One could argue that the Scarecrow sub-genre of films derived from the unintentional derived from the titular character's appearance in Return to Oz. I prefer to think that it comes from this gem...
Oddly, the film begins with what would probably be the biggest budget aspect already having happened. While thrifty, it feels a bit lazy. Basically, a bunch of ex-military dudes robbed an army surplus, kidnapped a pilot (with daughter in tow) and are making their escape.
Unfortunately, one of them heeds Steve Miller's advice and 'takes the money and runs.' This does not bode well for him as the others follow suit and land at the nearby farm.
One of them gets grabbed and killed, driving the bad guys crazy. Oh good, their former member shows up at the door.
But wait, where's the money? Oh, it's...stuffed inside his chest like a scarecrow. Eww. But wait, how did he walk all the way there like that and only fall over dead when they let him in? What's that, movie? You never plan to tell us? Okay then.
More suspense and killing are on the menu. Let's also not forget all the cursing and in-fighting as well. You get plenty of that between the gore scenes. I hope you can get used to it. Oddly, the scarecrows are far more tactical and smart than the former military personnel. By the way, how do they communicate again? Right, you still won't tell us.
They give you a small story about a demonic possession of the area, but that is pretty much it. Fortunately, the gore is distracting enough. The whole thing ends simple enough with a climax involving a plane, some scarecrows and a grenade. The End.
Your feelings on this movie are entirely hinged upon your ability to ignore certain things. First, the fact that this is a fairly-strange rip-off of the Aliens formula. While this is not uncommon, it is sort of noticeable here. Secondly, the film pretty much never explains the monsters, how they work or why. All you get is: don't go to this farm or they will kill you. They're not moral crusaders either, since they try to kill the Captain and his Daughter too. (UPDATE: They're basically proto-Rage Ghosts) They are just an unnatural force of nature- think about that one for a while. For simple pulp value, it is certainly fun and passable. It is strong on atmosphere, solid when it comes to practical FX gore and light on answers. It also gets some retroactive bonus points for seeming to inspire a certain Team Fortress Character...
*** I can't be the only one to see this, right? ***
Next up, it is time to jump into...the 3rd Dimension. Stay tuned...
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