TOP 10: Tobe Hooper Films

Director Tobe Hooper is one of those directors who has more style than substance as his Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Night Terrors, and remake of Invaders From Mars will attest. He made his mark with the visceral original Texas Chain Saw Massacre but over the years in many peoples' eyes never lived up to the potential displayed in that film. With an handful of exceptions most of Hooper's films are easily forgettable but that doesn't mean he hasn't had a profound effect on the horror genre as the following list of films may prove. (The following list is presented in alphabetical order.)

EATEN ALIVE (1977)
This backwoods horror film about a motel owner who feeds his most unwanted guests to his pet crocodile has more humor in it than it probably should have, especially considering when it was first released. In hindsight, the humor would be something that would follow Hooper and become part of his style in later films such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 and The Mangler and The Funhouse. Also of note this would be the first time Hooper would work with actor Robert England and it certainly would not be the last.

FUNHOUSE, THE (1981)
An early favorite of Hooper's because at the time of its release it was cunning and scary and the masked killer genre still had life in it. The story's pretty derivative but just the notion of being locked in a carnival funhouse with no way of escape being chased by a masked killer was enough to terrorize teenagers for years. A lot of Hooper's humor and style pops up this one, which is one of the joys of watching it (if you are a Hooper fan).

INVADERS FROM MARS (1986)
With a supporting turn from Louise Fletcher and Karen Black this big budget child's nightmare of backyard alien invasion is a marvel to behold due in part by the cutting edge visuals and Hooper's skill at maintaining the tone throughout in a film that could've easily bordered on self parody. Although there are a few moments of excess, this is part of Hooper's style and the charm of some of his best films.