The Changeling Review - Off The Shelf Reviews

This week Gary and Iain review and discuss, The Changeling (1980) by Director, Peter Medak. Starring, George C. Scott, Trish Van Devere and Melvyn Douglas.
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[@paulhirst7602]

This is what you call a true... genuinely creepy horror flick, with a terrific performance by its lead actor. Proving there's no need for constant, eye rolling... endless jump scares like a lot of modern directors throw in to keep the audience hooked.

[@Grandmastergav86]

George C Scott was an amazing actor, love him in this and Exorcist 3.

[@aleaanderson6600]

This film is a classic. I was introduced to George C. Scott as the voice of McLeach, the underrated villain in The Rescuers Down Under, as a kid.

[@marvincooper1883]

He was also excellent as the villain in "Firestarter"!

[@aleaanderson6600]

@@marvincooper1883 And he’s really good in the TV remake of 12 Angry Men

[@brentmackey279]

I'll admit that when I saw the title I thought it would be a review of that Angelina Jolie film but was glad to see that it was this one. I seen this back in the early 80s as a kid, my brother and I still talk about some of the scary scenes in this film. It is an underrated film that is much better than the " scary " crap that is released today.

[@sevenwhoresoftheapocalypse]

GAAAAAAH! Thank you SO MUCH for reviewing this! The Changeling is probably my favorite horror movie of all time.

[@cheddarssalad1230]

What made George C Scott work in horror is that he’s your dad or your granddad. You don’t want to see the supernatural hurt your dad.

[@thefractalcurve5462]

That's it!! You ever see your dad or grand worried or cry? It breaks your heart.

[@white-dragon4424]

Patton's like my dad or grandad???

[@paullanier3597]

This has always been one of my all-time favorites from the 80's. I have introduced so many people to it. Truly one of the best ghost stories ever done. When I was a kid watching it, that sound of the ball bouncing down the stairs always stuck with me, I have begged reviewers to do this one over the years and you boys have not let me down. 😃

[@KingKenny.]

This is an outright unappreciated unsettling genuinely scary movie ! It deserves to be thought of highly by the horror community !

[@evacombs9720]

And so many other horror movies reference it... (especially haunted house horror).

[@godzillamoraga]

I remember watching this with my grandma when I was 9 and it gives my chills to this day. A true classic

[@e.s.9080]

Next to The Shining, the next best ghost story out of the 1980's.❤

[@Losttouchjs]

Well, my favorite part of the movie was the tape recording seen when you actually hearing Joseph voice in the recording. And then going back in time up the stairs, then up to the attic room where they re-created how the boy actually died. Hands-down that was my favorite part.

[@Winnipegger100]

A friend of mine actually investigated haunted houses, and this is one film she said she has a hard time watching because it's too close to home in it's portrayal of paranormal activity.

[@tjenahoj]

ooh this is a real spooky ghoststory. And I just love George C Scott!

[@evacombs9720]

My take on why the ghost starts 'getting violent' in the house toward the end is actually to protect George C. Scott's character/innocent bystanders by pushing them out of the house that he is about to destroy. I think the ghost just wanted people to understand what happened and for Senator Carmichael to also understand accept what happened (which was George's role), as well as the revenge of killing him.

[@kowalsolosolo]

Oh,thank you guys. I love this film. Scared the shit out of me when I was a teen.

[@elisabethayala8471]

This popped up as soon as I opened up KZbin. I thought yes I have to watch this review this movie is a classic. They don’t make make movies like this no more. Thanks for the review. It’s a must watch. 😃

[@denisfedotov3414]

Another great choice. Thank you, my favourite channel!)

[@TheBeird]

This looks really interesting. I loved Exorcist 3 and George C Scott was a major reason why. I’ll have to check out The Changeling

[@scottjo63]

Definitely watch The Changeling but warning, it's a great great slow burn.

[@jackgarrison8497]

@@scottjo63 Both are and both are absolutely terrifying

[@thecaptain4512]

Every Thursday, I watch your reviews to start my day. After only getting a few minutes in, I had to stop because I knew I needed to watch the movie. It did not disappoint. George C. Scott is a phenomenal actor, and the movie was genuinely creepy. Thanks for the recommendation, off the shelf reviews.

[@PaperlessWriter]

Loving your reviews of these films from long ago (my childhood). You both are selecting mostly interesting films that are worth discussing and mulling over for the 30+ minutes your videos run. Thanks for all the hard work that goes into making videos as professional and entertaining as this. Keep up the good work:)

[@Artur-Itas]

This movay was bloody brilliant and sheer class lads!!!!!! Perfection in spade ♠️ loads. George is gold stah. ICONIC.

[@WelshIron]

I am really glad you liked this one. The Changeling is one of my favourite ghost/horror movies. I think it is in the same vein as 1981's 'Ghost Story', like to see you review that one too. Great review guys :)

[@avalangrin4904]

I loved Ghost Story! Didn’t that movie also star Melvyn Douglas? 🙂

[@WelshIron]

@@avalangrin4904 Thats right. Great ensemble cast.

[@avalangrin4904]

@@WelshIron Alice Krige was truly terrifying in Ghost Story. 🥺

[@WelshIron]

@@avalangrin4904 Indeed she was, damn good in most things she is in too.

[@jackgarrison8497]

@@avalangrin4904 She is The Borg Queen from Star Trek

[@TheSamurai518]

It was only a matter of time when OTSR covered 'The Changeling', its right up their alley. An underrated horror mystery. :)

[@PaperlessWriter]

During the entire 1970s and even into the early 80s, it was an unspoken and unwritten Hollywood Law that filmmakers HAD to cast Melvyn Douglas in every single prestige, Oscar-bait film made during that time. See also: Ghost Story ('81), The Changeling (80), Being There (79), The Seduction of Joe Tynan (79), Twilight's Last Gleaming (77), The Tenant (76), The Candidate (72).

[@daydreamindavey7315]

That ghostly recap at the end was giving me MonsterVision with Joe Bob Briggs vibes. 👌🏻

[@youssefverse]

Terrific review as always! I highly recommend that you watch and present (as a bookend) the 1981 horror classic GHOST STORY -- starring this movie's Melvyn Douglas among several other silver screen dignitaries. Terrific and atmospheric horror flick!

[@jamesabernethy7896]

Recently watched one of your older videos‘Scott pilgrim vs the world.’ You always have great chemistry, sharing so much in common but still having your own perspectives, but the back and forth between you was very energetic. For people who read this comment, please check out more of their videos, especially for movies that aren’t your kind of thing. Iain and Gary will entertain and enlighten you.

[@torquetheprisoner]

love this movie good storie atmosphere and george c scott

[@bexlyspeed]

this came out then i was about 7 years old. the tv commercial was terrifying, most of it was the tiny wheelchair chasing the woman. my older brother went to see it with his friends probably opening weekend and described the entire movie to me! i finally got to see it about 9 months later on cable and it scared the sh!t out of me. love this movie!

[@KaiserSoze-vx6vo]

I saw this movie one night on regular TV on a Saturday night.. I t was genuinely creepy (Wheelchair) and George C Scott's portrayal is always awesome.

[@Sdea1903]

I’ve thought a lot about this film and what about it is so unsettling. I came to the conclusion it’s because George C Scott’s character is by himself. No family there to share some of the stress of the situation. He’s dealing with the death of his family and then this shit. Great film. Not talked about nearly enough

[@lonedragon3261]

Thanks, gents! I feel like I have seen this movie before a long time ago but all I remember is the beginning.

[@iamtrappedonanisland998]

My Guys!!😂 Again was just laying down and you dropped a new vid! Thank you from my lil island in Alaska.. I'll sleep later❤

[@Monkismo]

That music box melody at the beginning is just begging to be made into a chillhop track.

[@mattmidgley4275]

Great review guys

[@Shorts4EveryDay]

Great work ✊

[@julesmara679]

This is one of my all-time favorite movies! Thanks for covering it!

[@ryancoulter4797]

I remember mrs Huxley from a Canadian sitcom called Hangin In where she played the secretary at a drop in centre. The shows claim to fame is that it had a young Keanu Reeves on it. The actress playing the woman living above the well is from my hometown. And there’s an interesting coincidence about the other Changeling movie with Angelina

[@novasite7795]

“And running, and jumping, and walking in place!” My sister and I repeat this to each other after we watched Zorro, The Gay Blade.

[@aaronjustice9020]

The Changeling is one of the killer movies that The Las Drive In introduced me to. They very rarely play a movie I haven't seen but this was a winner. Fantastic. Second to this The Day of The Beast was also introduced to me by that show and Razorback as a kid on TNT monster vision. Did you guys have any Joe Bob shoes syndicated? I imagine not in the UK but you need to be getting aquatinted via shudder. Changeling is like the Ring before the Ring. I loved it.

[@scottjo63]

2 more movies you should review if you haven't. The first one is Dead And Buried (1981), and for pure atmosphere all around, Let's Scare Jessica To Death. Creepy is an understatement!!

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

An underrated horror tragedy.

[@inkfishpete8695]

I would go further than that, calling it one of the best "Supernatural Detective" stories ever.

[@KingKenny.]

​@@inkfishpete8695 absolutely agree !!

[@inkfishpete8695]

@@KingKenny. 80's were great for that type of movie: Ghost Story (1981) and Angel Heart (1987) were another 2 great ones.

[@jackgarrison8497]

@@inkfishpete8695 Sorry but I highly disagree about Ghost Story

[@andriswood5434]

Definitely my favourite film of all time! I've seen it probably over 100 times since I was 15 and THAT ball scene gives me chills EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!

[@Potionsmaster]

This is one of my favorite movies, thank you for reviewing. I have been enjoying your stuff for awhile now

[@salemslotandmore8278]

Great ghost story and a great movie. Thanks for the video

[@JD.78]

I saw this years ago late one night on TV and was pleasantly surprised by how drawn in i was to the drama playing out and the eerieness of the haunted house tropes throughout. I always enjoyed George C Scott's movies though this film passed me by till i happed to watch it on TV, but i'm glad i did. Cheers.

[@shaunward923]

Great film, great review as always. Channel deserves more subs and views

[@WildFungus]

oh man the canadian horror classic. This movie is so unexpectedly good, especially since I found it in the back catalogue of the rental store next to shit like Witchboard lololol.

[@slapwagon]

shelf life!

[@dppin97]

I just watched this today and loved it! Thanks for a great recommendation. I really enjoyed Exorcist 3.

[@tomsenior7405]

I too am glad you guys didn't review the Clint Eastwood film of the same name. I saw the 1980 version as a kid. Thoroughly enjoyed it, even though the story has unreliable authorship. Typical of its time, Ghost Stories were portrayed as based on true events, even though we all know it is pure hokum. The trope of Paranormal Experts always makes me chuckle. If it wasn't for George C Scott, Changeling would have been hilariously bad.

[@IronHeel]

William Gray's avatar is the most true-to-life image I've ever seen.

[@scottjo63]

1:01, only the great Patton could cuss out a haunted house!!

[@benpascall4297]

Second Sight are releasing this in a month or so on 4k UHD disc.

[@kylemoore7746]

"Did you recognize the man doing it with his wife" ... CONTEXT BROTHA! That certainly would have made the seance more interesting, lol

[@1kylecurry]

This a very, very good movie. Old school building horror / ghost story. Modern times gothic tale. Some creepy moments. Never before has child's ball or wheelchair been so chilling! "Less is more..." horror always works well. A definite watch. George C. Scott is a terrific actor.

[@shaunrene1]

🎉Bros I been waiting years for this review cause it's my 3rd favorite under the Exorcist and and the Omen. Can you please review Squirm 1976? I was born 1977 but watched the film at age 8 on a Saturday afternoon when I was done watching all my morning cartoons and them damn worms scared the SHIT outta me! Love your reviews guys

[@krashlyboo]

Saw it as a kid and it scared me WAY more than Poltergeist did, this just has a presence....great movie

[@AubreyTheKing]

I'll be sure to see this one!

[@jimmycrackkorn1596]

See also "the entity" 1981

[@rcreynolds6186]

This is my favorite haunted house movie. "The Others" comes in a close second.

[@psch3270]

Is it a possibility that the ghost of his daughter was helping the boy ghost since it's her father experiencing this?????

[@alanford3359]

It's a shame Scott didn't do his 'Arrgh! My Groin!' line in this 😉

[@byrontownsel7274]

Best movie made about a haunting. I’ve loved this film since I was a little kid.

[@lordvlygar2963]

I love this movie... Until the old man teleports to the house while it is on fire. At that point, it loses the creepiness and dives into silliness. But, the movie is so great before that, I can push through and still enjoy it.

[@avalangrin4904]

Maybe John needs to burn the boy’s bones like Dean and Sam always did with ghosts in the tv series Supernatural. 😆. Great review guys. 🙂

[@stevenhudson7929]

have you guys reviewed the original italian job?

[@bradroberts4202]

Please review burnt offerings! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@thepainteduniverse3648]

This is pretty much my favorite horror movie ever. Scared the crap out of me the first time I watched it! Just the perfect creepy gothic ghost story. 😳👻😱❤

[@debbaker5397]

Brilliant reviews as always from these two guys they are intelligent and funny !Very enjoyable to listen to them ❤

[@Losttouchjs]

The car was running when they were pushing it, There was exhaust coming out of the tailpipe. Just a goof on the movies part. 🤷‍♂️

[@youtubeme7195]

Did Ian get into a fight? His right hand looks like he went to town on someone.

[@doctorpicardnononono7469]

10:36 i got you babe.

[@G_Elektrik]

Back in the this was the way, no sfx or tricks, horror was build through the history and performance, this kind of movies are not made anymore

[@promnightdumpsterbaby9553]

The only film to this day that scares the shit out of me....aside from E.T.

[@violetmoonofthenorth]

Oldie but a goodie

[@easterbunny3850]

Zorro british cigarette blade))

[@dckaelin]

I watch everything u guys review

[@jamesd9630]

I saw Zorro the Gay Blade in the cinema at the time, it was the B movie to Smokey and the Bandit two or three (cant remember) at Dereham Cinema here in the UK. By the way the Changling was a fantastic film.

[@LordIsaacofGlencoe]

Great video guys.

[@jimmycrackkorn1596]

That lady doing the seance, made it very creepy.

[@easterbunny3850]

What a misleading name. I thought it would be about evil fey creature

[@e.s.9080]

Audiences today are used to so much junkily made movies (loud and fast) so many disposable and forgettable horror films out there now, this is Shakespeare compared to movies now.

[@jasonulysess3652]

I loved Zorro the gay blade. For a long time it was my favorite one. Antonio Banderas was better.

[@UnCreativeDeconstructionism]

*Turn up!*

[@sadderthanyou7793]

Good little movie, but the fake house really shows (a bit like a made-for-TV production), and I hate the boring romance scenes.

[@AdrianMendoza23]

good movie

[@BrotherJP333SP]

Thule Station Antarctic geological research center is short one man.

[@el4174]

💎👏

[@subcynic]

Not a completely uninteresting film, but when you think it came out the same year as the shining, this is like something from the Victorian age.

[@mikegleed5842]

Scary Movie 🎥 🎬 Parody 😂👈

[@jonahjones1702]

A creepy arse film 😱

[@silkychan6099]

there is a malaysian knock off of this movie. still as creepy

[@randomreviews4278]

Such a snooze fest don't even bother with this trash

[@ThunderingJove]

Good review, as always.