In Defense Of....Sleepwalkers (1992)
Have you ever enjoyed a movie only to realize that your opinion is in the minority? As horror fans, this is probably a more common occurrence than we realize. The internet, with the help of sites like IMDB and LETTERBOXD, has democratized access to almost anyone's opinion, especially politics and movies. We aren’t here to talk about the former, but the latter. This (hopefully) recurring article is for those of you who are fighting the good fight for what others call a “bad movie”. This is for you horror fans who don’t care what others have to say, but want your chance to defend your unpopular position on a particular film to the naysayers (see: haters) who disagree with you.
The inaugural film in this series is MICK GARRIS’ 1992 SLEEPWALKERS!
Synopsis
Charles Brady and his mother, Mary, are the last of a dying breed whose needs are not of this world. They are Sleepwalkers - able to stay alive only by feeding on the life-force of the innocent, but destined to roam the earth, avoiding discovery while searching for their next victim. That search takes them to the sleepy little town of Travis, Indiana, where beautiful teenager Tanya Robertson is about to become an unwilling pawn in their nightmarish fight for survival.
The Charges Against The Film
A sampling of some of the reviews found online for your reading, and laughing, pleasure.
The Defense May Approach The Bench
I don’t even know where to begin here, but let’s start with two main points. This movie was on TV ALL THE TIME in the 90s and was written by STEPHEN KING, an original script not an adaptation, and is probably the sleaziest King story I’ve ever come across! While this may not seem like a compliment to some, it absolutely is for those (like me) who enjoy the more exploitative and absurd shades of cinema that bathe in their audacity rather than shun it. Case in point, the film does not shy away from the incestous relationship between the mother (Mary) and son (Charles) which is absolutely unnecessary to the plot. The fact that “this family fucks” plays no role in anything that happens throughout the whole movie, and yet, it wouldn’t be the same movie without it. Some may say it’s a better movie, but I would argue that kind of taming would only serve to make the film another mediocre King flick. Much like so many Italian horror films of the 70s-80s, things happen not because they make sense, but because they are shocking and provocative.
By the way, the incest isn’t the only sexually questionable decisions made here. There’s also a scene where a teacher takes a pass at the new student in the creepiest and silliest way possible. This film doesn’t give these situations the seriousness they usually deserve, but the disregard for decency is in a way the draw to this film.
Yes, they are related. And yes, it is awkward for everyone.
Insult to injury comes in the form of some pretty outrageous misogyny on behalf of Charles to the love/dinner interest Tanya. I think it was like 30 minutes into the movie before he slaps her and it’s done in broad daylight before he turns into a murderous animorph. And it bears mentioning that this film does feature some dated CGI, but it is admirable given the time this was made. I also may give it a pass because I grew up with CGI that was far worse and this is not even the silliest example given the “groundbreaking” THE LAWNMOWER MAN was released the following year.
The worth of a horror film can sometimes be quantified in gallons of fake blood. For some, gorehounds as they can be called, it’s less about the story and more about the special effects. To that end, SLEEPWALKERS does not disappoint. In particular during the third act where the level of goopiness is at an all-time high. My particular favorite kill comes by way of “corn on the cob”, and I suspect this may be the only film not in the CHILDREN OF THE CORN franchise to have someone be dispatched by everyone’s favorite summer treat.
On a final note, this movie is also stacked with cameos from some of your favorite horror creators. See if you can spot all of them, I counted at least 5!
No, this is not an excerpt from a trashed Thundercats movie.
The Defense Rests…
This will probably not be the most controversial film to grace this column, but I’m confident that it will have it’s fair share of detractors. It’s easy to understand why people would dislike this film, even if they are wrong, but if you’re the kind of person to buy the most recent VINEGAR SYNDROME releases sight-unseen then you’re doing yourself a disservice not checking this one out, and the fine folks at SCREAM! FACTORY has a superb Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray out which you can purchase here!
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