75/100

The comparisons to the genre-defining studio of Hammer is easily acknowledge here, especially given the two central performances from Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, but Horror Express actually diverts itself quite a ways from the typical Hammer fare and because of this it results in being one of the best 70s horror films that I’ve ever seen. A complete genre dominance is shown here within the first half of the film, but once it clicks into second gear with the revelation of the monster the second half becomes something even better.

What starts of as a sort of slow-burn mystery, turns into a monster fest with some of the absolute creepiest and gore-infused deaths that I’ve seen from this decade. I was kind of blown away at how well this dove right into its horror roots and only added a small splash of science fiction. The monster itself is such a uniquely designed and craft piece of the film that even though it was adapted only better in John Carpenter’s The Thing; I think the work that Eugenio Martín does here is easily the second best adaptation of “Who Goes There?”

As always, Lee and Cushing are absolute legends here. Just their presence on screen makes up for the price of admission. Equally well in the way they inhabit their roles, but also really allowing for such a great atmospheric experience. Alberto de Mendoza is also so creepily wonderful in his role here. The trifecta of them all make. for such a brilliant film front to back. Horror Express is a short and sweet horror experience that deserves all sorts of love - such a great flick.

Hooptober 9: 11/31
Horror Films Ranked