Predrag This presentation contains 4 chapters of shadowmantic horror. Immediately, we course through a darkened landscape cracking with magma, as if Hell is bursting up from beneath. We are met with two glowing red eyes staring deep into the soul. A splendid introduction. A well-to-do couple experience the toils of vermin infestation so saturated, that they know no peace. It eventually is revealed that this particular breed of rat is surnamed "The Devil Rat", and it takes the wise efforts of a seasoned kind-hearted occultist to alleviate the problem, but not without a tragic end.It's very obvious that it was made in the 80's. If you do not like or enjoy horror movies of that period you will not like this movie. It's just fun and there is moments that follow a formula which will forever be creepy and get you at moments. I love this for nostalgic reasons, which means that someone who views this more objectively may not love it. If you grew up in the 80's or are just fascinated with 80's arcade culture then pick this up.Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

Scott LeBrun "Nightmares" is an acceptable horror anthology with 'Twilight Zone' aspirations. It was originally made for TV, but headed to theatres instead after NBC executives proved unwilling to pay for it. With the first three segments written by producer Christopher Crowe, and the fourth written by Jeffrey Bloom, it might therefore strike some hardcore horror fans as a little "safe". Still, it has an excellent cast of many familiar faces, and is paced more than adequately, with capable direction by Joseph Sargent ("Colossus: The Forbin Project", "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three"). The music score by Craig Safan is also noteworthy.There is no wrapround story or connecting thread, so I'll move right along to assessing the individual stories:"Terror in Topanga". A young wife (Cristina Raines) with a hopeless cigarette addiction heads out late at night for her fix. The fact that a knife wielding psycho is on the loose does little to dissuade her. Worth it for the twist ending that hearkens back to an old urban legend."The Bishop of Battle". J.J. Cooney (Emilio Estevez) is a kid hellbent on making it to the 13th level of the title video arcade game. Again, it's the ending that makes the story. The visual effects are pretty good for a movie made approximately 33 years ago."The Benediction". Lance Henriksen plays MacLeod, a priest who's suffered a crisis of faith, and leaves the church. While driving through the desert, he is menaced over and over by a mysterious character driving a black pick up truck. Overall, too reminiscent of "Duel" and "The Car", but there's one brilliant moment at about the one hour mark."Night of the Rat". Richard Masur, Veronica Cartwright, and Bridgette Andersen are the Houstons, a suburban family menaced by a monster rat. It may be tough going for a while since Masurs' character is so unlikable and stupidly stubborn. The special effects leave something to be desired.At its best, "Nightmares" is creepy and atmospheric, even if the stories aren't all that great. It's "The Bishop of Battle" that stands out, since it's the most unpredictable of the bunch, and due to its cool punk soundtrack.Anthony James, (an uncredited) William Sanderson, Lee Ving, Mariclare Costello, Louis Giambalvo, Moon Unit Zappa, Billy Jayne, James Tolkan (voice only), Tony Plana, Timothy Scott, Robin Gammell, and Albert Hague are also among those stopping by.Definitely worth a look for 80s horror enthusiasts and lovers of the anthology format.Seven out of 10.

Vomitron_G I just love anthology movies, especially in the horror-genre. And this one was one of the first ones I ever saw ("Twilight Zone: The Movie" was the first one). So those two started it all and I must say: I would love to rate it a bit higher than 6/10 (maybe for nostalgia reasons). Even though the 4 stories presented here were fairly original for that time ("Urban Legend" even stole the first segment's basic plot element), it's a bit strange that all (but one) episodes have a surprisingly happy ending (not very common in horror anthologies). And also it lacks a bit in bloodshed and, well, gory stuff. But still, every story has a nice twist at one point or another and the overall atmosphere is quite creepy & scary at times. Because of the lack of bloodshed and nudity, "Nightmares" can also be recommended to the younger viewers. I'm sure they will have a blasting time with this one, especially with the "Bishop of the Battle" segment (even if it looks hopelessly dated).

Skutter-2 This eighties horror anthology isn't near as much fun as one might hope. It is on the whole a rather dull affair. As with most anthology movies the quality varies from segment but none of the ones showcased here are particularly good.The first segment is rather dull and perfunctory. It is simply a reworking of an old urban legend you will have heard a thousand times before and you'll see the end coming from a mile away. It is at least reasonably well executed and is quick enough to be over before it becomes too boring. It also contains a lame anti-smoking message.The second segment 'The Bishop of Battle' is easily the best and probably the only one people will remember from this movie. It isn't anything special but it is fun to watch a young Emilio Estevez as an arcade game obsessed hustler who bites off more than he can chew. There are no real surprises but is a somewhat interesting story of obsession and the clunky and instantly dated computer graphics are fun too watch- very, very eighties.The third segment 'Benediction' is like the first dull and perfunctory. A priest loses his faith and leaves the priesthood and ends battling a satanic black land rover (No, really). Despite one or two cool but cheesy bits with the evil vehicle and the presence of the always good Lance Henriksen this one manages to be really boring even in its short running time. The whole crisis of faith aspect to the story comes across as very simplistic and puerile.The last segment is the longest and most boring as a suburban family deals with a mystical giant rat from Germanic mythology. Again it sounds like it should be fun bit it seems like a lot of build-up with little payoff- the ending is truly lame. The characters are annoying and unlikable and really grate on the nerves, even in the short running time- Veronica Cartwright seems far too good at playing whiney, unstable housewife types.Ultimately the whole thing seems like it should be a lot more fun that it is.