First Review: Masters of Horror 2

This anthology series coming to the Showtime Channel will feature brand new stories by legendary directors.

First up is the offering from Joe Dante, “The Screwfly Solution.” Best known for The Howling and Gremlins, Dante’s direction is like an out-of-control trainwreck in need of a decent script editor. Jason Priestley stars in a story about a virus which causes men to kill women. As it sweeps the globe there are confusing messages about aliens, and a shift from the hero’s journey to a role played by Kerry Norton. In a supporting role is Elliot Gould, but he all but disappears without explanation for most of the story.

More satisfying is “Family” directed by John Landis. He has previously directed The Blues Brothers, Animal House and American Werewolf in London.

In this delightfully-bent tale, the new neighbours of George Wendt (‘Norm’ from Cheers) harbors a deep, dark secret that shows all is not quite right in suburbia. Borrowing a little black comedy from Desperate Housewives, at times it is crude and definitely in-your-face! It’s great to see Wendt in a villainous role, and nice to see Landis back at the screen.

Each week Showtime will screen one story, including new offerings from John Carpenter and Tope Hooper.

Masters of Horror 2 premieres with ‘Screwfly Solution’ at 8:30pm Fri May 18 on Showtime.