FANTASTIC CLASSICS

When Happy Birthday to Me was released in 1981, critics were largely dismissive of it. Thankfully, time has been considerably kinder to this unusual little slasher. While it certainly has its flaws (and the story can become a bit disjointed) it deserves more credit for its originality, surprisingly deep character development, and willingness to be something more than a conventional body-count movie. What makes the film particularly interesting is how much attention is given to its supporting characters. In fact, the supporting cast is so terrific that they frequently outshine Melissa Sue Anderson in the lead. Anderson does her best to carry the film, but her co-stars are generally more likable and consistently deliver more engaging, nuanced performances. David Eisner and Jack Blum are especially entertaining. The real standout for me, however, is Tracy Bregman. Long before she became a soap opera icon as Lauren Fenmore on The Young and the Restless , Bregman demonstrated remarkable mo...

Christmas Evil (1980) Christmas Evil (originally titled You Better Watch Out ) stands out as a darkly original entry in the slasher genre, offering a unique blend of psychological horror and holiday dread. Written and directed by Lewis Jackson, the film eschews the straightforward bloodshed typical of its contemporaries, focusing instead on the unraveling psyche of its protagonist. The result is a chilling and deeply unsettling exploration of obsession, loneliness, and moral delusion. At the heart of the film is Brandon Maggart, delivering an absolutely brilliant performance as Harry Stadling, a man consumed by an unhealthy fixation on Christmas. Maggart captures Harry’s transformation from a socially awkward toy factory worker into a deranged vigilante with unnerving intensity. His performance elevates the film, bringing layers of vulnerability, menace, and tragic pathos to a character who could easily have been played as a caricature. The setting of the Jolly Dream toy factory is par...