Waxwork (1988)

First time writer/director Anthony Hickox hit the ball out of the horror ballpark in 1988 with his monster-gore-classic Waxwork, creating a bloody romp that's as much ode as it is oddly distorted camp. Mixing macabre humor and a fairly simple story structure, Hickox was able to put his own spin on the most famous classic movie monsters without making them seem dated. In fact, the film's tongue-firmly-planted-in-cheek splatter ideals make for a perfect companion to the venerable creatures of old and allow for such well-known conventions to be thrown on their face -- with often grisly and humorous results. Headed by Gremlins alumni Zach Galligan, the cast is equally as fresh as far as horror film acting goes. Especially ingenious is the casting of Patrick Macnee and David Warner -- two scene-chewing veterans who add much fun to the ensuing madness on the screen. Another layer which sets the film apart from its contemporaries is the almost Lynchian spin that fuels the early portions of the script. It's as if Hickox wasn't happy enough to riff on his favorite monster films, but decided to add in subtle film noir elements too -- creating a bizarre world which reels you in before a drop of blood is shed. With exceptional makeup effects by Bob Keen (who would later tackle werewolves to greater degree in the action/horror-fest Dog Soldiers) and production design that greatly belies its budget, Waxwork is a slick and gruesomely entertaining ride who's fantastical essence carried on in Hickox's campier sequel, Waxwork II: Lost in Time. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide