Attack of the Blind Dead (1973)

Great visuals, story delivers no surprises

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

I hated Tombs of The Blind Dead. It was downright boring in my opinion. Needless to say, I wasn't looking forward to this one very much. I wasn't exactly enthused about this movie either, though it was watchable for the most part. Unlike Tombs of The Blind Dead, this one is more action oriented. It has semblance of suspense, along with some moody atmosphere at times. The photography is solid as well, as is the locations they used. The gore isn't that great. We get a beheading, a ripped out heart, eye are burned, and more. I'd say it was pretty average. The Templars themselves are very cool looking. Despite how ancient they look, I wouldn't want them after me. The acting is pretty bad with unlikable characters. Tony Kendall is OK as our macho hero. He hilariously no sells several punches to the gut at one point. Loretta Tovar is a tad annoying as Monica. Her stuttering act was annoying. Esperanza Roy is OK as well. Most of the people were dubbed, so it's a bit hard to rate. Overall, it is worth at least a look. Those that hated the first film, probably won't love this one, but they should at least find it to be tolerable.5.2/10

Evil Knights Templar are put to death, eyes burnt out and burned on bonfires only to return 500 years later on the anniversary of their deaths to have their revenge. With moments reminiscent of Night of the Living Dead the rest of director Amando De Ossorio's  (follow up, remake or stand alone story of Tombs of the Blind Dead) is a slow burning, effective little Spanish horror.The characters and story of El ataque de los muertos sin ojos are developed arguably further than it's predecessor and while the pace is faster it's still very slow. Your patience is rewarded with creepy visuals, killer blade welding zombie knights, fitting music, all with the backdrop of an eerie small town. Although dated the idea of knights coming back from the dead is still appealing, there's plenty of hammer horror-esque bright blood on display and it has a seventies charm about it, flares, huge collars etc. The cast are more than adequate, notably unrecognisable José Canalejas  as Murdo the hunchback-like village outcast. The final act is satisfying enough and as the dawn arrives prior to the credits you'll feel relieved in a good or bad way dependant on your feelings of this atmospheric gem.

Writer / director Amando de Ossorio's garnished Gothic follow up to the original Spanish feature "Tombs of the Blind Dead" is to some extent an improvement with a much better pace, tautly constructed suspense (where those ominous chants throughout the score draw fear) and plenty of viciously hysterical bloodletting (stomach stabbing and blood dribbling) from the Templar knights. Still with that in mind, I wasn't terribly blown away by "Return of the Blind Dead" and the ending was a real letdown too.The formula (survivors held up in a church with the zombie templar knights waiting outside) had been bled dry and its repetitive nature to get a little tiresome. Only so much could happen and it shows, but it remained effectively atmospheric in its moody imagery (you can't tire of the haunting slow motion scenes of the templar knights on their horses) and surrounding decors. This time the focus is on the cursed townsfolk who are celebrating the 500th anniversary burning of the Eastern knights that practiced black magic, but soon the nightmare is relived when the knights return from beyond their graves for brutal revenge. There they knock on doors waiting to be invited in, until they realised they are unlocked so they make themselves welcomed to carry on the slaughter behind closed doors. Make-up FX still stands up rather well. The performances are respectable with the likes of Tony Kendall, Lone Fleming, Frank Brana and Fernando Sancho.

If you enjoyed "Tombs of the Blind Dead," chances are, you will not be disappointed with DeOssorio's second entry into the Blind Dead Series, "Return of the Evil Dead." The plot is a little more ridiculous than "Tombs of the Blind Dead" though. It's a lot sleazier and more nostalgic of the 70's. I really liked it, but it lacks the atmospheric pleasures of the first entry. It's not as old school. There is more gore in "Return of the Evil Dead" too, which I dig. It reminded me more of "Burial Ground" and you can totally see where that movie came from.The Blue Underground version is masterfully re-done, the sound and picture are great, and the packaging is attractive.6 out of 10, kids.