Horror Films of the 1980s

by John Kenneth Muir

Overview

John Kenneth Muir is back! This time, the author of the acclaimed Horror Films of the 1970s turns his attention to 300 films from the 1980s. From horror franchises like Friday the 13th and Hellraiser to obscurities like The Children and The Boogens, Muir is our informative guide.

Muir introduces the scope of the decade's horrors, and offers a history that draws parallels between current events and the nightmares unfolding on cinema screens. Each of the 300 films is discussed with detailed credits, a brief synopsis, a critical commentary, and where applicable, notes on the film's legacy beyond the 80s. Also included is the author's ranking of the 15 best horror films of the 80s.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786472987
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	11/07/2012
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	843
Sales rank:	939,989
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.20(h) x 2.00(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

John Kenneth Muir is an American literary critic and award-winning author. As of 2022, he has written 30 reference books in the fields of film and television, with a particular focus on the horror and science fiction genres.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments     
Preface     

PART I: DON’TWORRY, BE HAPPY (OR, BE AFRAID … BE VERY AFRAID…)
AN INTRODUCTION TO HORROR FILMS OF THE 1980S     
PART II: A HISTORY OF THE DEAD TEENAGER DECADE     
PART III: THE FILMS (BY YEAR OF RELEASE)      

Conclusion     
Appendices     
Notes     
Bibliography     
Index     

Editorial Reviews

writing is clear, with a personal but expert tone...useful information and enjoyable commentary...recommended”—Booklist; “fans of the horror genre are sure to find something to scream about. Muir again plunges into the dark...appropriate to the so-called era of greed, he has this time added more of everything: films, background, appendices, and critical analyses...ample, witty, well-versed entries...highly recommended”—Library Journal; “have no fear. Muir reveals all...readable and entertaining...this tremendous tome of terror is the quintessential concordance to the films of the dead teenager decade...Muir opts for comprehensiveness...Muir’s genius lies in his giving context to the films. Muir has carved out a niche for himself with this kind of reference work...recommended”—Choice; “comprehensive...insightful”—C&RL News; “one of the finest horror reference books I’ve ever read”—City Slab; “he did it again...Muir is back and better than ever”—NVF Magazine; “readers will be pleased by the attention to detail that is lavished on each of the 325 films included...a far more thorough approach to the material and his dedication creates a definitive reference book...recommend”—Horrortalk.com.

From the Publisher

"have no fear. Muir reveals all...readable and entertaining...this tremendous tome of terror is the quintessential concordance to the films of the dead teenager decade...Muir opts for comprehensiveness..."

Choice

"writing is clear, with a personal but expert tone...useful information and enjoyable commentary...recommended"

Booklist/RBB

Arranged alphabetically by year, 300 films from the "Dead Teenager Decade" are summarized, quoted, and reviewed as acclaimed author Muir (Eaten Alive at a Chainsaw Massacre: The Films of Tobe Hooper; Wes Craven: The Art of Horror) directs his gaze toward scary movies of all types. Providing plot synopses, "Critical Reception," cast and crew credits, and his own critical commentary, Muir successfully brings the best and the worst of the '80s back from the dead. Black-and-white movie stills and colorful one-liners punch up entries. From the Halloween-esque slasher flicks to obscure cinematic campfests like 1985's From Beyond, fans of the horror genre are sure to find something to scream about. VERDICT For academic collections supporting a film-studies curriculum.

Library Journal

writing is clear, with a personal but expert tone...useful information and enjoyable commentary...recommended

Booklist