"The Stepfather" Reviews/Discussion - 2011 Horror Challenge: Day 19
09-25-11, 05:53 PM
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"The Stepfather" Reviews/Discussion - 2011 Horror Challenge: Day 19
The Stepfather (1987)  Selected by takingchase |
IMDB ENTRY
These "October Horror Movie Challenge" threads are for the discussion of the films in the 31 FILM SUBSET.
MAIN THREAD | LIST THREAD
The plan is for everyone to watch this film on the October day in the thread title, and to start discussing it the morning of the following day.
You may start discussion early if you want, but the preferred plan is for this to be as much of a group exercise as possible, with all of us viewing it "together" and discussing after.
Of course, you are totally encouraged to participate in these threads even if you haven't watched the movie on the designated day.
Even if you haven't watched it in years, or are not participating in the Horror Challenge, please feel free to chime in.
Spoiler tags are unnecessary in here, so if you have yet to see the film BEWARE OF SPOILERS.
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10-19-11, 06:43 AM
#2
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Re: "The Stepfather" Reviews/Discussion - 2011 Horror Challenge: Day 19
Bump.
To save people time; it's not streaming on Netflix or Hulu. Hopefully I have the DVD at home somewhere.
To save people time; it's not streaming on Netflix or Hulu. Hopefully I have the DVD at home somewhere.
10-19-11, 02:30 PM
#3
Challenge Guru & Comic Nerd
Re: "The Stepfather" Reviews/Discussion - 2011 Horror Challenge: Day 19
It's all over youtube, streaming it now. Much better than the recent remake.
Last edited by Trevor; 10-20-11 at 03:30 PM. Reason: remove sig
10-19-11, 02:56 PM
#4
Member
Re: "The Stepfather" Reviews/Discussion - 2011 Horror Challenge: Day 19
Agreed, this is one of the films that never should have been re-made. I don't remember the beginning being as bloody as it is. My memory must be fading.
10-19-11, 03:40 PM
#5
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Re: "The Stepfather" Reviews/Discussion - 2011 Horror Challenge: Day 19
I watched the remake of this last year. I think it was last year. Anyway, it was a huge step down from the original. I suppose it was compromised from the start because I'm sure it was required to be PG-13. I think the Blu-ray of this that I ordered arrives today. I'm looking forward to revisiting it.
10-19-11, 04:13 PM
#6
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Re: "The Stepfather" Reviews/Discussion - 2011 Horror Challenge: Day 19
Loved it. YouTube has the 1989 sequel as well. Like the opening so far, but can't imagine it will hold up.
10-19-11, 05:20 PM
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Re: "The Stepfather" Reviews/Discussion - 2011 Horror Challenge: Day 19
I love this movie and the sequel as well. The first movie is clearly higher quality, but Terry O'Quinn in this role is really something special. I never tire of this performance.
10-19-11, 10:39 PM
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Re: "The Stepfather" Reviews/Discussion - 2011 Horror Challenge: Day 19
Man, but I used to love this movie! I still sometimes catch myself saying "Buckle up for safety!" to people putting on their seat belts. It's probably been 15 years since I'd seen The Stepfather, so I was keen to rewatch it tonight. It didn't hold up quite as well as I had hoped...the music score sounded just like dozens of other cheap thrillers from the '80s, the romantic subplot between the teenagers was awful, and every once in a while the Jerry Blake character lapsed into a Freddie Kruegeresque one-liner. But, for every groan-inducing one-liner, there's a quotable line such as "Wait a minute...who am I here?" Still, after nearly 25 years, the film works. It was the first time I'd ever seen Terry O' Quinn in a film, and I became an instant fan. I also developed a pretty big film crush on Jill Schoelen--what ever happened to her? Even though The Stepfather has lost some of its luster over the years, it's still a pretty solid little thriller, with a rousing finale and a career-making performance by Terry O' Quinn.
10-19-11, 10:48 PM
#9
Senior Member
Re: "The Stepfather" Reviews/Discussion - 2011 Horror Challenge: Day 19
This was a first time viewing for me. Never saw the remake. I totally enjoyed Terry O'Quinn in this. So evil.. Great movie.
10-20-11, 09:23 AM
#10
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: "The Stepfather" Reviews/Discussion - 2011 Horror Challenge: Day 19
Same here. I loved the left turn when the handsome protagonist who has been searching for O'Quinn shows up for a confrontation and gets ganked immediately, leaving the daughter and mom to kill the bad guy.
10-20-11, 09:38 AM
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Re: "The Stepfather" Reviews/Discussion - 2011 Horror Challenge: Day 19
Really enjoyed the sequel as well, mainly due to O'Quinn.
10-20-11, 01:25 PM
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Re: "The Stepfather" Reviews/Discussion - 2011 Horror Challenge: Day 19
I thought I'd caught this in its entirety, but apparently it was just bits and pieces over the years. Loved it though. A mesmerizing performance from Terry O'Quinn.
And looks like Dexter took a few notes from this guy.
According to a recent Fangoria article she's currently an investor in Broadway musicals. And considering getting back in the acting game. Let's hope that happens because the years have definitely been kind to her.
Totally out of left field. All that wasted effort for and pent up aggression for nothing. Loved it. 
And looks like Dexter took a few notes from this guy.
10-20-11, 09:11 PM
#13
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Re: "The Stepfather" Reviews/Discussion - 2011 Horror Challenge: Day 19
I enjoyed a first time viewing of this but going in a story about an evil stepfather seemed kind of off, like something you'd get from Troma. I loved the existential themes and all together they pulled it off well. I remember seeing these movies at the rental store as a kid, when my parents wouldn't let me watch horror movies, so it's good to finally catch it.
Who am I here?
Who am I here?
10-28-11, 12:12 PM
#14
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Re: "The Stepfather" Reviews/Discussion - 2011 Horror Challenge: Day 19
Another one of those movies I always meant to watch but never got around to it. I remember the video boxes of it and it's sequels quite well from the rental stores as a teen. I have to say I was quite surprised and really enjoyed the movie. Terry O' Quinn does a great job of creating a believable monster that you would never suspect. His very subdued mutter to himself or his lips quivering ever so slightly were nice touches. I remembered the teen from various movies from a long time ago but couldn't remember from what. She has a very memorable voice and it was a nice surprise flash of nudity as well. She they said her character was 16, I didn't figure we would get any since I suspected Shelly Hack wasn't going to strip.
The very first scene with him completely cleaned up and just nonchalantly walking past the gruesome scene it had committed was very well done. They didn't have to show the killings for you to know that this guy is one sick puppy. The BD had a nice little documentary on the movie but was sadly missing any input from O'Quinn or even Hack. It did have the sequels trailers and that looked horrible.
My rating: ***1/2 out of *****
The very first scene with him completely cleaned up and just nonchalantly walking past the gruesome scene it had committed was very well done. They didn't have to show the killings for you to know that this guy is one sick puppy. The BD had a nice little documentary on the movie but was sadly missing any input from O'Quinn or even Hack. It did have the sequels trailers and that looked horrible.
My rating: ***1/2 out of *****
