MovieChat Forums > Jeepers Creepers (2001) Discussion > What HAPPENED to this movie?

What HAPPENED to this movie?

posted 5 years ago by BurningSun (717)
5 replies | jump to latest

It’s like the writer had an amazing idea for the first 15 minutes of horror film, but had no idea what to do afterwards. The first act had me on the edge of my seat like no other 21st century horror film, but it slowly devolves into pure cliche and stupidity. By the end it’s a lame shootout that feels like an old straight-for-VHS action flick you’d find on rental shelves. Imagine if The Texas Chainsaw Massacre eventually turned into some JCVD vs Gargoyles shit.

I will say it has some good cinematography and acting. Very atmospheric and well shot, even during the shitty moments. Justin Long is also really good. But man, what happened?

[–] vegan_voorhees (383) 4 years ago

I think it's actually PERFECT ...until the beastie arrives at the police station and then it just kinda sinks.

Up until then though, it's beautifully put together, well acted, and the whole lonely highway concept is realised perfectly.

They can keep the shoddy sequels and the director's creepy past though.

[–] bigbadwolf666 (4707) 4 years ago

I dont actually think it lets up. I just saw again, and I also used to think that but it actually keeps. It makes the film shorter and it works for those who dont like long movies and it probably had budget constrains. I'd prefer quality over quantity anytime.

I think the sequels dwellved a bit because of it's pressures by the studios given it's massive success. I dont blame them but it was still enjoyable. I thought the third one was exceptionally well. I dont think I'll like the forth comer because it will be without silva. Now he might be a creep but he is definitely also a genius creator.

[–] BensGirl (590) 4 years ago

I feel exactly the same. The first part is great, the second is just a mess. It’s a shame as well because it could have been so good.

[–] Stratego (30494) 4 years ago

"It’s like the writer had an amazing idea for the first 15 minutes of horror film, but had no idea what to do afterwards.:

That's because the first 15 minutes were lifted almost shot for shot from an Unsolved Mysteries episode

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

I disgaree, it kept it fresh. If they kept it too grounded and similar throughout it could and likely would have become stale. It was starting to peter out a bit when all of a sudden it becomes a police shootout and ramped up.