Review of Shadows Run Black

Co-eds are being killed by some guy (the police alternately refer to him as the "Black Angel" or "Co-ed Strangler," to give you a sense of how fractured this movie is) in a ski mask and it is up to Det. Rydell King (William J. Kulzer) to find the killer. His investigation methods leave something to be desired as he just suspects anyone who knows the victims. Main girl Judy (Elizabeth Trosper) not only has to deal with her friends being offed, but also an overly protective brother and creepy phone calls. Killings happen randomly as characters are just introduced and offed before we finally find out who the killer is (director Howard Heard accidentally spoils it halfway through as he films the killer's distinct profile in shadow while he is on the phone). This slasher was started in 1981 but didn't get released until 1986. That is probably because of co-star Kevin Costner as a boyfriend/suspect. If you want a slasher devoid of blood and thrills, this is for you. I will admit that I did get a good laugh out of one scene where a girl in a gorilla mask scares her roommate. When asked why she did it, the girl replies, "I was trying to scare your fat ass off the couch to get a job." If only my parents had tried that on me.