Product: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Original Uncut) [Region 2] (1974)
Rating: 4.0
The ultimate dysfunctional family
For horror film number 15 on the month we chose to go down the path of chainsaw wielding maniac Leatherface in his 1974 debut. For years this has been on Sid's to do list being it's such a classic in the horror genre and is revered as one of the scariest ever. Really what says Halloween better then a slow witted murderer who wears the flesh of his victims as cover up? Throw in the fact that he's got an equally insane family and you've got our attention. Can't say the film was really all that scary but did have it's moments, especially knowing the concept is based on the true story of Wisconsin nut job Ed Gein. No matter what your opinion is of the film you have to admit Leatherface is one of the most feared figures in horror up there with Myers, Jason, and Freddy.The Texas Chainsaw Massacre takes place in Texas (obviously) with 5 friends to see investigate the reporting of grave vandalism and corpse stealing where their grandfather was buried. Along the way they pick up hitchhiker which naturally proves to be a bad idea once he performs some self mutilation. The icing on the cake is when he slices the crippled, but extremely annoying, Franklin and boot him out of the van. Once they finally get rid of their crazy hitchhiker friend they come into some car trouble and wander around until they find a creepy old house. Of course it's the home of Leatherface with his cannibal father, zombie looking grandfather, and brother who happened to be the hitchhiker. So the remainder is filled with plenty of gore courtesy of a clever, chainsaw, and meat hooks.So for us the film was enjoyable and twisted earning it an impressive four star rating. Can't say that it was all that scary but still had it's uncomfortable moments thanks to the lunatic family with Leatherface leading the way. Have to say the gore was tame for what we've become desensitized to in this day and age, but had to be shocking for the 1974 release. It's got everything you'd expect by the title along with lots of hacking and a gritty 70's look. We would recommend it for a view especially around the Halloween season and assume it could even be an annual event for some. For Sid we're content with the one time watch and wouldn't see the need for purchase, but that's just us.