The infamous Robert Englund (Freddy Kreuger) as the Phantom of the Opera movie.
This movie seems to have a reputation that it doesn't really deserve. It's "the slasher Phantom of the Opera," and while it does have more blood and some nastier effects than you tend to expect fro a Phantom movie, it never quite reaches slasher territory. That's not to say it's from lack of effort though. This movie gives the impression that took the cast and crew from an 80s slasher film and gave them the costume, set, and scripts from a Hammer horror film. It's an odd mix that never quite gels together.
There's also odd opening and closing sequence set in the modern (80s) day that was supposed to tie in to a planned sequel that never got made.
And while Robert Englund makes a nice villain, he never quite feels like he should be THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. (Stitching flesh to his face to hide his scars does look really awesome though.)
Despite all these flaws, I really enjoy this movie, more so than a lot of Phantom of the Opera adaptions. I think one of the main reasons is because it never forgets that the Phantom is a monster, not just some love-sick romantic figure.
So, what do the rest of you think?
Dug up my old review:
The 1989 film version of The Phantom of the Opera, starring Robert Englund (of Freddy Krueger fame), is a visually stylish but tonally conflicted attempt to blend the classic Gothic tragedy of Gaston Leroux with the gory sensibilities of a late-80s slasher film, resulting in a movie with a genuine split personality disorder. While director Dwight H. Little delivers a handsome period piece with elaborate sets and a premise that incorporates elements of the novel often omitted by other adaptations, the need to appeal to a horror audience dictates moments of brutal, R-rated violence, such as the infamous Phantom wearing a "mask" of stitched-on human skin taken from his victims. This uneven mixture of operatic melodrama and visceral horror creates a jarring experience that may not fully satisfy either devoted Phantom purists or hardcore slasher fans, though Englund's unhinged and menacing portrayal of the Phantom as a straight-up villain gives the film a distinct, noteworthy appeal for those interested in a darker, more aggressive take on the legendary character.
Rating back then: 2.5/5 (Flawed but Worthy)
Nice review. I think we're mostly on the same page there.