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When I was growing up, I always noticed this movie in the horror section at my Blockbuster, but I never rented it. Once the transition from VHS to DVD had taken full swing, I could not find this movie for rent at all or for purchase really either. Then, this last weekend, I found it for $3.50 at one of my friendly local record stores and figured, "What the hell?" So I did a blind buy, and boy am I glad I did. Basket Case was worth every penny, and then some! (up to 9.99 that is...)
The film centers around a mysterious lad by the name of Duane Bradley. He seems perfectly normal, except the fact that he carries a gigantic pic-nic basket everywhere he goes.
"What you got in the basket kid?" asks the manager of the seedy Time Square hotel.
"Just clothes." Duane replies, or is it???
Duane and his wicker basket companion have just checked into room number seven, and every occupant would be wise to give them the space they need to adjust to their new surroundings. However, not all of the occupants are so wise...
When you get down to brass tacks here, Basket Case is really a tale of vengence, with a terrifically campy spin. Duane and his formerly siamese twin brother Belial are on the hunt for the doctors that wronged them when they were children, by seperating them (God forbid) so that Duane could lead a normal life without criticism. Their father has a special rage for Belial, as he blames him for the death of their mother while she was giving birth. DO NOT go in expecting this to be some sort of cinematic feat, because it isn't. The acting is kind of bad (but better than most of the actors in Troma features) and at times, Bradley is a whining pussy. However, the occupant of the basket makes up for all of his whining through sheer brutality. This, coupled with the stop-motion creature animation really brings the movie up a couple of pegs. Whether it's a person torn in half, or the screamer with scalpels in the face, you can't help but wonder, "How the hell did he pull that off?"
If you are a fan of creature features or low budget horror, definitely check this out. The blood and gore coupled with the comedic aspects really make this an enjoyable popcorn flick.
Acting: 2/5
Blood: 3/5
Gore: 3/5
Story: 4/5
Overall: 6/10
