Waxwork (1988)

Here we have another prime example of a film that oozes 80s nostalgia. Check the costumes, the ideas, the silly premisse and the atmospheric realization of a tale that tries to combine horror and humour, even though it isn't particularly funny, to be frank.

Still, it's not a horrible little film if you take it for what it is: an 80s horrorstory that is goofy, has some neat ideas, often subpar acting and an overall bizarre tone that makes you like this more than you actually should.

In a random neighbourhood (albeit more the upper white rich kids' neighbourhood, apparently), a wax museum is opened by a strange man, played by David Warner. Because who else would protray a creepy museum curator besides him? He invites a couple of teenagers to a midnight opening where two of them disappear.

This is where the fun and ingenious part begins: they are actually drawn into the wax display, where they are killed off by the creature or murderer that is displayed. The reason for all of this, is a little off. Once he has 18 victims, all those monsters come to life and will destroy the world.

That is severly contradicted by the finale, where they are all dispatched rather easily by a bunch of elderly men, but hey. I guess monsters just aren't what they used to be, right?

Besides David Warner, you'll also find Patrick Macnee in a supporting role and Zach Galligan, who will forever be known for his part in both 'Gremlins'. Honestly, I can't actually recall seeing him in anything else. Beside this one then.

But no matter, you are not here for the acting. The horror and gore is actually well done, and this film is a lot more gruesome than you would expect, especially during the Dracula-segment. The werewolf is also pretty cool, as is the mummy and the black and white zombie footage. This film reeks of homages and if you take it as a loving tribute to some of the best known monsters, that will increase your enjoyment.

Also, the Marquis de Sade's section is fairly kinky for an otherwise unassuming horrorfilm.

Who cares that the waxworks are clearly moving, that the motivation and story make little to no sense and the acting of several people can be incredibly uneven? This is still a fun romp for the B-film enthusiast, no more, no less.