Salem’s Lot (1979)
The TV movie based on Stephen King’s vampire opus directed
by the legendary Tobe Hooper (The Texas
Chainsaw Massacre, Poltergeist, Eaten Alive). Not the best adaptation (or story for that
matter) but certainly far from the worst.
The vampires are generally creepy.
Old school make-up consisting of fangs and contacts were just enough to
work. Twilight pussies these vamps are not! This definitely aged and shows in the editing
when the screen pauses and goes black during several vampire attacks. All in all, it’s a rather faithful adaptation
with a few minor details omitted. Worth
watching.
A Return to Salem’s
Lot
Technically only a sequel in name. It’s actually not that bad though. It’s gorier and (prematurely) dispels some of
the myths that modern movies try to do.
The vampires aren’t as cool or creepy; one looks like a mask bought from
a clearance bin. Similar to the first,
it’s far from being the worst vampire movie.
Diverting in the least.
Salem’s Lot (2004)
I remember watching this when it premiered. I was actually alive unlike when the original
aired. This 3-hour miniseries is fairly
faithful to the literary material as well with more included and some parts
rearranged. Average adaptation with
faster vampires looking modern compared to the old-school bloodsuckers of
Hooper’s version. Personal faves this
time are the undead school bus and the death by table saw after falling through
the stairs.
In conclusion:
I finished reading Salem’s Lot not that long ago, so naturally I
had to watch the movie again. My OCD
made me seek out the sequel plus re-watch the remake. If you’re looking for quality, this might not
be the best series to view, but if you’re an open-minded horror fiend like me,
this franchise should satisfy your cinematic bloodlust just fine. 12/18/2016
---Sean O.
