YES, THAT CUJO
Movie Review – “Cujo”
Review by Justin T. Bowler
*** (for horror fans)
Some movies become known as more of a pop reference rather then as a good movie. My 16-year old niece (who, I will be the first to admit, is smarter than the average teenager, but yet still representative of her age group) and her friends can tell you that a scary dog is referred to as Cujo. But they have no idea why. Furthermore, good friends of mine, who are so-called scholars of cinema, and were only children when the movie came out, still have not seen the movie (I’m talking about you, PAUL PRESTON!).
The Phoenix film Festival screened “Cujo” as a part of it’s International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival, with a Q&A with the star, Dee Wallace. I have to say, that this horror film from the early ’80s still stands up (mostly) to today’s standards (I say “mostly” because most horror movies today involve a lot more blood, guts, shock, and gratuitous violence. “Cujo” does not have any of that). It is a suspense thriller in the vein of “Jaws” (In fact, the initial pitch for the movie is still widely known in the industry as “Jaws on Paws”).
The haircuts, the clothing, the cars, and even the score reek of the ’80s, but the suspense and drama are universally timeless. Furthermore, Dee Wallace’s acting in this “horror flick” is some of the best acting that I have ever seen in a horror film. I would go as far as to say that this film is not about (spoiler alert (if you have lived under a rock for 31 years (or you are Paul Preston)) a dog stalking a mother and her child. It is about a mother protecting her child at all costs in a horrific and tragic situation (the difference is subtle, but it would be completely lost on the studio execs of today). If this movie were to be remade, it would be about a dog stalking people (period). All of the drama and humanity of the characters in the film would be completely removed (but, no doubt, it would be full of blood, guts, shock, and gratuitous violence). In fact, what I love best about this film is that it follows the formula of a horror film yet the antagonist is unique, and furthermore, the script still allows actors to portray real people with real emotions who would do the real things that real people would do in a horrific situation. You don’t have to yell at the screen “Why are you going into that room? You’re stupid” (It’s my frequent outbursts at horror films that have gotten me banned from several theaters) (Well…all except the Magic Johnson theaters (look it up kids!)).
Do yourself a favor, and have a good, old-fashioned horror night at home with your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife/partner/live-in/beard/gay best friend/bestie/anyonewhoisfuntograbaholdofwhenyouarescared, and rent this movie. Nuke up some popcorn, poor yourself some Coke, grab a blanket, and enjoy a classic thriller.
Your indie film reviewer (and occasionally a horror film),
Justin Bowler
@JustinTBowler
“Cujo” is streaming on Amazon Prime.
Directed by: Lewis Teague
Release Date: August 12, 1983
Run Time: 93 Minutes
Country: USA
Rated: R
Distributor: Sunn Classic Pictures
