(1987)
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(1987) |
A group of scientists are called in to investigate a container of swirling liquid found in an almost abandoned city church. Within hours, they are trapped inside the church by an army of the homeless, only to discover that the container is a portal to hell--and that something very powerful is trying to come through.
Subgenres: dimensions (other), religion
Director: John Carpenter
Starring: Donald Pleasance, Jameson Parker
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With its religious concepts, zombie scares, and apocalyptic overtones--all wound up neatly together--Prince of Darkness, or at least the vaguely uncomfortable feeling it generated, stayed with me for days. The way director John Carpenter builds to the horrifying climax is masterful and not easily forgotten, and his intricate plot is brought to life by very capable actors. Carpenter writes his best minimalist score since Halloween (actually, although there are no individual themes in Prince as memorable as the main Halloween theme, the music might even be better). In short, an extraordinarily good and an extraordinarily creepy film. (Feb 10, 1999) philjohn.com - approaching the unexplained 
A group of scientists is trying to uncover the secrets of a strange substance, while they are continually hindered in doing so by strange events and persons. Once they discover the nature of their discovery, once this nature is confirmed, events get out of hand, and the main aim is only survival. John Carpenter, well known for suspense and simplicity, has raised his own stakes and created a strangely-paced, intense horror piece adout the end of days, with utmost disturbing pictures and imagery. Donald Pleasance plays a priest this time, but that's well within his abilities. The rest of the cast is rather young and unknown except Jameson Parker (Simon and Simon), but not the less devoted. The critical piece is again the music, which is playing throughout the entire climax without a break, strengthening the suspense and increasing the unease. One of the best horror movies of all time, another Carpenter masterpiece. (Mar 19, 2000)
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