Shudder Sunday: Popcorn (1991)

 As a Feature on Joe Bob Briggs' Drive In, I missed this originally.  

With more time, I've checked it out properly...

As a Film Class in L.A. needs money, they need to do a Fundraiser.

How do they do it?

They hire a Film Memorabilia Collector to help them do a '50s Movie Marathon, of course.

The Films all have gimmicks inspired by William Castle, including a prop creature that 'flies out' during the Climax, shocking prods in seats and emitting real (smelly) gas.

I'd...pay to go to this.

While the planning is going on, our Heroine/Final Girl is experiencing weird dreams that her Mom (Dee Wallace) is nervous about.

She gets a freaky call, goes to the Theater...and never returns.

The Marathon takes place, bringing all of the crazies out.  It's like a Comic Con, but with slightly-weirder people in a smaller Building.

And no, that's not Seth Green.

As the Features play, someone is killing people behind the Scenes.

Does it have to our Heroine, her freaky stalker and/or the man who made a freaky Film called Possessor?

I'm going with Yes.

To find out more, stream the Film now.

A weird and creative Film, to be sure.  The Plot is a love letter to 1950s B-Movies and also a classic '80s style Slasher Film.  It is 1991- the '80s stuff still carried over.

I do enjoy how well made the fake Films are here.  As a regular watcher of those Films, they did a nice job.  The only issue- of course- is how crisp they look.  It's a trade-off, of course, to make a third of your Film look low-definition.  I can see why they made the choice.

The contrast of people enjoying cheesy Movies with a man acting like a cross between Freddy Krueger and Pinhead is noticeable.  Your love of it may vary.

All in all, Popcorn has some fun moments, some freaky kills and impressive make-up work.  Now why is there an alternate version of the Box Art on VHS with the wrong face on it?

Enjoy this Cult Classic.  It is a crazy blend of fake Movie, Psychological Thriller and Comedy that sure...is a thing.