Horror Films of the 1980s »

John Kenneth Muir is the award-winning author of more than seventeen books including The Encyclopedia of Superheroes on Film and Television (2004, A Library Journal starred review), Horror Films of the 1970s (2002) and Terror Television (2001); both received the Booklist Editors Choice award.

John Kenneth Muir is back! His Horror Films of the 1970s was named an Outstanding Reference Book by the American Library Association, and likewise a Booklist Editors' Choice. This time, Muir surveys 300 films from the 1980s. From backwards psychos (Just Before Dawn) and yuppie-baiting giant rats (Of Unknown Origin), to horror franchises like Friday the 13th and Hellraiser, as well as nearly forgotten obscurities such as The Children and The Boogens, Muir is our informative guide through 10 macabre years of silver screen terrors.
Muir introduces the scope of the decade's horrors, and offers a history drawing parallels between current events and the nightmares unfolding on cinema screens. Each of the 300 films is discussed with detailed credits, a brief synopsis, a critical commentary, and where applicable, notes on the film's legacy beyond the 80s. Also included is the author's ranking of the 15 best horror films of the 80s.

Kathleen Collins - Library Journal

Muir again plunges into the dark, following his Horror Films of the 1970s(McFarland, 2002), named an ALA Outstanding Reference Source in 2003. Appropriate to the so-called era of greed, he has this time added more of everything: films, background, appendixes, and critical analyses. Part 1 provides a concise, overarching summary of the decade's social and political climate; juxtaposed photos of President Ronald Reagan and A Nightmare on Elm Street's Freddy Krueger encapsulate the period's startling contradictions. Part 2 then details the paradigms and conventions of the slasher subgenre and includes organizing principles, character archetypes, and common scenarios. The bulk of the volume lives in Part 3, wherein some 300 American films (and several significant representative foreign films) are listed by decade and rated on a four-star system. A time line highlighting noteworthy current events accompanies each year and is followed by ample, witty, well-versed entries on films ranging from Poltergeistand Aliensto Cellar Dwellerand Hide and Go Shriek. Each entry includes a cast and crew listing, a synopsis, and a commentary; many begin with a "Critical Reception" section that contains excerpts from published or original reviews by one of Muir's six invited guest critics. Some entries also come with a "P.O.V." section of insight from the filmmaker; a "Legacy" noting homages and sequels; a "Close-Up," usually an expanded interview with the film's director; and an "Incantation," a memorable quote from the film. Included among the seven appendixes are "1980s Horror Conventions," "Memorable Ad Lines," and the author's ranking of the 15 best horror filmsof the decade.