Cujo (1983)

 

Cujo, a friendly St. Bernard, contracts rabies and conducts a reign of terror on a small American town.

From memory:  Competent, although not so inventive adaptation of the Stephen King novel comes up with the necessary thrills (and some gore), but offers not much more than that.

Halliwell (no star): ""Not much of a basis for a horror film, and this is not much of a horror film."

Maltin***: "Genuinely frightening...Builds slowly but surely to terrifying (but not gory) climax. Not for children."

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

 

A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home world.

From memory: This film is a perfect children's pic that will appeal to the whole family, it's heart-warming, uplifting as well as thrilling, presents top-notch special effects and a remarkable cast of kids, and of course: the most lovable alien in cinema history.

Halliwell****: "Stupefyingly successful box-office fairy tale by the current wonder kid Soielberg, taken to the world's heart because he dares to make films without sex, violence or bad language: This one could hardly be simpler, but it works; and the ailing cinema would love to know how to repeat the trick several times a year."

Maltin****: "A warm, insightful story of childhood innocence, frustration, courage, and love...with a remarkable  "performance" by E.T. An exhilarating experience for young and old alike."

 

The Hills Have Eyes (1977)

On the way to California, a family has the misfortune to have their car break down in an area closed to the public, and inhabited by violent savages ready to attack.

From memory: Effective low-budget shocker has its moments, but is generally overrated with its cult status.

Halliwell (no star): "Low-grade shocker which mysteriously achieved some cult status."

Maltin**1/2: "Above average of its type, with compact direction and plenty of amusing plot twists. Extremely gory film has acquired a cult following."

The Howling (1981)

After a bizarre and near deadly encounter with a serial killer, a television newswoman is sent to a remote mountain resort whose residents may not be what they seem.

The movie has appeal for genre buffs and offers state-of-the-arte special effects, but basically takes too long to get off and really isn't that horrifying.

Halliwell*: "A plethora of werewolves and a glut of in-jokes pale beside a gallery of convincing and horrifying special effects."

Maltin***: "A hip, well-made horror film, brimming with film-buff jokes...and Rob Bottin's amazing wolf transformations. Only complaint: Why set the horror against such a patently bizarre backdrop?"

10 (1979)

A Hollywood composer goes through a mid-life crisis and becomes infatuated with a sexy, newly married woman.

From memory:  On the surface an old-fashioned sex comedy, but the jokes utterly misfire behind  misogynist premise.

Halliwell (no star): "Randy farce which struck some, but not all, audiences as the funniest thing since sliced bread."

Maltin**: "Blake Edwards' idea of a real sophisticated movie; sporadically funny but tiresome, glib, and pompous."