The Redeemer: Son of Satan! (1978)

The Redeemer: Son of Satan!: Directed by Constantine S. Gochis. With Damien Knight, Jeannetta Arnette, Nick Carter, Nikki Barthen. Six people are trapped within the confines of their old high school during their 10th high school reunion with a psychotic, masked preacher who kills them off for their sinful lives they have made for themselves.

“I am amazed how many people seem to remember this movie, and actually hunted it up on video. Me, too. I saw it when I was 17 and was so scared I actually slept with my bedroom light on. OK, it didnu0026#39;t have that effect today, 24 years later, and most of it is just terrible, but: I canu0026#39;t believe how well I remembered it over the years. Parts of it definitely stayed with me, and that is pretty impressive for a no-budget little nothing movie. I think most of the religious symbolism is underdeveloped (I really canu0026#39;t tell if the movie is endorsing religion or appalled by it), and the mysterious second thumb that travels from character to character is a bit much. The acting sucks (only Jeannetta Arnette seems to have any talent, and even then itu0026#39;s hard to be sure because of the poor sound quality–though she has proven it over the years, most spectacularly in Boys Donu0026#39;t Cry), the special effects are limited by budget, and the film is a technical shambles. But it is really scary in places, and it does indeed stay with one. Most memorable moment: the creepy marionette who releases the dagger. Creepiest moment: the extremely sudden, yet strangely calm moment when the Redeemer just shows up in the bathroom, though the women have only just turned their backs and have only separated for a second or two. Its quickness, unaccompanied by a jolt of u0026quot;Boo!u0026quot; music makes it quite frightening; he is just there all of a sudden, and ready for business. I guess I recommend this movie with big reservations. I donu0026#39;t quite buy all the pseudo-deep religioso explanations I see posted here, and I think the film-makersu0026#39; intentions were way above their abilities, but, still, The Redeemer (and I do recall the u0026quot;Son of Satanu0026quot; tag as part of the title clear back in 1978)is worth seeing. Hack through the cheese and there is something there. It fairly cries out to be remade, this time with just a bit more polish.”