No one could be happier than Jonathan Parker (Peter Berg) about the apprehension of serial killer Horace Pinker (Mitch Pileggi). Pinker had been gaining entrance into homes by posing as a television repairman, and slaughtering entire families at a time. Before finally being captured, he had managed to murder Jonathan's foster family and his beloved girlfriend, Alison (Cami Cooper).
While a trip to the electric chair is usually an ending, it is only the beginning for Horace Pinker. Now, free of his own body, he's able to "zap" into other bodies and disguise himself as he kills. When Jonathan discovers a family secret that ties him to Pinker, he realizes he is the only one who can destroy him. To do so, Jonathan must prepare for one wild ride.
One thing I noticed while watching "Shocker" is its similarities to Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street". Dreams are a major plot point in each of these films, and not just regular dreams! No, in both of these movies people can actually "pull" things out of their dreams, and influence actual events while they're asleep. There are also some scenes which seem to be right out of a nightmare (like Jonathan's Barca Lounger attacking him).
You'll see alot of blood in this movie (boy, that's an understatement). Some of the special effects are phenomenal, but gross (Horace Pinker biting the lip of a prison guard). I advise you to only watch this movie if you think you can handle the gore. I hope you can, because you'd be missing a good flick otherwise. I really enjoyed the ending. I felt that it was very creative. It takes channel surfing to a whole other level!
"Shocker", while not as good as Craven's "Elm Street" franchise, is an entertaining horror-fest. Check it out sometime.
Stars: Mitch Pileggi, Peter Berg, Michael Murphy
Director: Wes Craven
MPAA Rating: R
Why You'll Know It's From the 80's:
One of Jonathan's friends is nicknamed, "Pac Man"Dog Appeal:
Horace Pinker's hideout is filled with hundreds of mummified cats!Daisy's Rating:
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