My Bloody Valentine (1981)

Rating: R (Originally branded with the rare X rating; heavily edited and cut to hold an R rating)

Country: Canada

Running Time: 90 minutes

Director: George Mihalka

Starring: Paul Kelman, Lori Hallier, Neil Affleck, Keith Knight, Alf Humphreys, etc.

Originally branded with the rare X rating (then heavily edited and cut to undergo and assume an R rating), My Bloody Valentine was shown with approximately 3 minutes altered and emended from it's final decision among MPAA members. Now after 28 years of waiting and hoping for an Unrated DVD version, us slasher fans have finally been transported to our homes. And it's definitely worth the delay and linger. The deaths are more grisly compared to the original copy. Without this footage, you could never tell what was going down when our hacker of choice Harry Warden was slicing n' dicing our teenage delinquents. Now, you fortunately can all in its uncensored and murderous glory. This under appreciated gem from the 80s retains all of the goofy and cheesy cliches of the generation: School dances, usually drunk or stoned young adults and the toned down sex scenes. Everything you need and everything I was expecting. However, I love all of these sleazy, uncompetent conditions. See, without them the slasher genre is pretty much standing on one leg, only to eventually fall down flat on its face. What also propels My Bloody Valentine to the finish line (eliminating any competition in its path), is its undeniably inventive, imaginative, original, over-the-top and extremely macabre deaths (Head shoved into steaming pan, impaled on a running pipe, shot with a nail gun etc.). Although our killer's main weapon of choice is a pick-axe, it is barely used or beneficial during its course. But, one might not pay attention to this fact. Neither do I half the time. It's too diverting to ignore and walk away from. It also has a twisted climax that begs for a sequel. What must would probably hate about this is the killer's identity (Which makes sense, but will surely start up someone's fury and anger) and the disgraceful chase sequence in the mine. That totals up to 7 points (6 for the film, 1 for sheer entertainment). Worth a purchase. It is one of the most popular and best slashers of all time after all.

Pros: Entertaining, nice deaths, irresistible and lovable 80s cliches

Cons: When the killer is unmasked I through a fit, horrendous mine chase

Recommended? you will not enjoy My Bloody Valentine on the first couple watches. You will start to like it further on and out after fully understanding its purpose. Cleary made to entertain.

7/10