My Bloody Valentine (1981) Review

Written by: MacheteMassacre   

There are movies for almost every holiday, Halloween, Christmas...hell, even St. Patrick's Day. As horror fans, we identify Valentine's Day with My Bloody Valentine.

Twenty years ago (from the movie, not now), in a small town, there was a cave in at a coal mine that claimed the lives of five miners. Harry Warden, the only survivor was sent to the looney bin. However, on the anniversary of that event one year later, he returned for a massacre. Almost another 20 years passes by and the town is getting ready for their big Valentine's Day bash. Soon a box of blood soak candy arrives and sets off a series of events. Is Harry Warden back for more vengence?

You could call this another Friday the 13th knock off (hell it was even Stephen Miller and released by Paramount). You could even say My Bloody Valentine doesn't off anything original. I feel, however, that the story line is interesting and offers some gory scenes. Sadly, about nine minutes of the film were cut to get an 'R' rating and there has been no release of an uncut version. You could also say that this is probly the best works of director George Mihalka.

Sure the actors are a bunch of unknowns or never wases, but that doesn't mean the acting was awful. T.J. (Paul Kelman) is still head over heals for Sarah (Lori Hallier), who is involved with Axel (Neil Affleck). Right away there is some tension between T.J. and Axel. It's not played too over the top or cheesy in any way. Some of us have been in that situation and you can relate to it here. But, it was a horror film not a drama, so it's not too intense. Then there are the other beer drinking, cigarette smoking, miner buddies. They are a nameless cheery gang and somewhat enjoyable. Not to mention they add a body count to the film.

You're going to see alot of hearts in this film. Litterally. Hearts. They are convincing (probably used animal hearts) and the film throws around a decent amount of blood and slashing to satisfy that of any slasher fan.

All the sounds and music is expected of your typical 80's slasher flick. I still would advise you watch this. It's pretty affordable and offers a great deal of entertainment. The movie also offers you a pretty decent twist and a good ending that would've been a sequel (never happened due to poor box office sales).