MoH: "Family", "Jenifer", "Imprint"

Backlogging my reviews of the Masters of Horror series.

John Landis' "Family": I find this one to be the worst of the episodes I'd seen so far. Despite his portfolio, I just don't see Landis as a horror director. While amusing, the episode came off far more like a lighthearted episode of Tales from the Darkside, than a horror offering. George Wendt plays a "friendly" neighbor who hides a very nasty secret in his average suburban home. He sets his sights on a young couple moving in across the street and hijinks ensue. In the extras, Landis actually brags about using a static camera. Whatever, dude.

Dario Argento's "Jenifer": The hype about this episode being a retelling of an old Bernie Wrightson story intrigued me to look up a web scan of the comic. Argento did an excellent job of translating Wrightson's "stringy" illustrations to the screen. I found the episode to be refreshingly simple, strongly-directed, and very evocative of its source material. One of the best so far. As usual, the extra on Argento was very informative. This one has the strongest "Showtime adult material" I've yet seen. Not that there's anything wrong with it.

Takashi Miike's "Imprint": I've been a strong fan of Miike since I saw Audition. I've been fascinated with him ever since, so I was ready to give this episode little criticism. In retrospect, the incomprehensibility of the story and its unsatisfying denouement probably isn't for everyone. Billy Drago's horrible acting doesn't help either (I always thought he was in character on Brisco County Jr., but it turns out that's his only acting note). I'd give a plot digest if I could figure out what happened or why. Let's just say whatever it is, it's spectacularly disturbing.

Something in Miike's work appeals to me however, so I still give this one a good review for mood and sheer camera competence. A little storytelling training and Miike would be unstoppable.