Psycho (1960), Psycho II (1983), Psycho III (1986), Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990)

October Challenge Day 13

So, I watched all the Psycho films in one day.... here are some thoughts on:

Psycho (1960), Psycho II (1983), Psycho III (1986), Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990)

So, I don't have much to add about the first film. It's a classic. A study. A brilliant use of all forms of art. More importantly (in my opinion) a perfect example of: if the movie scares you, cover your ears - not your eyes. 

I was hesitant diving into this one, and at first I wasn't really hooked. It felt forced at times ... and yet, things began to change for me when I realized I'm building sympathy for this man, this lost soul. He's just trying to get by, guys, start anew! He did his time. Leave him alone. 

But people are not leaving him alone, some are out for revenge.

The ending sold it for me. Slam dunk! In all, this was a solid return to our weirdo buddy and his "mother".  

Settle in with takeout from a dingy diner with this one.

Now [takes glasses off the face, rubs face], this took a turn for the wild and I LOVED IT. I saw a review refer to this film as the "slutty sister" of the franchise and I have to totally agree. I also agree that it's the slutty sister who is typically having the most fun - this film certainly did. 

This movie starts out with a woman shouting "God isn't real!" and everything went insane after that - like watching dominoes fall in a cinematic display - and they just keep falling. Here we have Norman  chilling at the Motel when a disgraced nun and a male drifter show up. Oh my, I think this might be my favorite of the franchise (I appreciate them all but for different reasons).

This is such a roller coaster watch,  a state fair fun house experience. Gory, very '80s slasher, wild and wacky while also being a gem of a story. Overall, I found this one thoroughly entertaining - straight up entertaining. 

Now, I love a good origins story, but I was sad to see this origin story didn't align with the origin story presented in the 3rd film! Just went in a different direction, particularly related to Norman's father. 

Different so much in that this is a serious feeling film. Disturbing in a different way.

Here we have Norman calling into a late night talk show (calling himself Ed, lolololo), while cooking a nice meal and birds sitting in their cage on the kitchen counter for some reason (chirping in the background), sharing his childhood. 

I love the premise, in fact, I love how he's presented in this film. And yet, and yet, this is by far the most boring of the four films. It's also just odd - I had a hard time picturing his mother in this presentation. It was disappointing, actually.  It's still a worthy watch.

This was a solid adventure for a day free of plans!

I own the first film and rented the rest. Use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find these features!