Anthology films are either a hit or miss because some segments are good and others not so much. There might be one great segment then two or three are really terrible. ‘The Mortuary Collection’ feels very much like those old school anthology films. It’s quite refreshing actually from the current anthologies that have been coming out.
A ghoulish Clancy Brown plays an elderly mortuary caretaker who is approached by a young woman wanting a job as his assistant. He begins to tell her a series of frightening tales about those who died in the town, a set of morality tales if you may. Unquestionably has that old school vibe. It’s hard to tell what year the film is set in since each segment is set throughout the 50s to 70s. I loved all the segments even though the middle story about the sick wife did drag on for a bit too long.
The film looks fantastic despite its very modest budget, but at times it feels like its more style than substance. There’s some great looking practical effects especially that pregnancy bit. You can tell that they put a lot of work into their effects.
There are some fabulous performances all round. The actors play their parts well, but Clancy Brown gives a larger than life performance. He steals every scene he’s in. Makes me miss the Carnivàle series, which should have lasted more than two seasons.
This is Ryan Spindell’s debut feature film. He wrote and directed, which is pretty impressive. The film is morbidly dark and scathingly funny. It’s a well-made entertaining film. Its right there up with my favorite anthology films: Trick ‘r Treat and Tales from the Darkside then of course there’s the television series Tales from the Crypt. It deserves high praise and any horror fan should give it a watch.
4 out of 5
Available on Shudder
No comments:
Post a Comment