A mysterious wax museum owner (David Warner, deliciously sinister) invites a group of young people to a private midnight viewing. Step beyond the rope of an exhibit and you enter its world - werewolf, vampire, mummy, Marquis de Sade and more - with deadly consequences.
Waxwork (1988), Anthony Hickox's debut is a terrific concept delivered with genuine affection for classic monster cinema. Hickox's energetic direction, Bob Keen's excellent practical effects and creature work, and the physical stunts give the film bags of 1980s charm.
Gerry Lively's cinematography and Roger Bellon's score - alongside the cheeky use of Lesley Gore's "It's My Party" - complete the nostalgic package.
However, it feels at times as if shots are missing, cut or unfilmed, possibly due to budget and time, which are not necessarily editing issues, just elements that don't exist. Also the characters and tone at times feels a little off and underwritten. That said, there's some great locations and sets and one-liners that hit the mark.
Zach Galligan (Gremlins) and Deborah Foreman (April Fools Day) make an appealing central pair and do there best with the material. While the memorable and alluring Michelle Johnson, Clare Carey and likeable Dana Ashbrook (Twin Peaks) provide solid support. Mihaly 'Michu' Meszaros (ALF) is notable. Kendall Conrad owns the mummy segment as the Girl in Pyramid leaving an impression. Warner relishes the opportunity to chew the scenery, Patrick Macnee adds wry authority as Sir Wilfred, and brief appearances from John Rhys-Davies as the werewolf and Miles O'Keeffe as Dracula are great fun.
The comedy is hit-and-miss, the pacing occasionally drags, and the final act suffers from choppy editing and awkward staging. Even so, Waxwork remains lively nostalgic fun, an effects-driven horror-comedy with plenty of imagination and atmosphere.
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