Justin's Rating:
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Justin's Review: Now, who says that there aren't any good horror flicks earlier than 1973? Me, actually. And for the most part, those horror films since '73 have stunk as well. But here is the rare gem of an exception, a 1932 scare-a-thon that still eerily works today. Freaks is a film with actual circus sideshow freaks. . . one of the main reasons why it is so scary (and why it was banned in the US for so many years). You are simultaneously repulsed, attracted, and fascinated (kinda like the way you pick at a scab) by the inhabitants of this film: midgets, people with no arms or no legs (one guy with none of the above), a siamese twin, a hermaphrodite, and stuff that you will never even see on the X-Files. It's a cute plot in a 30's kind of way, and I got lulled into thinking that it would be no more sophisticated than a Disney flick. There are a couple of normal circus members who torment the freaks; the freaks get revenge. It's handled with a delicate touch; the freaks are portrayed with sympathy and humanity. But. . . there are scenes in here that will haunt you till the day you die -- doesn't that sound like your grandpa talking? In fact, don't see this movie. You couldn't handle it at all. Go rent the placid Scream for a nice, calm evening. (psst... hey, didja think the reverse psychology worked? huh? I'm still typing the review? Damn!)

Recommended for:
X-Files Fans

The Movie Store!
Freaks: Movie [VHS]
Freaks: Movie [Laserdisc]

Intermission!
Kyle S. writes in, The Siamese-twins in the film were played by ex-freak show-cum-vaudeville performers Daisy and Violet Hilton. They also appeared in another film that exploited their "Siamese twin-ness" called Chained for Life. Their life story was basis for the 1997 Broadway musical Side Show.

Groovy Quotes:

Freaks: [chanting] We accept you -- one of us!

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