TOURIST TRAP

Wow. Tourist Trap is one freaky movie. It follows a group of friends who are left stranded in the middle of nowhere after their car breaks down. Luckily for them a kind old man named Mr. Slausen happens to come by and offer his assistance. After bringing the group back to his place, a museum filled with mannequins, he takes off to repair their car. In need of a phone, one of the girls decides to check out a mansion behind the museum obviously unaware of the nightmare she is about to walk into. The mansion is inhabited by Mr. Slausen’s deranged brother Davey along with mannequins that come to life. As the night goes on and people grow suspicious, they one by one enter the twisted nightmare and it isn’t long before the truth about Mr. Slausen and his brother Davey is revealed. Tourist Trap is one hell of a trip. It’s genuinely frightening with it’s eerie, surreal atmosphere and it’s healthy number of scares. As if the mannequins weren’t horrifying enough (some with shifting eyes and others that lunge out at you and some completely animated,) we also have Slausen’s crazy brother. The character of Davey is truly disturbed. He wears a plaster mask, sometimes slightly resembling Leatherface. His behavior is child-like in the way talks and the way he antagonizes his victims. Chuck Connor gives a superb performance as Mr. Slausen, sweet and unassuming, yet there is always a hint of something more than meets the eye. The rest of the cast is good as well. Jocelyn Jones gives an excellent performance as Molly. Unlike most of the characters, she has more to work with in her role beyond just being scared which is a task in itself. Pino Donaggio handles the score and as usual comes through with something brilliant. The main score is kind of kooky, mischievous and playful just like the character of Davey. Elsewhere, he comes through with amazing string laden music that keeps a tight grip on the horror and suspense. The simple use of female voices singing "aah" when the mannequins’ mouths drop open is highly effective at sending shivers down your spine and maybe even causing a slight chuckle at the same time. There are also a few memorable death scenes. The stunning Tanya Roberts as Becky has an interesting scene for her demise as does the character of Woody. From the very start of the movie up to it’s nicely wrapped up ending, Tourist Trap is a demented ride with plenty of thrills and chills along the way. Definitely worthwhile viewing.

Special Features: Commentary with Director David Schmoeller/ Theatrical Trailer/ Cast Filmographies/ Short interview with David Schmoeller/ Trailers for other Full Moon releases.