Pluskylang Great Film overall

Merolliv I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

Robert Joyner The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Nicole I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

allyball-63124 It's because of this version that I now know why the Phantom's disfigurement being an injury annoys me so much: because it's more painful and less ugly. In this version, Erik Destler made a pact with the devil so people would love him for his music. In return, the devil mutilated Erik's face. So the Phantom's "mask" in this version is the flesh of his many victims sewn onto his face. Yeah, if you couldn't tell from that description, this is a very violent and gory version of the story, more of a slasher film than a timeless tale of romance and horror. However, it's actually done really well. The Phantom of the Opera story surprisingly works very well as a slasher film, and I'm not even someone who likes violence. Because of the slasher film elements and Robert Englund's acting, this is actually a really great horror film. You can really feel the fear and tension in every scene, even those without violence. The visuals are also very convincing, and help the horror element. I already mentioned the Phantom's very graphic mask but the kill count in this film is also high and the deaths themselves are very gory. This film should definitely not be seen by children or younger teens, as it will likely give them nightmares. The music is also very well done. Not the songs, which are pretty forgettable but nice on the ears. I mean the background music, which fits every scene and adds tension to the scarier scenes. Speaking of scarier scenes, the ending can either be seen as ridiculous and nonsensical or insanely awesome and creepy. I am more of the latter option. Without spoiling anything, I feel the quote at the beginning of the movie is enough to excuse and even explain what that was all about. In reality though, the ending was probably put in because the movie was too short and was tacked on last minute along with the quote to try to explain it. Take it how you will I suppose. Since this is a horror film, the characters are fairly standard and do well at fulfilling their roles but aren't that interesting. So there isn't much to talk about character-wise that I haven't already mentioned. As great as this movie is though, I do feel that a few things in the movie are stolen from the Broadway, since this did come out only a few years after it and is obviously banking on it's popularity. For example, the whole "Christine's father sent the angel to Christine" plot-thread is used here and it's done really badly. Plus, the Phantom's outfit at the Masquerade is far too similar to the one in the Broadway for it not be a ripoff. When it's not stealing from Andrew Lloyd Webber, this movie is really great, if maybe a little too far from the source material. I recommend this to die- hard Phantom fans like myself or fans of the slasher sub-genre or at least of horror. For everyone else though, it can be a hard watch.

bkoganbing The man who gave us several cinematic incarnations of Freddy Kruger, Robert Englund did this version of The Phantom Of The Opera. But Englund was obviously looking for another long running series from this character.The Phantom here is a supernatural character unlike versions where Lon Chaney, Claude Rains, and Herbert Lom made him a most pitiable if frightening figure. And quite mortal.Not here however. Englund's phantom has made a Faustian pact with the devil. Old Scratch might have first dibs on his soul for the afterlife, but he's not going to have a good time of it. Englund wanted musical genius and he wanted to be loved for his music. The devil made him hideous with the worst case of eczema ever. He would most certainly not be loved for his appearance. Written he has and he wants Jill Schoelen to sing his music with acclaim and then make her his own in those familiar catacombs, these catacombs in London as opposed to Paris.The story is told in flashback as an unconscious Schoelen dreams of a past incarnation and her encounter with Englund a century before in a different life. But Englund is most persistent.I think hoped for another series character like Freddy Kruger, but it was not to be. This film is all right but not a patch on the previous Phantom Of The Opera films.

insomniac_rod I watched this movie for the first time shortly after it was released in theaters. I rented it with very low expectations mainly because it was a late 80's slasher, it was based on a novel that wasn't living it's best times at the 80's, and because it was produced with low budget. It didn't impress me so I forgot about it.20 years after it's release I bought it for nostalgia's sake and because I'm a die hard fan of the stunning Jill Schoelen. I mean, she was my first crush in Horror cinema and she's a favorite of mine. On the secondary aspect, I really like Robert Englund 's work in Horror. So what the heck? I watched it low expectations and I can proudly say that it's one of the best "classy slashers" out there. What do I mean with the term "classy"?. Well, the movie is based on the beautiful-dark novel by Gaston Leroux so that tells you that the movie's main plot needs to be placed in ancient times, but it gives plenty of territory for the director to insert gory killings (such as in the novel), slasher sub-plots, creepy atmospheres, and why not? cheesy one-liners.It's a solid slasher with some flaws but still, one of a kind.Robert Englund is perfect as the Phantom; this time, our beloved dark hero is a cold-blood assassin who fades in the shadows while trying to recover the love of Christine Daly. In order to achieve that, he will kill anyone who gets on Mrs. Daly's way. And that's what happens! The Phantom gets really mad and performs brutal deaths like a beheading, ripping off skin, violent stabbings, and more! Now, that's the best way to adapt a slasher flick on a classic story.Jill Schoelen is just arousing in everything she does. I mean, she has the looks of a tender inoffensive young adult but at the same time, she's sexy, sensual, clever, brave, and with that sexy voice, you can tell she's wild while on well, you know. She sings very good and looks even better. I dug her mini skirt outfits during the 1989 era.I really liked how the movie connects the actual times with the past and then, returns for it's ending, to the late 80's. It's a clever move not seen in much slashers.I recommend this movie big time for slasher fans. It won't let you down. It has all the winning elements such as inventive killings, gore, sinister atmosphere, very classy scenarios like the opera, the streets of London, and more. The make-up is pretty good and The Phantom is extremely disgusting and creepy when taking off his mask and while wearing the red death costume. Brrr. The music is excellent and Daly's creepy song is absolutely great, and haunting.Special mention for the scene where the Phantom sells his soul. It adds a sinister tone for this slasher. Oh, and I wanted to comment on the rat-killer that leaves in the sewers; he delivers a truly creepy but comedic voice that I just can't forget. I hope not to talk like him in some years.I truly urge you to watch the movie if you: A) love slashers B) like the novel C) Love Jill Schoelen D) Love Robert EnglundIt's a gory addition to the novel. Jill Schoelen, I'm still waiting for your call or e-mail. Whatever you want.

robespierre9 I have to preface this review by saying that I am a big Robert England fan, from his work with Jan Michael Vincent in "BUSTER AND BILLIE" and "BIG Wednesday", to of course the Nightmare on Elmstreet films. It was great to see Robert in something where he could actually act on screen for a long time!! The trouble with many of the Nightmare movies is Freddy's role becomes less and less. I think Robert was waiting to chew up the screen (so to speak) in this movie. He really gets to show what good actor he is!! Along with displaying his incredibly amazing ability to disappear behind makeup. It's almost like this movie was made as a tribute to Englund/Freddy! The makeup he wears is very like Freddy makeup, and his body language/acting is excellent in this also. I really like the end (in the modern time - 80's) where the 'director' end up being Robert without makeup! (Just like Wes Craven would do in the later 90's Nightmare movie with Heather Langenkamp.) The costumes are also outstanding - especially England's Masque of Red Death outfit! It is a bit bloody - its close to slasher moments here may turn off a few folks. But if you are looking for a fun, Gothic, 80's, slasher/drama, this is great!