My Bloody Valentine (1981) [Slasher/Mystery]

1981 was a very good year for Slashers. You had arguably the best film in the Friday the 13th series (the first sequel), Halloween II, The Burning, Madman and the incredibly sleazy Nightmare. Among them was also My Bloody Valentine, a really fun Canadian slasher by George Mihalka.

Many years ago, a mining accident trapped six miners. Ultimately, all but one miner named Harry Warden died who was then locked up in an asylum because he ate the rest after killing them. He then escaped on Valentine's Day and went on a bit of a killing spree before finally getting killed. As a result, the town refrains from celebrating valentine's day. Finally, in present day, some youngsters decide to organize a party on Valentine's day only to have people turning up dead in horrible ways. Is Harry somehow back or is it somebody else?

This movie was an unfortunate victim of some slashing by the censors themselves who edited all the gore out making this movie about as effective as James Bond without womanizing. That being said, watching the uncut version and essentially Mihalka's true vision makes you realize what a great job he has done here. The mystery is well maintained. This is a REALLY well-directed film, stylish, oozing atmosphere, sufficiently gory. The use of the claustrophobic mine setting, the presence of likable characters which makes you care about the extremely violent deaths. These kids may be dumb but they are not terrible people. Plus, the girls are hot (not as much as Friday the 13th Part II AKA The one with the bush) so you got eye candy for the men and 80s style moustaches for the women. Yay for gender equality!

To conclude, My Bloody Valentine might be my favorite 80s slasher at least in terms of direction. I watch it from time to time just because it is so much fun. The fact that I know what will happen still does not deter my enjoyment in watching this movie. Highly recommended!

Rating - 8.5/10