The Last House on the Left

Release Year: 1972

Director: Wes Craven

Review: Director Wes Craven would go on to direct landmark horror franchises such as 'Nightmare on Elmstreet', 'The Hills Have Eyes' and 'Scream', but it all started with this film.   In it, an attractive teenage girl and her friend decide to go into a bad part of town for a concert when they are abducted by a group of psychopathic escaped murderers who take joy in torturing their captives.  While there is some disturbing content, it doesn't go to outright exploitation.  The problem is its not all that scary either.  I had a hard time taking the 'evil' gang seriously when they're persona is so over the top.  The borderline comical portrayal of the group clashes with the seriousness of what unfolds.  The narrative is clunky and seeing terrible things happen to innocent people got tiresome quick.   Fortunately, there is a fantastic revenge fantasy played out which ultimately saves this from being a complete waste of time.  It's sloppy, but at least there are some memorable moments which make it all worth it.
Rating: 2.5/5