Tales from the Darkside: The Movie

Paramount Pictures | Release Date: May 4, 1990

CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION

54	METASCORE Mixed or average reviews based on 13 Critic Reviews

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Critic Reviews

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John Hartl

Harrison is more interested in teasing than frightening an audience to death, but he still manages to deliver several strong jolts. So does the cast of first-rate actors, who obviously had a marvelous time turning themselves into goons, cannibals, gargoyles and ghouls. [04 May 1990, p.28]

Jay Scott

This omnibus of four tales is cheerful, campy, garish, ghoulish and gross. That means it's a success on its own unambitious B-movie terms. [05 May 1990]

Janet Maslin

Nothing about Tales From the Darkside is likely to give anyone much of a scare. But thanks to casting that is savvier than the horror norm, and to direction by John Harrison that is workmanlike and sometimes even witty, at least it's fun. Read full review

Michael Wilmington

As a horror show, it's a cut--or a slash or a bloody whack--above most movies of this type: cleverly written, cleverly cast. Read full review

Staff (Not Credited)

Tales from the Darkside is significantly gorier than its namesake TV series, and has better production values.

Odie Henderson

Each mini-movie has the same tally of moments of greatness, grossness, and dullness, giving Tales from the Darkside: The Movie an even-handed feel. Read full review

Time Out LondonStaff (Not Credited)

Definitely an improvement on the lamentable Creepshow or Cat's Eye, but Harrison never quite transcends the inherently limited format. Read full review

Susan Wloszczyna

Those who adore horror movies so much that they crave Count Chocula cereal may be amused. The rest can skip this walk on the Darkside. [07 May 1990, p.4D]

Bill Cosford

None of the three is at all frightening, and though the final tale makes use of some nifty makeup effects, they're ones we have seen many times before. [11 May 1990, p.11]

Owen Gleiberman

Its title aside, this slow, clunky omnibus film feels more like a TV show than a movie. It’s not very scary, and there isn’t much contrast among the episodes. Read full review

TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)

Dull, derivative horror anthology. Read full review

Richard Harrington

Unfortunately, the fact that these particular stories come from the likes of Arthur Conan Doyle and Stephen King can't overcome the direction of John Harrison and the movie's basic television-level aspirations. Read full review

Johanna Steinmetz

The film's rhythm is sluggish, with gore strategically placed in case the audience nods off. [08 May 1990, p.3C]