PRINCE OF DARKNESS (1987)
I can't really count this among my favorite John Carpenter films—it lacks the iconic minimalist menace of Halloween (1978) and it also lacks what you might find at the opposite end of the spectrum: the relentlessly anarchic practical-effects genius of The Thing (1982). It also could benefit from a dose of the screen charisma that, say, Kurt Russell brings to the table in his many Carpenter roles, or, heck, even Roddy Piper in They Live (1988). Donald Pleasance, no offense, just isn't the same! There are interesting details and quirks throughout this, though—its lore, though barely developed, is satisfyingly unhinged—and I will admit that I stayed entertained through its brisk runtime.
A ★★★ review of Prince of Darkness (1987)
I can’t really count this among my favorite John Carpenter films—it lacks the iconic minimalist menace of HALLOWEEN (1978) and it also lacks what you might find at the opposite end of the spectrum: the relentlessly anarchic practical-effects genius of THE THING (1982). It also could benefit from a dose of the screen charisma that, say, Kurt Russell brings to the table in his many Carpenter roles, or, heck, even Roddy Piper in THEY LIVE (1988). Donald Pleasance, no offense, just isn’t the same! There are interesting details and quirks throughout this, though—its lore, though barely developed, is satisfyingly unhinged—and
jbushnell
