Lively, entertaining reviews of, and essays on, old and newer films and everything relating to them, written by professional author William Schoell.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

JEEPERS CREEPERS


JEEPERS CREEPERS (2001). Writer/director: Victor Salva.

Darry Jenner (Dustin Long) and his sister Trish (Gina Philips) are driving past a dilapidated old church when they think they see a creepy figure dumping what might be a body into a pipe. Against his sister's advice the kind-hearted Darry decides to go and see if he can help the possible victim. Bad idea, unfortunately, as if brings them into contact with a demonic figure [of unknown origin], the Creeper, who comes out of hiding every 23 years to feast on the flesh and innards of innocent humans. Jeepers Creepers' plot may not stand up to scrutiny, but it's best to take it as a nightmare where anything can and does happen. Eerie and well-done, the movie is entertaining, fast-paced and well-acted. A cast stand-out is Eileen Brennan in a notable turn as a somewhat dotty cat lady. There is humor in the grisly film but it never quite descends into out and out camp. Very down-beat and gross ending. Followed by Jeepers Creepers 2.

Verdict: Creepy all right. ***.

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