Phantasm (1979) Review in 2025
Phantasm is a sci-fi horror film that follows two brothers as they uncover a mysterious mortuary with a dark secret.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to intense horror elements and some gore.
CineReview Recommendation
Phantasm is worth watching for fans of horror and sci-fi, but it's not a must-see. It's a decent addition to the genre, but it doesn't particularly stand out.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie takes a dark turn when the brothers discover that the mortuary is actually a front for an alien invasion, and they must fight for survival against the tall, imposing creatures known as the 'Tall Man' and his minions.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a unique blend of horror and sci-fi elements. However, it feels a bit rushed and could have benefited from more development.
acting6.00/10
The acting is passable, but some performances feel a bit wooden. Angus Scrimm, however, is excellent as the Tall Man.
characters6.00/10
The characters are somewhat one-dimensional and lack depth. The brothers are relatable, but the other characters feel more like cardboard cutouts.
direction8.00/10
Don Coscarelli's direction is solid, with a good balance of tension and suspense. However, some scenes feel a bit disjointed and could have been better edited.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is decent, with some effective use of lighting and camera angles. However, it's not particularly memorable or impressive.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Phantasm has a unique blend of horror and sci-fi elements, with some effective tension and suspense. Angus Scrimm is excellent as the Tall Man.
Cons
The story feels a bit rushed, the characters are one-dimensional, and the cinematography is decent but not memorable.
Notable Quotes
"'I'm the Tall Man, and I'm here to collect you.'"
"'You're going to be a part of something big.'"
