ThiefHott Too much of everything

filippaberry84 I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Derrick Gibbons An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Leofwine_draca SUMMER OF FEAR started out as a 1978 made-for-TV movie, directed by LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT's Wes Craven and starring THE EXORCIST actress Linda Blair. Noting that it had performed surprisingly well in the schedules, the producers repackaged it as a theatrical movie, retitled it SUMMER OF FEAR, and released it in Europe.How much you enjoy this one depends on your preference for American TV movies of the 1970s. I consider myself a huge fan, so I enjoyed this one, although the histrionic acting and cheesily dated nature of the production may be offputting to some; they were positives for me. The storyline is a straightforward 'cuckoo in the nest' type one, in which spoilt rich girl Linda Blair is put out of joint when her cousin joins the family after her parents are killed in a car accident.It soon transpires that said cousin has been dabbling in witchcraft, something confirmed by a put-upon college professor (a welcome role for SHADOW OF A DOUBT's Macdonald Carey). It's one of those films where nobody believes Blair's character, forcing her to take matters into her own hands. You can hardly blame them: dressing in the frumpiest clothes imaginable and saddled with an appalling 'Afro' haircut, the Blair looks like an eyesore here and her character's a real whiner.The supernatural elements of the narrative are limited, but there's some good stuff with spooked horses and an action-packed climax that involves car chases and cat-fights, all well handled on a low budget. The twist ending was inevitable after the release of CARRIE. Watch out for some SALEM'S LOT-style effects involving cool contact lenses. SUMMER OF FEAR may not be a great film but it sure is a fun one.

MarieGabrielle In the 70's and 80's this film was shown a multitude of times for late-night TV. I had seen it several times, and am amused that it has now been re-packaged, to dupe a whole new generation. Yet, it is not a bad movie, if you can get past the special effects.Yes, Linda Blair has that weird perm-thing going on; she is the daughter who suspects something is amiss with her cousin, played by Lee Purcell. The happy family as well as Ms. Blair's horse become haunted by something demonic- something unsettling. Carol Lawrence plays Blair's mother, and there is an amusing scene where Purcell flirts with Jeff East, Ms. Blair's father.As this story was written by Lois Duncan, upon whose stories "I Know What You Did Last Summer" as well as "Killing Mr. Griffin" were turned into film, one can at least enjoy the story; and Wes Craven does an interesting job of directing this. I was never a huge fan, (I must admit that "Candyman" is a guilty pleasure) but recently saw "The Hills Have Eyes", and he does have nuance and depth which deserve mention.Even if you are not a true horror fan, this film can be categorized as fear/suspense. If you like Wes Craven, you will definitely find this interesting, and the 70's nostalgia is an added plus!.

Putzberger Imagine "All About Eve," except it's about some stupid family out West instead of theater and you have Linda Blair instead of Bette Davis and the dialogue is unintentionally as opposed to intentionally hilarious, and you've pretty much got this movie. Perky Linda has it all -- a loving family, a cute boyfriend and a beautiful horse. But all you Linda Blair fans out there know something terrible is about to happen to her, and it does -- the arrival of a taller, prettier cousin from Boston who survived a car crash that killed the rest of her family and left her talking like a Mandrell sister. Throughout the "Summer of Fear" Linda's confidence is slowly whittled away by this doppelganger, as her family calls her paranoid and selfish for doubting the sincerity and wholesomeness of this lovely newcomer in their midst. Never mind that all hell breaks loose as soon as this erstwhile Dixie chick shows up -- neighbors die, horses go crazy, and the Dad starts acting like the pizza delivery boy in a softcore porn video (dude, just wait for the scene in the kitchen -- you'll know how Wes Craven spent his dateless nights). Outside of the goofy scene with the salad bowl and a pretty good shock toward the end, you'd never guess this movie was directed by a future "master of horror" -- it's 70s, made-for-TV bland looking, which makes the menace even less menacing, and the movie even funnier. Not worth renting or buying, but great cable, time-waste fare.

Freya(sableOnBlond) the-real-roobeemoon I really REALLY like this film. I first seen this on , what do you know , public TV around Halloween time. Although I did not see it in its original release - I still found this enjoyable and spooky and the fact that Linda Blair is in this made it so much more enjoyable to watch. I seen it was on last year , around Halloween time on public TV - and I hope they decide to play it again this year.... Good Halloween fun. Not so scary but a bit creepy. Also , the ending is the best part. These days it also seems a bit funny at times. But I see it also as believable. PEACE & Happy Halloween to you and yours :)