Some of the most painful films to watch are those which are plainly sincere, but completely inept. The ultra-low-budget horror flick DON'T GO IN THE HOUSE fits this description more than any other film I have ever seen. The film's plot concerns incinerator worker Donald Kohler (Dan Grimaldi), who was brutally burned by his mother as punishment as a child. After his mother unexpectedly dies, Donald begins bringing women back to his home and burning them alive, in a twisted scheme of revenge against his deceased mother.
I believe that this film intended to be a grim shocker, showing how the effects of past child abuse have driven a seemingly normal man over the edge. However, ineptitude in almost every possible department make this film extremely difficult to watch. The acting is generally quite poor, though Grimaldi does have his moments as the psychotic Donald. Director Joseph Ellison fails to build any dramatic tension or suspense, which is a necessity for any film with such unpleasant material as this. And more than anything else, this film suffers from absolutely atrocious editing. While the death of Donald's first victim is shown in excruciating detail, in a truly shocking scene, his other killings are shown completely offscreen. Additionally, a scene showing Donald shopping for disco clothes seems to go on forever, without having any relevance to the plot. About the only thing the film has going for it is a decent score, and a generally creepy atmosphere.
Because of this ineptitude, the film is very difficult to watch. It fails to ring true as a psychological suspenser. The shock and sleaze value is diminished by the fact that only one killing is shown in graphic detail. And most importantly, the fact that the cast and director seem to be taking the film seriously and trying their best makes the film mostly devoid of unintentional humor (unlike the 1981 schlockfest PIECES). As a result, DON'T GO IN THE HOUSE is virtually unwatchable, as it fails to entertain on any level.
* out of ****
I believe that this film intended to be a grim shocker, showing how the effects of past child abuse have driven a seemingly normal man over the edge. However, ineptitude in almost every possible department make this film extremely difficult to watch. The acting is generally quite poor, though Grimaldi does have his moments as the psychotic Donald. Director Joseph Ellison fails to build any dramatic tension or suspense, which is a necessity for any film with such unpleasant material as this. And more than anything else, this film suffers from absolutely atrocious editing. While the death of Donald's first victim is shown in excruciating detail, in a truly shocking scene, his other killings are shown completely offscreen. Additionally, a scene showing Donald shopping for disco clothes seems to go on forever, without having any relevance to the plot. About the only thing the film has going for it is a decent score, and a generally creepy atmosphere.
Because of this ineptitude, the film is very difficult to watch. It fails to ring true as a psychological suspenser. The shock and sleaze value is diminished by the fact that only one killing is shown in graphic detail. And most importantly, the fact that the cast and director seem to be taking the film seriously and trying their best makes the film mostly devoid of unintentional humor (unlike the 1981 schlockfest PIECES). As a result, DON'T GO IN THE HOUSE is virtually unwatchable, as it fails to entertain on any level.
* out of ****