Jeepers Creepers

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Halloween 2018

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Catching Up

Surprisingly enough, although the Creeper from these three films has largely become one of the more famous modern horror villains, I've gone all this time without bothering. For whatever reason, there just wasn't much of a draw for me. And oh yes, it has been a highly recommended series for me, as a horror fan. Anyway, this year I figured I'd finally give it a whirl for my Halloween special.

We are introduced to two siblings, Trish (Gina Phillips) and Darry (Justin Long) who are taking a long scenic route home for Spring Break through Nowheresville. Soon, the driver of an erratically-driven truck is seen by Darry, seemingly dumping dead bodies down a hole near a church. Convincing Trish to go back and check it out, Darry falls down the hole and finds himself in a very disturbing setup involving human bodies being sewn together.

Upon escaping, the two find themselves being hunted by the Creeper - a monster of sorts, who kills you because he wants to eat some specific part of you in order to gain strength in whatever that part gives. Pretty scary concept, considering you never quite know what this thing is after if it does start chasing you.

Now, perhaps it's because I came into it so late in the game, but there was something about Justin Long that threw me off here. It reminded me of seeing Paul Rudd in 'Curse of Michael Myers', in that I just couldn't get enough seriousness from the actor. That said, 'Curse' sucked while this was actually still pretty entertaining for what it was. I'm not sure I loved it or anything, but it was a fun horror survivor adventure.

I have to admit that I enjoyed the design of the Creeper as well. Once you see this thing up close and personal, it's an interesting combination of makeup that looks sort of cheesy, but still sort of horrifying. Kinda like someone who just went all out on a Halloween costume. He's actually kinda badass as well, considering his kills. He kills in a bit more of a Jason fashion - quick and brutal, and there's something about that I dig when it comes to slashers.

The thing that really makes the movie stand out, at least speaking for myself, however, is the ending. I won't say what happens, but it leaves you with this truly uneasy feeling, along with a sort of respect for the Creeper as a new horror villain who could stand out among others.

What more can be said? This first film left me wanting more. Not scrambling to get at more, but a genuine curiosity to see where things could potentially go. I think I'll be checking out the sequels at some point or another soon enough, so keep an eye out for that.

4/5

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