This film was a big deal among kids in the early 80s. I saw it recently at the Egyptian Theatre on the big screen, which is always good. It's a film of it's time. The very specific comic book treatment is entertaining. George A Romero wasn't always the most subtle director in the world, but he benefits from a strong cast and Stephen King's good writing.
I did feel there were too many stories - there were five. This sort of movie works better with only three, I feel.
The book end plot is entertaining. "Father's Day" is okay - very over the top and camp (dead man, greedy relatives) but alright. It's fun to see Ed Harris with hair and his disco mad fiancee. Romeo had a few balding blonde heroes in his films.
"The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill" has a really strong performance from King - he should do more acting - and some good effects but is only one act. Farmer finds meteor, grass grows everywhere... the end. It needed something else to happen.
"Something to Tide you Over"is pretty good. I always remembered Ted Danson buried up to his neck with the water coming in and Leslie Nielsen is excellent as a crazy rich dude. It doesn't really make sense why Danson would go with Nielsen or dig himself into a hole - easier for Nielsen to have knocked him out. Danson's hair is interesting to watch.
I had forgotten "The Crate" was in this film. It's all over the shop - a story about a mysterious animal in a crate that's opened, mixed in with the story of a trampy wife (Adrienne Barbeau having the time of her life) and her henpecked husband (a miscast Hal Holbrook - he's too strong and sure it needed to be someone more obviously meek). This is dull and took forever and was full of bits that didn't pay off (eg introducing that new couple at the beginning).
"They're Creeping Up on You" is superb, the best segment. EG Marshall is great as Howard Hughes, basically, who is attacked by bugs. This was the smartest and best.
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