1973 was a hallmark year for the genre of horror cinema. Any clues as to why? Yes my friends, The Exorcist debuted on the silver screen. Audiences all across not only the nation but the globe were horrified by the misdeeds of Satan, the cute 10 year old, cuddly model that is. Ever since audiences have experienced a familiar chill down their spine as the watch what once was an adorable young-un slowly approach mommy, butcher's knife in hand. Yet is the golden age history? Has the oil well that was possessed miniature people dried up? Recently I saw the film Legion starring Paul Bettany, other flaws of the film aside I'd like to focus on one particular aspect. In the film there is a scene in which the pregnant, savior of humanity (think Sarah Conner but replace the robots with angels) is advanced upon by the cutest, most adorable, devilishly possessed thing-you-ever-saw, intent upon her demise. As I watched this I awaited the familiar chill down my spine....and waited.....and waited. It never came. Has the staple of horror lost its value? Has this popular hallmark of fright and consternation lost its "zing"? I believe so. I, as a representative of the movie-viewing population, felt not the slightest bit of dread. Like a lion threatened by a pussy cat, I simply watched on with mild interest and moderate entertainment. With the gravitational force of an ACME anvil, I suddenly came to the realization that this aspect of trepidation was now and forever lost upon moviegoers. Audiences have simply become desensitized to Chucky, model number 28. Goodbye demented demon child. Goodbye freaky, little demon-possessed monster. As I wave farewell, while you pull out of the drive way and turn the corner, I can only wonder what will replace you? What will make me jump and quake and shiver now? Or at least, for the next five years or so.
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