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Phantasm (1978)

Director: Don Coscarelli

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From Time Out Film Guide

Although enough of a cult favourite to spawn a trio of undistinguished sequels, this low budget independent horror movie is a surprisingly shambolic affair whose moments of genuine invention stand out amid the prevailing incompetence. A sinister mausoleum is the focus of the action, as inquisitive adolescent Baldwin and older sibling Thornbury uncover dastardly goings-on involving Scrimm's imposing baddie 'The Tall Man', killer hooded dwarfs and a spiked flying steel sphere that sucks its victims' brains out. The wild and woolly storyline would undoubtedly prove more thrilling had one man band Coscarelli even a rudimentary grasp of sustaining suspense, but it's fair to say the cluelessness proves more endearing than exasperating. The spirit of Ed Wood lurks in the shadows.

Author: TJ 0000-00-00 00:00:00

Time Out Film Guide

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Cast & crew

Director: Don Coscarelli

Producer: Don Coscarelli

Cast: Angus Scrimm, A Michael Baldwin, Bill Thornbury, Reggie Bannister, Kathy Lester, Terrie Kalbus full cast

Genre(s): Science Fiction

Duration: 89 mins


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