Movies-TV

I LOVE THIS SLASHER-SUSPENSE FILM!

Dario Argento Italy`s Premire Horror Director has created a well made thought out horror film that contains the best horrifying images i have ever seen. Jennifer Connley plays a gifted young girl who has the naive abilty to connect with insects is sent away to an all girl school which is the setting for a series of grisley murders. As Jennifer invesitgates these murders she enters the most horrifying nightmares she can ever encounter. Some Gross out scenes but it still kept me glued to

the screen. Most horror films of today can`t do that anymore. I lost all track of time when seeing this film that`s how much i enjoyed this film. Destined to become a modern day Horror classic! I love this movie! Another standout in this film is Donald Presence as the lonley doctor who befriends Jennifer. Like I said i Love this film!

Luke warm Argento

Not a great Argento movie. The film seems like one big hour and a half long build up to the end. That's when all of the most memorable stuff happens. Maggots, decomposing bodies, a bloody guy chained to a wall, a cackling killer, a deformed child, a razor-wielding chimp . . . it's awesome. But the rest of the film is only luke warm. It's not bad by any means, but it IS boring. Surprisingly, there aren't as many cool set pieces as I expected. There are only a few murders and none of them are that cool. And the acting is atrocious. Donald Pleasance is good but Jennifer Connelly is so wooden it's distracting. Thankfully her performance gets a tad better as the movie progresses, but still, a more charismatic actress would've helped. The main problem I had with this film was the pacing. It's boring. Still, Argento's eye is as cool as ever . . . the film has the atmosphere of an early 80's music video, which is really appealing. If you haven't seen any of Argento's films, I wouldn't start here. Watch "Tenebre" or "Opera" first. They're fast paced, gory, stylish and fun. "Phenomena" is a tough film to sit through.

The best eurohorror ever!

This horrorfilm has about everything, a very good story with a supernatural twist, great acting (well... Jennifer Connelly anyway), grim special effects, a cool soundtrack and not to forget the directing of Dario Argento.It differs a bit from other eurohorror films, in that it isn't just a display of gore and violence. This is truly top notch!!

Creepers: Possibly the best horror film of the 1980's

Creepers is special in a very important way: it's one of the few truly scary and entertaining horror films to come out in the 1980's. Jennifer Connelly is superb in her role as a girl who is friends with insects. A chilling heavy metal soundtrack, including bits from Iron Maiden's Powerslave album, enhances each and every terrifying scene. Donald Pleasance is perfect in one of his many roles in a great horror film. Overall, this film is great. A Warning for the queasy: An overblown vomiting scene is included. Rated R for violence, mature themes, profanity and gore.

Sorry Dario this one stank

Alright I'm a big fan of the guy, but Phenomena just didn't impress me. The acting was pretty bad, the story just doesn't make much sense, not a lot of his cool shots, not a lot of gore until the end and it has a monkey smarter then everybody else. But there was a couple of cool scenes throughout the film. I guess the story was my main problem, just didn't buy it, but it might be your cup of tea.

One Of The Best Argento Films Ever!!

This is one of my favorite and one of the best Argento films ever and I seriously mean it. The camera work is beautiful, the acting is great, especially from Jennifer Connelly, and the script is well writtin. I saw the cut form three years ago when I was eight, now I'm eleven, and I have to say that I was really angry because on the running time. It was so short and I was mad that it was cut by 28 minutes. Last month, I bought Phenomena and was really happy that almost all the cut were restored. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie. It's great. Don't watch the cut form Creepers, watch this version!

I Love Insects!

After have finished Argento's "Phenomena", two thinking came out in my mind: 1) How wonderful this work is and 2) How many fans of Argento hate it. Is really funny to see that a work that have almost all the elements that Argento uses in his movies is not appreciated for fans of his. This fans used to love more movies like "Suspiria" or "Deep Red", but much maybe don't realized that "Phenomena" offers the same, even better (In the case of "Deep Red") style, suspense and shocker that describe so much his movies."Phenomena" is the story of an American girl called Jennifer Corvino (Jennifer Connelly in her first leading role ... and beautiful as ever!) who going to study in a school for girls in a specific place of Switzerland. But in the scenario have been horrible murders by a madman who kill the girl of the school. In that place is a specialist doctor, who is in a wheel chair and for that reason he must be cared by a nurse, but the strange is that is a chimpanzee. This doctor work with insects and want to resolve the mystery of the murders. Jennifer discover, after horrible situations, that she could be a victim f this madman. She meets the doctor and she confess him a secret: She have a strange but warm relation with insects, they do anything that she wants. The doctor propose her something, and is discover the killer with her powers.If is not a regular "giallo" plot is undeniable that, at least, can have relation in its style with some of others "fantastic" works of Argento like "Suspiria" , "Inferno" and probably "La Terza Madre". However, is too involved the case of a madman, so handled by this filmmaker in his movies. Of course, for the lovers of gore can have something, but the story actually is not developed so much in the madman, is in Jennifer. Conelly is the perfect girl for represent this character, that notably Argento put as a different, young and beautiful girl, but this is not the classic girl in danger that have films like "Deep Red" is maybe more, for put examples, like the girl of "Suspiria" or in "Opera" . This character have force because is very natural, even the white dress that Argento gives her is exactly what denote her as perfectly character who must be introduce it into a fantastical (In this case) horrible world, and, for her characterization, is her relation with insects, although that is not the unique fantastical elements, but i think that don't should be decrypted just because can be a kind of spoiler.Another exceptional thing to be reviewed is its photography, its air, "Phenomena" is like those midnight fantastic stories for go to sleep , bloody and mysterious. Argento really knows how to do it and more with it soundtrack. In "Phenomena" happen the same thing like in "Suspiria", "Deep Red" or "Opera". Goblin music is great, really a pleasure to be hear. And in the case (Like in "Opera) the heavy metal songs are perfect for this movies. Great songs from great bands like "Flash of the Blade" of Iron Maiden or "Locomotive" of "Motorhead" gives to the scenes what it deserves.Probably much fans of Argento don't like this movie or for being kind of "boring" (???) or for actually (But so normal in Argento's movies) be so cut when it was released as "Creepers". I think, at least for that Argento fans gives it another chance to such beautiful masterwork. Maybe they can find now more easy the uncut and unrated version and could find what i'm saying. Of course, i'm not surprised that this movie is Argento favorite of his career, or at least that i know, but something is sure and i really think that this, with "Suspiria", are the best work of this fantastic director, a man who drawn us a great midnight story perfectly for go to sleep, between insects and flowers.*Sorry for the mistakes...well, if there any.

Argento's best movie after Suspiria

I saw this movie in 1986, and back then I didn't even know who Dario Argento was. I was fascinated by the plot, the music, and as a teenager, I developed a crush on Jennifer Connelly.

More than twenty years later, the DVD comes out, and it is hard to believe that I had to wait this long, but hey, this DVD is worth every penny. You buy this, and you will stumble with two music videos, director's comments, and a movie you will never get tired of watching.

One of the VERY BEST horror films of all times

Before I have seen this movie I saw Tenebre, Suspiria and Opera in order. The order also shows how I liked them. Yes, I liked Tenebre better than Suspiria.
Here is my rating for Phenomena:

acting=4 stars
effects=5 stars
ending=5*** star
atmosphere=5** stars
directing and editing=5 stars
storyline=5 stars
replay value=4 stars

Now I can understand why this film is Argento's fav. Simply because it is one of his very bests if not the best one.
If you haven't seen it, go and watch it NOW,you won't regret it!
I don't want to talk too much about the story, you can read it elsewhere if you wish.
The atmosphere of the film is excellent, end the ending (last 20 minutes) makes you breathless. Believe me, it's THAT good.

This movie is simply timeless and shows how a perfect horror film can be done.

Night of Terror

Argento seems to have lost his complete touch on films after the 1980's but his horror films are still worth watching and above average, almost filled with an artistic intent. Creepers is a little film about an odd case of communicating with bugs and savage killers. I especially liked the weird creature found inside the film, I won't give it away so you have to watch.

Night of Terror

Argento seems to have lost his complete touch on films after the 1980's but his horror films are still worth watching and above average, almost filled with an artistic intent. Creepers is a little film about an odd case of communicating with bugs and savage killers. I especially liked the weird creature found inside the film, I won't give it away so you have to watch.

Phenomenally bad acting doesn't do too much damage.

Some mild spoilers towards the end.In what appears to be Switzerland, a pre-Labyrinth Jennifer Connelly starts education at a Gothic boarding school that isn't as quite as creepy as the one in Suspiria. Apparently there's a killer on the loose (surprise surprise) and she just might hold the key to solving the case.From the word go "Phenomena" has Argento written all over it; from the brutal opening murder scene to the atmospheric settings; everything shrouded in a seemingly endless wind storm that works a charm in creating a sense of foreboding. Most of the time, the soundtrack is highly effective as with most Argento films; here, a disbanded Goblin leaves only Fabio Pignatelli and Claudio Simonetti to score the film with some superb help from Bill Wyman; and a few uncalled for heavy metal numbers from Motorhead and Iron Maiden.The acting honours are reigned in by Connelly and Donald Pleasance, who by now was well into his post- Halloween horror movie legend phase. Pleasance has charisma as always, but also has an unnecessary on/off Scottish accent thing going on, but this is of little concern once put alongside the abysmal, wooden acting from the supporting cast, nominally the occupants of the boarding school. Still, Argento's skill with giallo leaves this as the only concern in what is a generally fast paced, wonderfully haunting film.I say giallo, however there is much here which leans towards fantasy; the insect communication idea is certainly a novel one. Argento stays reasonably restrained on the gore front for the majority of the film, however at its climax, he goes overboard with shockingly inventive visuals; be it a well of rotting body parts, a mutant midget being eaten by flies or a vigilante chimpanzee going psycho with a razor blade.Overall, this isn't in the same league as Deep Red or Suspiria, however it is a highly enjoyable romp from a director who more than knows what he's doing.

yet another classic from argento

"phenomena" is probably argento's best film since "inferno", and it takes the viewer back into the realm of dream, hallucination, surreality and the occult that gives argento's films that unique flavor of the bizarre which is his alone. jennifer, a student at a boarding school in italy with an odd propensity for communicating with insects, is stalked by a serial killer who has been knocking off young women left and right around the campus. the opening scene features a hand being nailed to a wall, and a waterfall decapitation. geez, dario. simmer down.

in this film, however, many of argento's usual flaws are pleasantly absent--the soundtrack works perfectly and compliments the beautiful, hallucinatory images, the dialogue isn't too ridiculous, and the characters are for the most part believable. (sort of.)

and donald pleasance in an argento film!! as soon as i heard about that i had to have it. pleasance always does well in horror movies, and he gives a sterling performance as the doctor who tries to help jennifer understand her connection to the yucky world of bugs. some of the final scenes get a little grotesque, what with indoor baths of maggots and various other insects, but overall this film is wonderful. a red flag for all true horror fans

One of Argento's very best...and Jennifer Connely's first film!

This is an excellent horror/fantasy film that boasts a terrific cast consisting of Jennifer Connely (in her film debut) and Donald Pleasance ("Halloween") that is directed by the man often referred to as the Italian version of Alfered Hitchcock, Dario Argento. It is a classic "whodunnit" in Hitchcockian tradition but, in my opinion, the similarities end there. This film has some terrific special effects that involve the use of insects and a hard-hitting soundtrack that is a combination of heavy metal and the usual Argento style dream-like background music that helps make his films work. The film was apparently filmed in English and dubbed in Italian which explains the amazingly uncanny continuity with the 'dubbing' in this one. There are lots of stories and rumors about this one...it has been said that the scene in which Jennifer falls into a pit of maggots was filmed using actual maggots! Also, Daria Nicoldi is prominently featured in this film and her love life with Argento has been well documented. The film resembles a fairy tale in many ways which apparently is exactly what Argento intended. Jennifer's ability to communicate with insects helps to locate and identify the killer and eventually saves her life. The murder sequences are extremely visual which is typical of Argento's work but watching some of the behind-the-scenes footage and extras on the DVD will most definitely give you a new respect for the film because it shows the great lengths that Argento went through to make this film, including the elaborate use and 'training' of the insects. A superb film that still stands in a league of it's own today! Please, don't EVER remake this film!

Phenomena

You get your money's worth with this journey into the bizarre world of Dario Argento. You get a heroic chimp who uses a razor to avenge the murder of her beloved owner, a girl with a telepathic ability to communicate and control insects(..who also assist in helping her find clues in the search for a killer), and a psychotic killer monster boy. The striking beauty of teenager Jennifer Connelly is used to the utmost effect as she sees female girls being stalked, a specific hall which will become very important later on, and the horrified faces of victims, as she sleepwalks. Her father is a popular actor, and she is sent to a very highly regarded Swiss school for wealthy female girls. Treated with disrespect by everyone, Jennifer finds a friend in a gentle, soft-spoken, wheel-chair bound entomologist, Professor John McGregor(Donald Pleasence), who keeps a lab devoted to insects of all kinds, and has assisted the police in determining the time of death for corpses. John finds Jennifer's unique telepathic gift intriguing and useful in perhaps finding and catching a killer who is murdering young female teens in the area. But, both will find themselves in danger as someone will do whatever it takes to keep the killer's identity safe. We see in the opening a young foreign girl, who missed her tour bus, brutally slain by someone who was able to break free from chains nailed into a wall. This event would lead to the string of murders afterward. Daria Nicolodi resembles Norman Bates' mother in a very creepy performance. Dario is unrestrained in this film, embracing the supernatural to tell his story. Violent use of a spear is how the killer often murders his/her victims, such as the girl stabbed through the head, resulting in the blade protruding out of the mouth. A pair of scissors is stabbed into a hand. A head is severed as the victim is attempting to greet Jennifer. A man, to free himself from chains binding him, must smash his broken hand to remove the shackles. A face is sliced repeatedly by the vengeful monkey. My favorite sequence has Jennifer discovering the watery pit containing various skulls and body parts, kept by the killer as tokens(..she actually falls in, attempting to drag herself out of it with heavy resistance by the guardian of the psycho). I think less discriminating viewers will lap this crazy little horror flick up, while others will find it hogwash. I thought it was fun. I guess you could call this a supernatural giallo. Odd mixture of musical score and rock(..Iron Maidan & Motorhead)layered throughout. It was neat seeing Pleasence working in an Argento film. He has a really strong supporting role, very sympathetic character and extremely likable.

hi-ho, hi-ho, it's back to "Suspiria" we go...

What if Dario Argento became so out of his mind he wanted to direct a 'Wonderful World of Disney' special but keep the slasher trimmings he holds so near and dear to his heart? Well, the result would be "Phenomena," a dull-as-a-rusty-razor inductee in Argento's 'Three Blunders' trilogy ("Inferno" and "Phantom of the Opera" are the others).

The movie, which has aspects that are pretty interchangeable with Argento's previous (and better) shocker, "Suspiria," revolves around Jennifer Corvino (Jennifer Connelly, in the Jessica Harper role), the daughter of a movie star who is sent to a foreboding Swiss boarding school. Oh, and did I mention there's a killer lurking in the shadows? Jennifer quickly bonds with her roommate, but isn't accepted by the other girls, perhaps because she has the uncanny ability to communicate with the insect world (no, I'm being serious here). She's befriended by an entomologist (Donald Pleasence) with a pet monkey, and is ultimately drafted to uncover the murderer with the help of her creepy-crawly buddies.

When I purchased "Phenomena," I thought there was no way it could miss. Being a fan of Argento's previous films I expected something of quality, something that would blow my mind. Well, all I can say is that this movie just isn't very good, and certainly not up to snuff with "Suspiria," "Tenebrae," "Deep Red," or even "Trauma." Jennifer Connelly may have been a find at the time, but this film was not to be her best work (check out "Dark City" or "Requiem for a Dream" instead); in addition, Donald Pleasance seems bored to death by the gratuitous chattiness of the script (at least John Carpenter didn't pad out the scares in "Halloween" with droning dialogue scenes).

The newly-remastered Anchor Bay edition of "Phenomena" looks and sounds great and even has a lot of extras tacked on at the end. When the film was released in the States as "Creepers," over 20 minutes were cut by the distributor, and those are restored here, but it really isn't to the film's advantage. While possibly passable at 82 minutes, "Phenomena" becomes damn near intolerable at close to 120, especially when you consider you could be watching one of Argento's GOOD films. The only saving grace is the last act, which takes place in an eerie, isolated mansion; there is a thrilling confrontation with the bizarre murderer...but things turn unbelievable (even for an Argento film) when not one, not two, but THREE characters show up in the same place, at the same time, just as a sheer coincidence. Come on.

As much as I'm bashing it, "Phenomena" is NOT the worst film Dario Argento has made, but it certainly isn't very good. It's lightweight enough to perhaps convert someone who's grown tired of the "Scream" films, but other than that there's not much to entice the viewer. It may be "Uncut and Uncensored!" but it's also more bloated than a beached whale.

Great Argento film!

When I first saw this film at my aunts house, I wasn't really interested in it. For watching over for the second time, I really liked it. Would you had ever thought that a little boy was killing all the girls? In my opinion, that was so funny especially the way his face looked. This movie was very mysterious as always an Argento film would be. He put great effort/work into this movie to interested in it for the second time, because now, I can watch Phenomena (Creepers) over and over again now that I own the movie.

Weird And Stupid - Don't Be Suckered In

I lost track on how many times I got suckered into renting some movie because Leonard Maltin gave it three stars in his video review book. This was a perfect example, an Italian horror movie from 1984 that stinks. It's plodding, it's stupid and a bit disgusting. A woman who has a strange relationship with insects? Why oh why did I ever watch this? Maybe it was to get another glimpse at a young Jennifer Connelly.The facts are that (1) the dialog is incredibly stupid; (2) the acting is horrible; (3) the film is just Grade B all the way.....maybe Grade C, if there is such a thing.Sometimes the weirder the movie, the more national critics like it. They have seen so many films that only something totally bizarre excites them. That's my guess here, because I didn't see anything worth recommending this film....especially since we've seen almost 25 years of blood and shock since this was made. It's no big deal.

One of the best horror films ever made!

This film is perfect! Story, Music, FX, actors (especially the young Jennifer Connelly), all are simply great. An atmospheric first-class horror movie! Of course, you have to see this masterpiece in its uncut version (110 mins).

Note: I felt very strange when I saw well-known places in Switzerland (Zurich etc.) as locations in a splatter horror movie...

A stunning, sublime, artistic achievement by master Argento

This is one of my favorite and one of the best Argento films ever and I seriously mean it. The camera work is beautiful, the acting is great, especially from Jennifer Connelly, and the script is well writing. I saw the cut form three years ago when I was eight, now I'm eleven, and I have to say that I was really angry because on the running time. It was so short and I was mad that it was cut by 28 minutes. Last month, I bought Phenomena and was really happy that almost all the cut were restored. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie. It's great. Don't watch the cut form Creepers, watch this version! Last month, I bought Phenomena and was really happy that almost all the cut were restored. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie. It's great. Don't watch the cut form Creepers, watch this version! ds