The Toolbox Murders by Dennis Donnelly [1978]
Title: The Toolbox Murders
Director: Dennis Donnelly
Starring: Cameron Mitchell, Pamelyn Ferdin, Wesley Eure
Runtime: 93
Year: 1978
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a movie rule so hard for the first 20 minutes or so only to flop so hard afterwards, as is the case with The Toolbox Murders.
Having opened with a lovely string of events including a sweet kill featuring a drill, it would of been better for the movie to continue at that pace. Unfortunately, it takes a total nose dive with a rambling half-assed serial killer, as charming as he may be.
Another thing, why make the serial killer be the one character everyone in the room would assume it to be? So obvious you wouldn’t think it possible. Unless that was the angle they were going for? Eh, I don’t know.
I’m aware that tons of people can’t stop saying positive things about this film, I just don’t see it. Even with some stellar parts, I’m left with this overall ‘blah’ feeling towards it.
Not recommended.
j.
It’s funny because back in 96 I was praising the originality of “Scream” for making the most obvious choices the killers because at that time you just weren’t expecting it. However, then you watch something like this and realize that it’s a hard feat to pull off. Of course, the fact that this has nowhere near the intelligence of a film like “Scream” behind it pretty much says everything.
Glad to see you back in full force.
I couldn’t agree with you more on this one. It was wildly recommended to me a number of times before I finally gave in and gave it a go. After it was over, I thought I must’ve watched the wrong film or something. Completely disappointing.
Glad to have you back!! I’ve been anxiously awaiting your return.
I remember seeing it at the drive in as a kid and it was pretty scary (I was only 10 afterall) but I also remember it dreadfully boring. I kind of fast forwarded through it again about 10 years ago on vid to see if it improved or not and I don’t know, I can’t really make a decision in fast forward, though even in FF the film was still as dull as I remembered. Toby Hooper’s same named recent though unrelated remake is waaaay more entertaining.
I love the Tobe Hooper remake, but Karswell’s right that it’s a completely different film, related by title only. Still, it’s got tons of batshit weirdness and some cool makeup for the “Coffin Baby.” Recommended.
I haven’t seen this one yet, and given the overall feeling of blah among reviewers whose opinions I respect (hey, that’s YOU guys!), I may be in no hurry to rectify that. Not when there’s a boatload of other groovy 70s horror to be watched!
Jonathan – I actually liked that about scream, the whole is it or isn’t it? Making it so obvious at times, it hurt. But Toolbox is just on another level… I just don’t get it, ha.
CG – Just who are recommending movies to us?! hahaha I’m glad to be back to, even if just till reading week is over. But the semester is almost over! Wooohoo.
Karswell – I actually was about to get the remake, just to see what it was like, then decided against it cause of how bad the first was. But you think it’s way better? like worth renting? I like the idea [no really, I do, ha] I just think it got dull in no time.
Vicar – Ok, so you and Karswell are both giving the remake a thumbs up, I’ll rent it and see what it’s all about. Give me some titles of other 70’s horror to check out!
You want titles of 70s horror? Check my site! It’s LOUSY with ‘em!
Hey, what happened to CG’s blog? I did my daily check and it wasn’t there! What gives? Do you know, Jo?
Hey- where is CG?!