Does Creepshow Live Up To The Hype?

As a die-hard horror anthology enthusiast, my journey began with the spine-chilling allure of “Tales from the Crypt” and hit its peak during my adolescent years with “Tales from the Darkside: The Movie.” It’s a bit baffling that I managed to skip over “Creepshow” for so long, but perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise. While it has its moments, this anthology is filled with some of the silliest, cheesiest horror shorts I’ve encountered—though not in a charming way.

Let’s dive into the stories, shall we? The first entry, “Father’s Day,” left me feeling oddly underwhelmed. It didn’t bring the creep factor or humor I was hoping for; it just kind of… flat-lined, pun intended. And Ed Harris dancing? Yeah, I could have happily lived without that moment. I’d rate this one a lackluster 3/10.

Moving on to the second story, “The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill.” This one was just plain odd and a bit goofy. Maybe that was the intention, but it didn’t land for me. I have immense respect for Stephen King as a writer, but his foray into acting might be best forgotten. This tale earns a modest 5/10, and that’s mainly thanks to the solid effects team.

Now, onto the third story, “Something to Tide You Over.” This was a delightful surprise! I truly enjoyed its simplicity, and Leslie Nielsen was an absolute gem. It’s a shame we didn’t see more of him in a serious role, as he certainly had the chops. This short deserves a solid 8/10 and definitely boosts the overall anthology’s appeal.

Next up is “The Crate,” which also serves to elevate the anthology. I love the premise of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances, and this one delivered—creepy and over-the-top in the best ways. “Fluffy” is a memorable creature, and the characters’ reactions were refreshingly genuine; if you stumbled upon that monster, you’d be shaken to your core! Another 8/10 for this chilling tale.

Finally, we come to “They’re Creeping up on You.” Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me. It centers around cockroaches and a psychological twist that just didn’t resonate; it was simply gross rather than thrilling. The effects at the end with the bugs in the body were impressive, but this one only scores a 4/10.

As for the wraparound story—the segment that unfolds at the beginning and end—it somehow outshines the three lower-scored segments. I found it intriguing enough that I’d love to see it fleshed out into its own narrative. It was a blast to see Tom Savini and Tom Atkins bringing that segment to life.

Overall, “Creepshow” has its share of standout moments nestled among a few forgettable misfires. It’s certainly fun, but it doesn’t quite live up to the hype. Who knows, maybe I’ll give it another chance someday!