My new project! This is exciting for me because I've never watched this original HBO anthology series based on the comic series of the same name. So these reviews will be my feelings fresh from seeing each episode. I will also give my thoughts on the famous Crypt Keeper who hosts each story and his classic puns. I recommend checking out the Screams After Midnight reviews on Mild Fuzz. I will link their reviews at the bottom of this post.
Tales from the Crypt 101: The Man Who Was Death
Original Air Date: 10/06/89
Director: Walter Hill
Writers: Walter Hill & Robert Reneau
Cast: William Sadler, Gerrit Graham, Roy Brocksmith
Plot: Prison executioner Niles Talbot (Sadler) is laid off from his job when the state does away with the death penalty. Not content with a change of career, Talbot starts administrating his own brand of justice to crooks who get off at trial.
A pretty solid first episode which is a good introduction to what to expect. Its notable how many famous names have appeared. Lead Sadler has appeared in a number of Frank Darabont movies since this and was the local Sheriff in the teen Sci-Fi series Roswell (1999-02). He is the perfect choice to play the lead here. He has a swagger and charisma. At the same time as being a complete asshole he is very engaging and interesting to watch. His sexist comments and cocky attitude make him the perfect fall guy come the end of the story. Its an ongoing theme of the series that awful people get their just desserts by the end. The fun is seeing how it all plays out. The voice over and Sadler talking to the camera wasn't great. Such a unlikable character whining a lot took me out of it. But I liked the idea of the executioner not having a role in society outside of his job. The theme of it just being a job done in machine like fashion with no human element was nicely played. Sadler is effective as a mix of grim reaper and sexy biker type. This is probably why Talbot has such a cynical world view.
Roy Brocksmith as the deadpan bar tender who is like a sounding board to Niles is on really good form too. Brocksmith who sadly died in 2001 was a great characters who appeared in films such as Total Recall and Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey and The War of the Roses. Plus in Seinfeld and Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine on TV.
Walter Hill (The Warriors, 48 Hours) brings some great 70s/80's grime and grit to the style. He is a sure hand directing. There's some fun kills too. The pick of them being Talbot electrocuting the crooked couple in the hot tub. It makes for a great visual. Ry Cooder (Paris, Texas) does the music too.
Basically everyone is unlikable in this story. Which is just as well because they all end up getting it in the end. There's some plot holes but then you don't come to Tales from the Crypt for the logic.
The Crypt Keeper Segments: The intro I enjoyed. It was him surrounded by sparks. To close out he is hooked into the chair and talks of "revolting devolpment" and "Remember boys and girls safety first".... I think he can do better, haha!
Grade: B-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5UeQr6BuPw&list=PLU66xopx7_vptm3nCtQzGNuuDkS6dU3ER
