The Children (1980)

October Challenge Day 24

I think it's kinda funny that this movie came out in the same decade as announcements on TV asked "It's 10 o'clock, do you know where your children are?" Let's talk about:

The Children

Here we have the classic tale of nuclear waste.

And this waste escaped RIGHT into a school bus full of children! These kids then turn into radioactive beings, going around hugging people to death.

To say this film is a hoot is an understatement. 

Naturally, we have the small town sheriff going around trying to solve the weirdness, and primarily driving around at night looking for these kids. These kids, by the way, who hug people to the point of disintegrating them on the spot! The transitions and practical effects are a sight to behold!

We have pregnant moms who are smoking and drinking, half naked moms just sitting around outside in their underwear, moms drinking next to the pool with their boy toys, police playing shoot out with these wandering kids, a Jaws theme song (??) playing when the kids are slowly walking towards their prey, and so much more.

While this is all fun and games, there is one scene that involves a dog that actually shook me up a bit. I think an "Eeegads!" or "My god!" would be an appropriate response. 

This film pretty much screams "f*ck them kids", and it's wildly entertaining for it. 

[Note, I took a brief break while watching this film and ran into my pregnant neighbor]

Best watched with your child-free friends or frankly, the friends with kids who just need a break. Pairs with beer and your favorite trash food.  

I watched this film on Prime, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this uncut gem.

The Children (2008)

You know, sometimes, one of the worse things ever is when someone you love, cherish, and admire suddenly turns into a complete and total lunatic. In fact at the moment, I can't really think of a worse thing.

At first you are dumbfounded - in complete disbelief. Then things get worse and you are pretty certain you are living a waking nightmare ooooooorrrrr in a horror movie.

Which brings me to tonight's movie choice: The Children. Here they are one moment the loves of your life, the fruit of your loins, the future - and then they turn on you.

Yup. I'd call that pretty bad.

The tag line sums it up frighteningly well: "You brought them into this world. They'll take you out."

Happy Sunday night everyone - let's get this little adventure started!

Update:

Oh, I couldn't do it folks. I couldn't finish this movie last night. I was simply not in the right head space. I began watching some Mystery Science Theater 3000 instead but fell asleep and stayed that way for over 12 hours.

It would appear that the cold I've been trying to beat off has finally got me. I am sick.

So, when I finally woke up today, I finished watching this movie about children who suddenly become sick and kill people off.

This movie is very disturbing, and I think the most frightening parts are when the children begin to get sick, not when they have full blown lost it. The abortion topic cropped up now and again throughout the film - which I found unnecessary, tacky, cheep and gross. It seemed to me as if the story line was trying to use it as a guilt tactic. I do not care for that, I found it to be (here we go - here we go!) childish.

Otherwise I found the movie to be well done. Truly chilling and nightmarish. Watch during the holiday season with family members. Suggested pairing: popcorn balls and champagne in little no-tippy-sippy cups.