Hack-O-Lantern (1988)

"What's wrong with raising a little hell?" - Grandpa

aka: Halloween Night
aka: Death Mask
A family has a disturbing connection to evil cultists.
Starring: Gregory Scott Cummins, Hy Pyke, Katina Garner, Carla Baron, Jeff Brown

Link to IMDB

Tommy

Tommy has always had a weird relationship with his grandfather, because old Grandpa is the leader of a Satanic cult and he's got Tommy interested in the dark powers of evil. Tommy's mother is always trying to get rid of Grandpa, and rightfully so, not only is he a creep but we also know that he killed Tommy's dad years ago!

Everyone in town is preparing for Halloween. Tommy's sister, Vera, is excited about a big party, while their brother, Roger, is a police officer. Grandpa has plans of his own, which involve a Satanic ceremony to make Tommy a full member of his cult.
Meanwhile, the poor mother is worried about everyone and everything, because she knows Gramps is up to something weird.


Then a mysterious masked person appears and starts killing off everyone connected to the family! Tommy's girlfriend gets it first, and the body count keeps rising as the killer ruthlessly hunts down more victims.
But who is this murderer!? The movie does a great job of teasing the fact that it could be Tommy, Grandpa, or even the mother. There are definitely some twists and surprises to see when the truth of the matter is revealed.

Mom                              Roger                                         Vera                             Grandpa

The Killer

This movie has a very bonkers vibe to it, but it's handled seriously enough to not get too dumb. It's one of those fringe movies that feels like it was made by aliens instead of humans.
There's some tension built as the killer goes about his business, and even some decent gore, but this isn't really trying to be horror, it's more of a "whodunit" plot.

A highlight is Hy Pyke's performance as the grandpa. He's superbly melodramatic and corny, while still able to come across as a demented weirdo. This peculiar acting fits into the movie very well because there are many goofy moments here, and I barely scratched the surface of all the crap I was laughing at.


Hack-O-Lantern is a strange and memorable hidden gem for trash enthusiasts.
I'll definitely be watching this again someday.

Be sure not to miss:
- Looks like Tommy outgrew his bed ten years ago.
- Nora's butt tattoo is clearly just drawn on with a sharpie.
- The salad bowl costume is pretty good.

Internet review:
"It's just too weird to not appreciate." - Loron0

Should I watch it?
Yes!

Where can I find it?
Links here.

Hack-O-Lantern gets...