Shocker
Seen it?1989 | 111 min | Horror, Thriller
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With middling reviews (30% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 5.6 out of 10 from audiences, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and horror fans. If you loved Halloween, start here.
- The mood
- Scary and gory.
- The pace
- Fast-moving, at 1 hr 51 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect violence.
About to be electrocuted for a catalog of heinous crimes, the unrepentant Horace Pinker transforms into a terrifying energy source. Only young athlete Jonathan Parker, with an uncanny connection to him through bizarre dreams, can fight the powerful demon.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
30% on Rotten Tomatoes, 51 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
5.6 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$17 million worldwide on a $5 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 70K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Halloween
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed horror thriller.
Strange Darling Sunday Safe BetAnother horror thriller, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Prowler Weeknight WatchAnother horror thriller, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Town that Dreaded Sundown Weeknight WatchAnother horror thriller, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Wes Craven
- Michael MurphyLt. Don Parker
- Mitch PileggiHorace Pinker
- Peter BergJonathan Parker
- Camille CooperAlison
- Sam ScarberCooper
- Richard BrooksRhino
- Vincent GuastaferroPastori
- Ted RaimiPac Man
- Heather LangenkampVictim
- John TeshTV Newscaster