Coscarelli (1975-1978)

1975 - Jim the World's Greatest - I don't know the history behind this film; it's hard to say how much Coscarelli versus how much Craig Mitchell is in the direction. However, Coscarelli's warmth towards both childhood and brotherly love seems to have gotten started right here. With the possible exception of the drunken father, the characterization in this film was surprisingly deep. Because of this, Kelly's death had an appropriately weighty impact. The hopeful ending, though, isn't quite; instead, it comes off a bit strange. I just wish I had a better copy of this rare movie.

1976 - Kenny & Company - Pretty much every cool / stupid / embarrassing thing you ever did as a kid rolled into one movie. Despite being their age 10 years later in history, I still saw my own childhood reflected. It's easy to see why many folks have such fond memories of this movie and why Anchor Bay released such an obscure flick. Structurally, I can see some of the free-flowing narrative of Phantasm in here as well.

1978 - Phantasm - A gem of a horror movie. From the sentinels to the blind psychic to the Lady in Lavender to the gate to the yellow-goop-for-blood to the Hemi to the Tall Man to the ice cream man to the hammer & bullet trick to the surreal construction, everything about this film is special. Phantasm, outside of David Lynch, is the closed film I've seen to a nightmare. And, indeed, it is - or may be - just Mike's nightmare. Like all good films, this is open for interpretation. This is also the final chapter in Coscarelli's exploration of childhood (at least, I suppose, until P3).

(comment in the main post)