, so I will assume the reader has a basic understanding of the movie's plot and and an awareness of the main cast. PROS:Jennifer Connelly. Entomological Telepath Vs. Serial Killer. The soundtrack is amazing, even if the Iron Maiden track is placed oddly. Knife-wielding chimpanzee. Donald Pleasence.Scenic and atmospheric shots of the countryside and creepy houses. CONS:Some of the shots track a little long without cutting to a new angle. That may seem like a small quibble but I think a tighter editing pace would have improved a few scenes, especially with such an energetic soundtrack. A bit more backstory in the villain department would have been welcome (but not necessary). The dialogue is serviceable -- nothing to quote.

The name of director could be more significant than the film itself. because , to know the map of Argento universe is real useful for understand "Phenomena". a real good horror. if you ignore the flaws and admire cultural references. and the good performances - Donald Plesance is the most easy example. the work of young Jennifer Connelly is decent and a good revelation for young public to discover the first steps of an interesting actress. in same measure, it is a film of atmosphere. and one of remarkable demonstrations of special art of Dario Argento. a film like a trip across memories. because familiar pieces are present and, in same measure, the drops of magic/old myths are a precious gift.

I had, probably still have somewhere, an ex-rental video of a much truncated version of this under the title, Creepers, and a chimp on the cover. The tape was in a wretched state and whenever I peeped at it, it always seemed to catch Donald Pleasance chatting in a vaguely Scottish accent. It would seems I was put off watching the film because a Blu-ray viewing now had me completely blown away. It is similar in tone to Suspiria and if not quite as rounded and utterly convincing there are compensations. For a start, here Argento has the young girls he wasn't allowed to use in the earlier film and a big difference it makes is that the 14 year old Jennifer Connelly is believably naive and worried yet aware of her affinity with insects. It makes the bullying aspect of the school more realistic as well. If the film doesn't always flow perfectly, move it certainly doe. As before there are terrifying chases to the sound of Goblin, but here other heavy metal outfits and I certainly heard the voice of Lemmy. All in all this is a great to look at thrilling film with a thunderously good soundtrack and a wonderful performance from young Connelly.

This is one of my regret in movies hobby that i couldn't watch Jenny movies chronologically ! This one is her second oldest so for sure, she has changed, gained maturity, became a wife and a mother and also the world and movies production were different ! This one could be a relative of Etoile as it's a strange paranormal movie set in Europe around international cast… It begins like Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets (murders in a private school and Jenny gets bullied because of her abilities) with a feeling of Twin Peaks (mountains, forest, wind and dark forces).. The story is original because insects are not really used in movies ; Pleasance brings his touch of seriousness and integrity (as in Carpenter movies) and the tension is well done. However, the last reel is a bit disappointing as it's really gore and a bit too much which explains i don't give 10. At the end, for any Jenny fans or those who look for restrained paranormal movie, this movie stays however a excellent recommendation !