Family

Exactly why John Landis is credited as a "Master of Horror" is somewhat beyond me but there's no denying that he makes good films. He made the most entertaining Season 1 episode with "Deer Woman" and here he makes another solid entry in the uneven horror series.

George Wendt, of "Cheers" fame, is rock solid as the less-than-stable bachelor with a creepy family, of sorts. It's best going into these "Maters of Horror" episodes knowing as little as possible.

This episode relies entirely on George Wendt. He nails it to a tee and plays a very troubled character, who can seem very normal and likable, very well.

There's little gore to speak of here but what there is is done well. Also, the surprise twist really came from behind. Maybe I'm just a tad dense at times but I didn't see it coming.

"Family" isn't one of the best from the series but it's a solid diversion for a bit less than an hour, although I felt it was a bit stretched.

The second season of Masters of Horror (MOH) got off to a rocky start with The Damned Thing, but Landis puts it squarely back on track with Family, a bright and cheery decent into the mind of a madman.

George Wendt is picture perfect as the neighbor we all wish we had, or at least we think we would like to have. His social skills are spot on, and gone is any trace of the irascible Norm from Cheers. Some might begrudge the obvious mud slinging to all things Republican or Religious Right, but we can forgive those little jabs as simply Landis playing against type.

David and Celia are moving in next door to Harold (Wendt) and all seems like suburban heaven, but something isn't as it seems with Harold. As the new neighbors get to know one another, Harold develops a crush on Celia. It all seems harmless until something happens that gives Harold the opening he was looking for. To give anymore away would be criminal.

The thing that makes this entry so delicious is the environment that Landis creates to unfold this little horror/comedy. He is truly a "master" of the black comedy, as is more than evident in the much lauded American Werewolf in London. As he did in last year's Deer Woman, Landis shows his acute savvy at creating believable characters and surroundings that allow the audience to really hook in. It is this gift which gives his work such power and impact. In too many horror films the circumstances are so alien it is difficult for the audience to identify, but in Landis' work you feel right at home just before the hammer strikes your skull. The darker episodes in MOH have their appeal, but with Landis' entries there is a strange fulfillment that comes after viewing that is difficult to describe. It is as if you are happy that you have escaped the fate of the characters, the connection is that good.

With Family, Masters of Horror once again lives up to its name. Lets hope the rest of the "family" does as well this season.

Harold (George Wendt) likes collecting family members, in the most literal way. When two new neighbors move in next door, he becomes obsessively attracted to the wife (Meredith Monroe). Will he be able to collect her, will she be able to escape?

Heck, with this type of show, you never know what twists and turns will happen! This episode comes to us from John Landis, the director of "Deer Woman", which I will freely admit was probably my favorite episode from Season One. As far as season two goes, this episode holds up nicely, too. I have seen people say some negative things about this one, but I think it all depends on what you are looking for in the show. I like the healthy dose of comedy that Landis brings to the table. He was the genius behind "Animal House", after all.

The writer happens to be Brent Hanley, best known for writing "Frailty", a respectable film in its own right. How he went from that one to this one is unknown, but a nice change. Hanley appears to be somewhat dynamic and I think we can expect more from him in the future.

The main character of this episode is obviously the one played by George Wendt. Some other reviewer complained they could not see him as anything other than Norm from "Cheers". I did not have that problem. Not only do I not really like "Cheers" ("Becker" is better) but this is not Wendt's first time doing comedic horror. I guess that reviewer never watched the "House" movies... I think he is great. Adds an element I cannot pinpoint, but I would love to see him in many more films.

The references were nice, such as the photographs of Dick Cheney and George Bush. Not sure how to interpret that, but I think anyone who is as demented as Wendt's character should have political figures in his home. The deer mounted on the wall was a good reference to "Deer Woman" (at least that is how I took it). And the Weekly World News with Batboy -- priceless.

Meredith Monroe (best known as Andie McPhee from "Dawson's Creek") played a great neighbor. She still had a lot of McPhee in her, but was different, as well. Some of the dialogue was, um, things you would never hear from McPhee and I was not sure how to respond (kind of like when you hear about Bob Saget giving oral pleasure for crack cocaine). That is something I am going to have to make my friend Kristy watch.

A line that really got me was about Jay Leno at the supermarket, because I have an ex-girlfriend who moved to North Hollywood and one of the first celebrities she saw was Jay Leno... in the parking lot at a supermarket. I guess maybe this is something he is known for? Anyway, back to the episode: I really enjoyed it. The gore is fairly light, the humor is really where it is at. If you liked "Deer Woman", you will love this. The only thing I could complain about is a part where they used computer effect to show how acid works rather than use real acid (or something similar). But, you know, it seemed to fit into the cheesiness, so I have no problem with it. Still not the greatest, but better than the stuff I've been seeing.

I suppose I am also curious why this was set in Wisconsin. The film was shot in British Columbia, but they were careful about making the film look authentic -- Wisconsin license plates and at least one Wisconsin flag. Seems to me like it would have been easier just to not show license plates or flags at all and keep the setting ambiguous. But, maybe I missed something.

Landis adheres to what he is good at, so he made a relaxed and entertaining episode without mystery or tension. The dark secret of the main character is revealed in the first scene, and the whole episode is bright and black-humorously cheerful, giving the impression of sitcom rather than horror. However, an unexpected twist turns it into a horror thriller. Although it is not scary, direction, twist and especially George Wendt made this episode one of the better in the series.

7/10

This is the first episode I've seen from Season 2 and I must say I am very impressed. Considering the amount of flak Season 2 was receiving I was considering just passing them by but I gave in to temptation and I'm glad I did. John Landis yet again proves he is definitely one of the Masters of Horror with "Family." Like with "Deer Woman," Landis blends horror and comedy flawlessly but with this one he adds a little more horror than comedy. The script is very well written, the acting is great and there is a good amount of gore to satisfy gorehounds.

Harold (George Wendt) seems like a peaceful, friendly enough neighbour but in reality he is a murderous psychopath who has his eyes set on his new neighbour Celia (Meredith Monroe) who has just moved in with her husband David (Matt Keeslar, of Scream 3 fame).

As I said before the acting in this is great. George Wendt gives a very funny performance as the Psycho neighbour and Meredith Monroe and Matt Keeslar are great as the married couple. The script is very witty and funny but there are plenty of odd, disturbing bits to make you shiver or squirm in disgust.

Overall a pleasant start to Season 2. I'm hoping for the rest of them to be as good as this.

4½/5