Exploring The Stepfather

[@stlouisrocker100]

This is one of the most underrated serial killer films of the 80's in my opinion. I also have to give kudos for including the true story of the events that inspired the film.

[@lucyfair6141]

this film is fantastic. you expect a silly 80's horror and then comes a dark, deeply original drama horror movie. Thanks for this!

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thanks for watching!

[@mousetreehouse6833]

Terry O'Quinn is one of the reasons I love Silver Bullet...he plays such a sympathetic character in it, a sheriff totally unhinged by a child's death...

[@nanodisco]

Saw this in theaters, back in '88, at an All Night Horror festival, together with Hellraiser, Near Dark and The Blob as a surprise movie. Good times...

[@rafaeltrivino1790]

Bill Paxton is dead? When and how did he die?

[@oddeyes9413]

I would love to go to one of those. I'm 24 but not a big party person, but I thoroughly would have enjoyed to watch a quadruple feature of classic horror films.

[@CorbCorbin]

That was a great year for movies.

[@Caomhmc]

That's awesome dude.

[@asifmetal666]

Stepfather 1987 movie was freaking awesome. I think the actor played as the Stepfather done a incredible job. He was so likable n when he snaps u really feel it. That guy single handedly own the film. He was that great. Terry OQuinn was the best.

[@moviesovermatterproductions]

Stepfather I & II!! O'Quinn is the MAN! love both of them

[@johnmanning6587]

I was really annoyed by Siskel & Ebert back in the day. They always came off as pretentious hacks who hated everything that didn't match their seal of approval. And the way they treated the people working on "Silent Night, Deadly Night" and "I spit on your grave" is just really pathetic on their parts. If they pulled that shit now, they'd be classified as neck beards and trolls. Their whole attitude towards the horror genre, and thinking that they were the ones to "fix it" just pisses me off.

[@jmgmarcus808]

John Manning They were douche poodles.

[@ZRTMWA]

If I were to make a horror movie around that time, I would have a scene where there's a stick, sticking up in some mud, and credit it as Roger Ebert.

[@231mac]

John Manning Not to mention, Ebert's hypocritical ass wrote screenplays for softcore porn! Such a defender of women's rights....

[@09nob]

With the exception of musicals which I can understand hating because they tend to be awful schmaltz, how can a critic hate a whole genre? it's like having a hair dresser who only does short hair cuts, what a schmuck.

[@killerflamingo9566]

Thank you for saying this

[@nearvanaman]

One of my favorite movies. Was unaware of the John List inspiration. The entire basement scene - all we need is a little order around here - is chilling. 👍

[@kittygrimm7301]

Not gonna lie, the first time I watched this, that opening haunted me for days. The way he just casually walks past such a brutal murder scene gives me the chills!

[@tias.6675]

AGREED ! That is one of the most creepy scenes ever lol.

[@KarstensCreationsKC]

I've always loved this film, one of O'Quinn's BEST..."Wait a minute, wait a minute...who am I here?" ranks as one of the most chilling film lines I have ever heard. GREAT 'Exploring', many thanks...

[@keithwalker3989]

The beginning of this film gave me nightmares for years. The Remake... not so much. Thank you for exploring the true story that this movie is based on! A Nightmare on Elm street has a very strange "True" story as well.

[@dennett316]

www.cinemablend.com/new/Nightmare-Elm-Street-Was-Inspired-By-Horrific-True-Story-67798.html A link where the story is mentioned, for those who don't know. I also liked Wes Craven's partial inspiration for Freddy Krueger, the old man out in the street who saw young Craven looking at him from his bedroom window and just kept staring at him. Craven hid, then went back to look again after a minute or two and the old guy was still there, still staring right at him.

[@frederiklikesgames6481]

This movie has one of the greatest opening scenes of all times

[@axekicker78]

O'Quinn puts on an acting clinic in this one. Brilliant.

[@leelalo6625]

Watched this back in the early 90’s and loved it. Watched it just recently and loved it. Great underrated film.

[@jamesdefoe3608]

I love your narrations and wish that you would do more stories, personal or otherwise.

[@DemonBoy3223]

I love these types of movies, the idea that the beloved neighbor/family relative who is a cold-blooded killer living unsuspected and undetected in typical suburban life. I'm thinking of watching this as a double feature alongside Hitchcock's _Shadow_ _of_ _a_ _Doubt_ . This is surely an underrated 1980s thriller with an amazing duplicitous performance by the ever-awesome Terry O'Quinn. There's a big reason why he was chosen for the _Lost_ TV show. ;D

[@Madbandit77]

George Bean I fell in love with O'Quinn when he guest-starred on "X-Files" and was a regular on the underrated "Millennium".

[@kforcer]

Shadow of a Doubt is one of the greatest films of all-time.

[@DemonBoy3223]

@@kforcer _Shadow of a Doubt_ is actually *my #1 favorite Alfred Hitchcock film* out there. As an aspiring writer myself, I've also been writing a script for a "re-adaptation" of the original film, not a remake or reboot, but a *love letter*; I love the premise and writing the Uncle Charlie character; I'm making my version not as a jump-scare horror movie, but more of a psychological cat-&-mouse thriller, similar to Kubrick's _The Shining,_ or like "if Wes Craven directed _Shadow of a Doubt"_

[@kforcer]

@@DemonBoy3223 Sounds like an awesome project! I hope it turns out well, because Hollywood could use a picture like that, which recalls what was great about the golden era while still retaining its own originality. It might be helpful to see the early 90's made for television remake of Shadow of Doubt, if you haven't already.

[@DemonBoy3223]

@@kforcer I do take my writing very seriously, so I feel invested into it, the best part is writing the Uncle/Niece dynamic and how it evolves from friendly to "knives out". I did watch a few minutes of the 90's TV version, but I had planned to watch it in its entirety. If I remember, Mark Harmon is in it (my Mama is a huge NCIS fan), Diane Ladd and Tippi Hedron, too.

[@brandonbarker8821]

Thank you,Cecil....I've been waiting for you to finally review this. Such a classic

[@joshuachadmorris5178]

This is one of my all time fav movies

[@anitanolove6594]

I saw all 3 on TV earlier this year and I loved how it took more a psychological route instead of complete murder of entities and when I learned this was based on an actual true story it made it even more appealing

[@SeptienPatterson]

I had no idea The Stepfather was based on actual events

[@MrUseless247]

Raiterio Patterson same here

[@C-Murph]

Everything is based on actual events. Everything.

[@KarstensCreationsKC]

Ferngully: The Last Rainforest? Please elaborate...;)

[@MrUseless247]

KennethMichaels Lord of the Rings??? E.T.??? LOL

[@C-Murph]

Especially LotR and ET.

[@sebigomezzz]

The score for this movie is fantastic. The music at the beginning made the scene extra creepy

[@vitodamico8688]

This film is a real gem its unique in so many ways. A real diamond in the rough

[@JoeDredd2012]

Fantastic episode Cecil on a very creepy film I always enjoyed never knew it was based on a real story.

[@deletedscenes]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For shedding light on one greatest underrated movies of all time.

[@sadisticservant]

Watched this movie without knowing anything about it. I was expecting a cheesy B-movie but it turns out to be a very good psychological thriller!

[@JasonPerrotta]

The Stepfather really doesnt get the praise it deserves, great video. I did enjoy Stepfather 2 but for different reasons, the first is a classic

[@Jel01975]

Seriously you can’t stop making these videos. They are so cool

[@patrickschleihs]

One of my favorite movies...

[@usedfuzzbox]

Caught this on video back in the day, really enjoyed it, Terry's performance was excellent. Also never knew about the real life inspiration.

[@CoinOpTV]

used to have this movie on Laser Disc

[@Corporal_Hicks]

Thanks for the review! I haven't seen this movie in years, but now i will find it on dvd so i can watch it again thanks to this great review from you!

[@mickael486]

This tribute to one of my favorite indie movies ever. (my favorite as a kid) deserves a 2nd subscription to your channel.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

:)

[@johnst3296]

This is O'Quinn's defining movie, as clockwork Orange is Malcom McDowell's. He's just so charismatic- You can't help but root for him, hope his candy coated dreams of a family in suburbia come true, though you know they won't; it's just a matter of time until he goes off the rails. Great movie.

[@8Dataman8]

I love this movie and this video was very informative, despite me reading about the truth behind the movie before. Really, you're doing a big service for every movie fan out there. :)

[@frankb821]

Just watched this last night for the first time...hell of a movie! I had no idea. Terry O'Quinn was brilliant.

[@tflo3482]

He was caught decades later due to one of the early instances of forensic recreation/model making where a guy sculpted what he would look like out of clay and it was used on unsolved mysteries. great movie and video

[@harrisonmckinney7659]

Yes! So glad about this!

[@benjamingreenwood7370]

I heard of the List murder from Forensic Files, a TV show. Fascinating case, but he was caught thanks to a remarkably well done police model of him. He had hid for years under a different name elsewhere in the country. He and his family were devout Christians, and he even said prayers over their bodies. He turned the air down as far as it'd go to slow decomposition, too.

[@ALL_that_ENDS]

Heard that intro /outro, instant subs.

[@Rubyfallz]

You upload these videos about an hour before I'm done with work. I always watch them right after I get home. Even though I don't always agree on your opionions on films, I love watching your stuff. Keep doing your thing!

[@Activated_Complex]

I’ll check it out. Through most of this video, I was thinking of The Guest, a movie I love. So that’s promising, although I’m sure they are very different films. Thanks again.

[@doctorfeinstone6524]

this trilogy is so underrated

[@ThaBotmon]

You should make Exploring "8mm" a very good thriller from 1999 that was overlooked and underrated at the time and also feature one of the best performance of Nicolas Cage IMO. Also I think that the genre of the movie fits perfectly with most of movies you talk about in your Exploring Series.

[@GothMermaidGamer]

I just watched this yesterday, and I'm glad I waited until I saw it before watching this video to avoid it being spoiled for me. It was refreshing to watch a horror/suspense movie that is actually engaging and thrilling to watch. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I had actually seen the remake first, but when I found out that it was a remake, I suspected that the original was most likely better, which is par for the course with horror remakes. Definitely true for this one.

[@Leolion0013]

Damn, I love your Exploring vids!

[@yigilantis]

wow, wasnt expecting this film to be explored. great job!

[@rossbach451]

Back in the day, I was in love with Jill Schoelen. Loved her work, she was gorgeous, but she never hit it huge. Always kinda wondered why.

[@luckyzwrx]

Great video man, make more exploring vids!

[@slasher1225]

Great video as always man, Since you mentioned it in this video think we'll ever see an exploring video on Dreamscape? :)

[@H3len50]

Thank you so much. I really enjoyed this review of this very good movie.

[@thancrus]

I remember the list capturing episode oddly well. I think it was the first one i saw in first run where they caught someone... Kinda like the old Unsolved Mysteries "update"

[@markyerex3314]

john list was worried about cash, but it turns out the chandelier in his house was worth like 30 grand or something

[@linda10989]

mark yerex I thought it was a stained glass window, but I could be wrong...

[@markyerex3314]

+Linda Roy ahhhh could be... i was thinking back to the episode of American Justice i saw over a decade ago.

[@linda10989]

That's where I heard it too...I'll have to watch it again. Selling it would have solved all his financial problems, if I recall correctly

[@slipknotboy555]

Linda Roy What's even worse is I'm not sure that would've stopped it. List pretty much had to be a psychopath, and I get the feeling the motive may have involved image/reputation. It's like his image meant much more to him than the lives of his wife and children, and he took his feelings about the hit to his precious little image out on them. Or eliminated them to move away and create a new image. At least, that's what it seemed like; selfish piece of shit. I think I also remember hearing about some religious shit in relation to what he did, but I can't remember. The way image mattered even more back then is pretty disturbing in a way, too

[@dsandoval9396]

Damn.

[@nicholascirilo8221]

Cool Exploring video you did on the film The Stepfather it's one my favorite films.

[@mickael486]

Another fantastic video filled with info I never knew about one of my very few favorite horror/suspense films ever. Where did you find out about all this?? a dvd special edition I'm not aware of?

[@Thecrimsonscreen]

I love all your videos! But this one was OUTSTANDING...please keep up the good work!

[@krogan52]

Donald Westlake is my favorite author. The Dortmunder novels are fantastic, clever crime capers centered around a down on his luck burglar. The technology in the books is outdated but the stories are clever and really funny.

[@GinHindew110]

Once i watched the remake and it was only the end but the concept as pretty cool (i watched it just in time for the "who was i here") and i was curious about it, now i will look for the original

[@daz929]

The Long Kiss Goodnight still on the list? Awesome video btw as always 👍

[@Kiryu904]

I remember seeing advertisements for the remake back in 2009 and didn't know it was based on an older film. I also remember having a slight interest in seeing it, but now I think I'll check out the original movie instead.

[@BriBri76]

The crew had to plough snow, and it was freezing weather. Welcome to Canada!

[@SilverSurfer166]

I never got why Ebert hated violence in movies, the world is a violent place. Get used to it.

[@CorbCorbin]

Norrin Radd He didn't. He hated what he called a director using it as a crutch,or violence for the sake of violence, type bullshit. Yet he helped Sam Peckinpah's career immensely, by praising the Wild Bunch, and other films by him. All of which were violent.

[@231mac]

@@CorbCorbin He sure didn't mind writing porn screenplays, either

[@maciejkowalski2759]

He defended the violence in "Taxi Driver" as being purposeful and essential to the movie's plot, so yeah, not always he hated it.

[@Axolotl_Mischief]

Because he was a garbage critic. He just really sucked at his job.

[@AgentMcQueen]

This was great. Easily one of the best ones you've done.

[@Headbehindthebubble]

Never heard of this movie and it certainly looks like its worth a viewing. Great vid again, well put together.

[@LucyLioness100]

It took till I looked it up that it had basis in the List case. I was familiar with those crimes because of true crime shows. Love learning how they shoot all these films; really cool without having to track down DVDs that don’t have a ‘making of’

[@escapeartistjuneau5061]

Great video again! I've just finished watching I don't feel at home in this world anymore on Netflix it's a brilliant flick anyone else seen it?

[@linternamagica100]

great video man, like always.

[@hudsonsirheshicks2653]

Was Ebert sniffing glue? This is the best Hitchcockian styled thriller old Hitch himself would be proud of. Truly, an 80's gem and such a shame about the remake. Props to your research on John List, too. A well assembled video 👍

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thanks!

[@horrorstateofmind2724]

awesome franchise and needs a nice a blu ray collection

[@Crazy_Borg]

For another excellent movie with Terry O'Quinn from the late 80s, check out "The forgotten one". It's incredible hard to find, I only own an old VHS copy.

[@freetobe3]

Exploring The Stepfather, where have I seen this title before?

[@blabbagush]

FreeToBe CinemaSnob did an episode on it

[@freetobe3]

I was referring to a porn title.

[@MrT6250]

FreeToBe 😂😂😂

[@_yellow]

Wonder when _Exploring The Stepmother_ is coming out

[@Ikiya69]

Exploring The Stepsister spawn so many sequels

[@RobinsTaste]

Amazing content! I had no clue this movie was inspirated by true events.

[@Warstub]

It's insane that we live in a world where you have to gain rights to whistle a song.

[@micahjohnsonboxing6409]

Warstub I look at it as hey that person made it.

[@XxXspawndXxX]

Only when you're using it to make money.

[@princeofcupspoc9073]

Disney bought enough congresscritters to get public domain pretty much abolished. Kids today don't have any idea what public domain even is.

[@darkartsdabbler2407]

Well obviously if they used a popular song they would sell way more tickets because people are definitely paying for a whistled rendition of licensed music and not to see a movie.

[@Eisenwulf666]

This is Barbra´s world, we just live in it..

[@ThanenJ]

I'm glad that you closed on Jon list. I would have felt a void if I didn't know his fate

[@tcdcult]

Love our videos Cecil! You are the Patron saint of B grade films. Don't know if you do requests but would like to see your take on stuff like Tobe Hoopers Invaders From Mars, Freaked (Alex Winters), Three 'O Clock High, The Jerky Boys, any Stephen King, Dean Koontz or H.P. Lovecraft adaptions ect, ect. Keep up the great vids!

[@jmcclain8237]

This is a really good movie. Glad you reviewed it.

[@MsRee713]

I would like to see you explore WaxWork II.

[@g.b569]

What are some of the messed up Parts of the John List story was that he openly told his children that he was going to kill them and asked them how they wanted to be buried. In a confession, he said the night before the deed he slept “extraordinarily” well that night.

[@MoonspiderHugs]

holy cow, i was not aware this was based on something real.....wow. amazing work as always, good sir

[@billybobtexas]

Outstanding episode!

[@Suzz60947]

Great explanation of the films. O'Quinn was perfect for the role. As for the remake, it was well cast; but the original can't be outdone.

[@gluserty]

This film really creeped me out when I first viewed it, and I still find it pretty menacing due to the awesome performance of Terry O'Quinn. As for John List, I first heard about him from when I watched "America's Most Wanted", and was pretty shocked about what he did. I later learned from "American Justice" that the financial troubles that led him to murder his family could've been curbed if he realized that he had an original Tiffany skylight that could've been sold, which may have solved his financial woes. What a waste; that's why it's not a good idea to start a family if you're not financially secure or are unprepared to handle what kind of people your kids will become (it's mostly about money with him, though).

[@JeffMaziarz]

One thing I seem to recall from the movie that I thought really weird: I recall them mentioning that mom and stepdad guy were married about a year, and also that the man she was originally married to had been dead a year. I'm not sure if I misheard, or if she just jumped on marrying a guy immediately after becoming a widow. Maybe I misheard, but I remember it standing out when I watched it as something weird.

[@elenstarlight]

I love the movie, especially the opening

[@Granturion]

Remember this seeing as a kid with my dad... god im old.

[@Jonashall1]

Old but wise my friend.

[@WordUnheard]

Have you ever thought about reviewing Firewalker, the 1986 movie with Chuck Norris and Louis Gossett Jr? For some reason, even though I hadn't thought about that movie in the better part of two decades, it popped into my head and I immediately thought of your reviews. I know better than to ask if you've actually seen it, because you have apparently seen every movie I've seen, and then some.

[@Technique1995]

I saw the movie after watching this video. Thank you.

[@Cernunnnos]

I know this isn't a popular opinion, but Ebert was a hack. I have no idea how he became the face of film criticism.

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

jonnyt8524 I share your sentiments, he was a massive hypocrite as well.

[@datsweetsansabooty]

jonnyt8524 because someone put him on TV and told us his opinion mattered until enough people thought that it did.

[@adampavlovic6905]

He criticised EVERY movie that made mainstream audiences a little angry and praised every oscar bait bullshit. I bet that he would praise the new ghostbusters because he would think that it helps feminism.

[@LarryPokeTrainer]

+jonnyt8524 Probably because he was an excellent writer. He always stuck to his guns regardless of popular opinion of the films he reviewed. I basically have never agreed with him on a film and our taste in films is basically the polar opposite but I still respect him because he was intelligent as fuck and a lot of his reviews were clever and funny as hell.

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

LarryPokeTrainer Despite my negative opinions of Roger and I stand by them, I do respect him.

[@keithmyers1926]

Just watch an 2019 interview with Jill Schloen, she is almost 60 and I swear still looks the same.

[@lordvlygar2963]

For more on List, there is an episode of Forensic Files that goes deep into detail of the murders, his years laying low, and how he was caught. Very interesting watch.

[@preachercaine]

I recently saw the Forensic Files episode on John List

[@owenfitzgerald8944]

I never like Siskel & Ebert, those idiots ran down a lot of good films.

[@dennett316]

...and I'm sure if you did what they did, there'd be someone calling you an idiot for running down a good film too. Art is subjective. Personally, I don't agree with Ebert the vast majority of the time, especially when it comes to horror films. That doesn't mean his opinions aren't as valid as anyone else's, he just reads the movies differently and has different preferences. We all do. Doesn't make him an idiot.

[@negavenom]

They even once criticizes silent night, deadly night for being too violent, or was it too disturbing?

[@bloatus7611]

Owen Fitzgerald This is more a problem with people going to reviews to form their opinions before they see a movie. You see that today with Rotten Tomatoes scores. World would be better if people formed their opinions about something and then treated reviews as a second opinion.

[@owenfitzgerald8944]

Ving Rhames Yeah true

[@WalkerRileyMC]

Paul: You're right, art IS subjective. So why did those two assholes think they had the right to tell me if a movie is good or not? Which they did. Constantly.

[@jaredcarmouche4046]

one of the most underrated horror

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

Well,I agree that being married to a murderer without knowing it is a lot scary than anything you can think of.

[@ListenToReason88]

So List lived with a new family as this movie about him was produced and released, crazy..

[@bellvnv2000]

Man, how awkward would have been had you been a part of his new family sitting down in the living room turning on the episode of America's Most Wanted where he is profiled !

[@MandleRoss]

Gotta wonder if the real guy went and saw the movie based on him. He still would have been a free man at that point.

[@31webseries]

Wow, that last line's gonna make a few people side-eye their spouses for awhile.

[@comixproviderftw_02]

John Locks's previous life

[@nawfsidereviews6029]

John Lists mugshot looks like George Bluth Sr of Arrested Development

[@sharnreaper3]

This movie is soooo good!!!