AT THE MOVIES WITH KASEY BUTCHER
Just when you think it’s safe to go out at night, just when you peek your head out from underneath the covers, it sneaks up on you…The Super Spooky Double Feature Strikes Back. Whether it’s a chainsaw wielding maniac, a menacing videotape, or a little girl who can turn her head 360 degrees, Hollywood never fails to churn out movies that thrill audiences. Two such movies were released recently.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre will scare even the bravest audiences. The movie stars Jessica Beal (Seventh Heaven) and centers on four teenagers on their way to a Lynard Skynard concert. Their “idealic summer afternoon” goes awry, however, when they pick up a distressed hitchhiker who kills herself shortly after. The travelers are given the run around by the local folk and soon find themselves stuck in a creepy town with a dead body and a killer after them.
This movie definitely fits the disclaimer “what you’re about to see may disturb you.” It is eerie, frightening, and unsettling. I slept with the light on after watching it not because I was afraid that the killer “Leatherface” would get me, but because I couldn’t get the gory images out of my head. This is a bad movie for those with weak stomachs. I rate it three out of five for successfully achieving its goal of scaring viewers. I’d offer a badge of courage to anyone who can watch this movie without covering his or her eyes.
This movie also comes with the cinematic baggage “based on a true story.” The question that is raised is how close to true is this movie? Was there really a chainsaw massacre in Texas? Was there really a Leatherface? No. The truth is that there was no real Texas Chainsaw Massacre. BUT, the movie is based in truth and it happens to be the same true story as Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960) and The Silence of the Lambs. In the 1950’s a monster among men, the Butcher of Plainsfield, emerged out of the humble farmland of Wisconsin. The killer, Ed Gein, was a necrophiliac who used human parts for arts and crafts. He was also obsessed with his mother and is believed to have killed his brother to have her to himself. After her death, he robbed her grave-the basis for Norman Bates (Psycho). Hmm…three movies based upon one horrible man. I’m willing to bet we haven’t seen the end of Ed Gein’s legacy.
While The Texas Chainsaw Massacre will make one scream, Runaway Jury may be more suitable for those who prefer a simple thrill to all out fear. Runaway Jury is a fast paced thriller with a great story and brilliant acting (I realize that this isn’t a “super spooky” movie, but you try coming up with an alliteration for thriller). The movie, starring John Cusack (Identity), Gene Hackman (Enemy of the State), and Dustin Hoffman (Moonlight Mile) is the intriguing story of a suit lead against a leading gun company in which the jury’s decision can be swayed either way- for a price. Rankin Fitch (Hackman) is a professional jury consultant working for the gun company. He’s a nasty man who will go to any lengths to get results. Wendall Rohr (Hoffman) is the Atticus Finch-like prosecuting attorney who is determined to win his case without compromising his professional ethics. Nick Easter (Cusack) is a jury member who may or may not be working with Marlee (Rachel Weisz, About a Boy), a young woman who has the jury, Fitch, and Rohr right where she wants them.
Runaway Jury, based of the novel by John Grisham, is an awesome movie. It definitely earns four stars. It is exciting, thrilling, and intriguing. The story is brought to life by incredible performances by Cusack, Hackman, Hoffman, and Weisz. I particularly like how Hoffman and Hackman, two prestigious and talented actors, are pitted against each other, albeit indirectly. Hoffman is in the courtroom while Hackman is behind the scenes.
Whether audiences are looking for thoughtful thrills or mindless scares, Hollywood has provided another round of entertaining and fearsome movies. So grab a friend, beau, or family member and see who can go the longest without screaming.
> Read More Information About Us
> More Articles Written By Our Staff
- Consistent Donations Provide Critical Blood For Patients - February 13, 2026
- Roll In To Support & Play For “Bowl For Kids’ Sake” - February 13, 2026
- Fort Wayne Airport Celebrates Record-Breaking 2025 - February 13, 2026