MovieChat Forums > The Stepfather (1987) Discussion > The main reason I loved this movie:

The main reason I loved this movie:

posted 17 years ago by tclements06
2 replies | jump to latest

*spoilers in this post*

I loved that the movie follows the "bad guy". He's the main character, and as the movie goes on we start to feel a strange connection with him. Sure, we fear him (as we should), but he's oddly lovable. When he's in the attic with Stephanie, the suspense is great. I was scared not only that Jerry was hunting Stephanie, but that she would jump out and kill him. I wasn't even sure who to root for, but I was still drawn in. When Jerry was eventually taken down I felt almost disappointed that he didn't achieve his goal. Terry O'Quinn did a fantastic job in this film. I hope to see it on DVD someday.

[–] Doom 17 years ago

If the 2009 remake actually happens, we'll probably FINALLY get SOME sort of official USA DVD release, which would be nice. I have it on DVD - found it on eBay, and it's actually widescreen and looks great - not sure what source it came from but certainly not USA. Also have it taped off the INHD hi-def channel - that one looks (and sounds) even better but it's not widescreen. Still can't really tell if the DVD is 'true' widescreen or if they just cropped the image (and can't tell if it's cropped properly, if so). Either way, at least I have it and can watch it when I want.

GREAT film. I agree 110% with your post. And I love how perfect his 'psycho' is up in that attic scene... "Where areeee youuuuuu, Stephhhh??? STEPH COME ON NOW - GET OUT HERE!!!" - chilling stuff.

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Wait a minute... who am I here?

[–] Mother_of_Tears 17 years ago

The Stepfather is a great little chiller, one of the best and most underrated of the 80s.

What sets it apart from many other 80s slashers is that it is strongly influenced by Hitchcock, particularly his 1943 classic Shadow of a Doubt where young Teresa Wright gradually becomes suspicious that her beloved uncle (Joseph Cotten) is the Merry Widow Murderer. As such, the emphasis is very much on psychological suspense, mood and characterization rather than gore… but when it does erupt into violence, it's all the more effective because we have gotten to know the characters and started to particularly care about Stephanie.

Terry O'Quinn is a bone-chilling villain, and Jill Schoelen is a wonderfully sympathetic and likeable teenage heroine. Two underrated actors at the top of their game.