Forgotten Horror - Toolbox Murders (2004)

The story centers - around the "Lusman Arms" , a decaying-Hotel in a seedy part of Los Angeles. It seems after recent-renovations to the structure of the building there have been some strange-occurrences: a workman hurt in an unexplained-blast, and strange electrical-surges. There is a constant-sound of hammering, even when the workmen are gone. Tenants have gone-missing, and a strange aura of oppressiveness has descended-upon the building. It seems the place has a reputation that the building manager doesn't want known.

This movie is the epitome of a forgotten horror gem. We get the creepy and unique locations, odd-ball characters, great kills and overall tense or horrifying atmosphere. When Tobe Hooper initially signed on for this movie, many considered it another nail in his careers coffin. He has been on a bad skid in recent years and many felt that remaking a movie many considered a rip of Texas Chainsaw… until the reviews started to come out!

Bloody-digusting.com wrote, “Toolbox is a strong film likely to boost Tobe Hooper back into the top rung of horror directors along with names like Craven, Carpenter and Romero.”

There is some tie backs to the story of Jack Parsons (an occultist Crowley-devotee) The villain in this movie is great, and one could consider it Parson’s homunculus in-a-way, though the coffin-baby story is also interesting to me. We get so many incredible images of horror in this film and with a budget of less than $1 million it is very impressive.

There is a scene within a dark and dingy stairwell which is genuinely terrifying, you need to watch this movie just for that scene alone.. you will understand when you watch it! I certainly wouldn’t call this a straight remake and more a re-imagining. The score by Joseph Conlan is great and atmospheric and helps make the movie feel bigger than it is.

The occult/supernatural backstory and hints may not come across on a casual view of this movie, the killers are gritty and fun with the movie carrying a nice fast pace but does leave you wanting some of the characters a little more fleshed out.

Toolbox Murders suffered the same fate of many forgotten horror gems and was completely overlooked, it has a LOT to offer for such a small film, and served as a great return to form for one of the masters of horror Tobe Hooper!