Midnight Offerings

I saw this when it first came out, probably because I had a big crush on Mary McDonough (that hasn't changed). I was amazed how many of the lines I remembered, particularly in the classic kitchen confrontation between Vivien and her mother (a superb Cathryn Damon). Seeing it again, I was startled 40 minutes into it to realize that there were virtually no special effects at all. Everything was done by suggestion, and by showing Vivien's malice and its effects on others. It took itself completely seriously -- no effort to be hip, no constant pop culture references, no embarrassment at being a witch movie -- and that is the ONLY way to do a good scary movie. A lot of people have mentioned Melissa Sue Anderson's portrayal of Vivien, and she was great, but I think some people miss how perfect Mary McDonough was as Robin. Her beauty has a kind of introspective, far-away quality that perfectly suits the shy new girl in school, who is nonetheless hiding a troubling secret. Now I just have to find Stranger in Our House (Lee Purcell and Linda Blair) and wait for the first installment of Friday the 13th the Series (Robey, John Le May, Chris Wiggins) to come out and I'm set!