Rating: 
Summary: "Don't Worry....It's Just A Mannequin..."
Review: All I can say is, what a FANTASTIC movie! The first time I ever watched it was on cable when I was about 8 or 9 years old. Of course, this movie ruined my sleep for many weeks afterwards, as it further fueled my "heebie jeebies" with mannequins, dolls, and the like. Even after 20 years of its release, "Tourist Trap" still continues to be a classic horror film, that's more frightening and nightmarish psychologically, than it is gory or bloody. So if you're tired of "Scream Part 19" and "I Could Care Less About What You Did Last Summer", and you're in the mood for a truly eerie and creepy movie, definitely check this gem out! They don't make 'em like this anymore, kids!
Rating: 
Summary: Tourist Trap - One of the great unsung Horror classics
Review: This film was released in 1979, at a time when Chuck Connors had a vision of being the next Vincent Price or Boris Karloff. That was never to be, but the film still stands out, both for its original plot theme and for the interesting special effects. In addition, one of its scenes has been described in print as "one of the 10 most Horrific scenes ever filmed." The combination of Insanity, Telekinesis, and pure evil makes for an unforgettable film. In addition, a very interesting director's commentary is available on the DVD, giving a considerable insight into the background and making of the movie. Two Thumbs Up!
Rating: 
Summary: A Little Blood, A Few Scares, Lots of Fun
Review: TOURIST TRAP is a film for the horror afficionado, not the casual horror fan. If you like shock, gore and nail-biting, screaming scare scenes, this may bore you. If you've spent hundreds of hours watching all-night camp fright flicks and have a soft spot in your heart for good (not great) and slightly goofy films a la MOTEL HELL, you'll fall in love with TOURIST TRAP.The set-up is the same you've seen a thousand times. Three gals and two guys break down in the woods, go skinny dipping and then die one by one. You know by the second murder who the killer "really" is and also which heroine will survive the carnage (this one plays by all the standard rules). Still, you've got a great cornball factor with Chuck "Rifleman" Connors in the Jim Siedow-esque role of helpful country bumpkin and a bona fide Scream Queen in Jocelyn Jones (easily the best performer in the film, her eyes convey true terror - it's a pity she didn't make a career of this). The film fails in the pacing department and we have too many escapes and recaptures and escapes again after the killer's identity is revealed two-thirds of the way through the film. Still, there is a genuine creep factor in the apearance and manipulation of the mannequins (and Ms. Jones' mental breakdown at the film's end has the viewer wondering if they're really alive as well), though it's almost cancelled out by the notion of the lunatic slasher wielding psychokinetic powers as well. Coming five years after TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, the vision of the hulking killer in a woman's mask surrounded by an artifical family of mannequins doesn't seems as original and eerie as it should. All in all, though, TOURIST TRAP is fun viewing - and actually appropriate for the young horror fan (no nudity, cursing and very little blood) as well. This DVD, from Koch Vision Entertainment, looks great and boasts a nice selection of extra features, all at an incredibly reasonable price. Not the best by far, but this will undoubtedly warm the heart of anyone who enjoys films such as Tobe Hooper's FUNHOUSE, ALICE SWEET ALICE, MOTEL HELL, HELL NIGHT, and PHANTASM. Grab WAXWORK and make it a double feature!
Rating:
Summary: Awsome movie and great value DVD!
Review: Tourist trap is a classic B-Movie and totally fun to watch. The story is about a twisted man that can move things with his mind and has made a world of his own amongst maniquines; making them move and talk to him and each other with his mind control power. Of course, a few un-lucky teens happen to stumble upon his place in the world and find themselves emmersed in a sick and twisted world. The DVD is a grea value. It has director commentary; made by a director looking back to a movie 40 years ago. There are over 40 full-moon trailers. Lots of merchandise to view on the special features. The DVD is a great value and the movie is awsome!
Rating:
Summary: A cult classic worthy of being called classic.
Review: A group of travelling youths become snared in the insanity that is Slausen's Lost Oasis, which is basically all you need to know about the plot of Tourist Trap. The first movie from Empire/Full Moon Pictures mainstay David Schmoeller (Puppet Master, Netherworld, Crawlspace, etc) is a strong debut, emphasizing atmosphere and suspense over the more gruesome setpieces which were beginning to flood the genre movies of its era, and it benefits nicely from an excellent score by Pino Donaggio (Carrie, Dressed to Kill) and wonderful Art Direction from Robert Burns (who has designed the look to other B-movie classics, notably The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Howling). The Full Moon disc presents the movie in widescreen (but buyer beware, some tinkering on your DVD player may been in order, as the machine needs to be set on widescreen to do so) with a commentary track by the director (who also has a brief interview segment). Sadly the promised 40 trailers are a no show. The only trailers are for Tourist Trap, Assault of the Killer Bimbos, Cannibal Women in the Avacado Jungle of Death, Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-A-Rama, Slave Girls from Beyond Infinity, Petticoat Planet, and Charles Band's Parasite. Most older b-movie fans will no doubt consider this movie a required addition to any genre library, and I second the strong recommendation Stephen King gave it in Danse Macabre. If you like creepy movies, this one is a must have.
Rating:
Summary: PRETTY GIRL... You're such a PRIIIITY GUURRRL
Review: Yes, I also enjoyed this treat of a movie on cable sometime around 1980 (I was probably 14). My older sister would love to watch this kind of movie with me. We both loved TOURIST TRAP right away! It was what we considered a "camp classic" and a real cozy little horror movie. For us, it would neatly slot in next to other campy movies like, Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark(1973), a TV movie that featured the line: "Sally, Sally, Sally" or EQUINOX(1971)"My cross, MY CRRROSSS!!!" Soon, the rest of the family enjoyed TOURIST TRAP. Once in a while you would hear someone say "MOLLY!!", "PRETTY GIRL!" or "SEE MY FRIEND!" and we'd all laugh. It's particularly disappointing, however, when you see snobishly cold reviews like Leonard Maltin's above. While he sometimes praises small horror films, he will gleefully dump on others, seemingly without understanding the camp value of the film. TOURIST TRAP not only has tons of camp value, but some beautiful cinematography (the 'waterfall' scene with Tanya and the girls skinny-dipping for one) and GENUINE SCARES!(find them for yourself, but for me, there are 3 or 4 that still make my hair stand on end). Yes, TOURIST TRAP has slow parts but the scares and the overall fun of the movie more than compensate for that. I guess it's hard for Leonard Maltin to review this film properly because he DIDN'T see it on cable when he was 13 or 14. He's most likely not much of a 'horror film guy' either. Trust Stephen King's opinion of TOURIST TRAP, a guy who KNOWS a good campy horror flick. King also thinks highly of THE BOOGENS(1981), another frightening little gem. The DVD release of TOURIST TRAP was suprising and leaves me hopeful that other films like the ones mentioned above, will also get the treatment they deserve. I imagine that people who are between the ages of say, 29 and 37, will be more excited than others. But hey, there are alot of people between the ages of 29 and 37! And since we grew up during the GOLDEN AGE of horror films, I think we deserve some respect!..release the damn films already! This DVD of Tourist Trap features a good widescreen transfer(the waterfall scene really comes alive now!), the original trailer and decent menus that feature the great musical score. I do wish there were some promotional materials culled up. Cast interviews would have been great! But again, it's just great to have it released 'widescreen' on DVD. One last and ALL IMPORTANT thing, the forever beautiful TANYA ROBERTS is in Tourist Trap. Here's the bonus!: her outfit throughout the film(that is until they ruin it by killing her) is a tube-top and 'high' cut-off jean shorts. Daisy Duke has got NOTHING on this gorgeous woman! She literally takes Tourist Trap to another level, visually. ( Geeze, I hope my wife doesn't read this review...) Ah, what the hell, I love Tanya Roberts and I love TOURIST TRAP!
Rating: 
Summary: Not as good as I was expecting
Review: About a year ago, I stumbled across a website that mentioned a cult classic horror film titled "Tourist Trap". I was surprised that I had never heard of it considering I am a big fan of the horror genre. I gave in recently and bought it on DVD after failing to find it for rent anywhere. Let me first say that I had high expectations based on some reviews I'd read. However, after viewing "Tourist Trap" I can see why I have not heard of it before. It just doesn't work! The terrible acting, the ridiculous masks that Chuck Connors wore, and the lack of atmosphere. I wasn't at all scared. I think the movie may have fallen into the category "it's so bad, it's good" scenario. Plus it was made in the late 70's when horror films were a big industry. But these elements don't prevent me from labelling it "one of the most pathetic films I have ever seen". I recommend that people rent "Tourist Trap" before buying.
Rating:
Summary: an effective rip-off
Review: Like many reviewers have already stated here, "Tourist Trap" is the kind of movie you see as a little kid and have horrifying flashbacks of, even years later. It's a testament to this film's intense settings and mounting suspense that it's still regarded so highly today, because not much of it is original. Director David Schmoeller, who got a tour-de-force performance out of Klaus Kinski in "Crawlspace," does the same with aging rifleman Chuck Connors. He plays Slausen, a lonely yet kind man who runs a curio shop in the middle of nowhere. A group of teens show up quickly enough with the requisite car trouble, and Slausen shows hospitality but can't warn them enough about staying away from a nearby farmhouse. In typically predictable fashion (once night rolls around, of course) the teens start to disappear and will--at one point or another--come face to face with "Davey," Slausen's alleged brother who turns his unfortunate victims into mannequins. Sound familiar? It goes without saying that a bulk of "Tourist Trap" is ripped directly from "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," but manages to stand on its own. The supporting actors make a genuine attempt to be more than one-dimensional mannequin fodder, Pino Donaggio's score is effectively creepy, and the settings are terrifying in their realism (the farmhouse populated with mannequins is the stuff nightmares are made of). Schmoeller builds suspense beautifully here, and for once makes the dead of night seem brilliantly unpredictable, instead of the opposite. In short, "Tourist Trap" is as potent today as it was over 20 years ago. The remastered DVD looks great, has sufficient extras, and can be found pretty cheap (depending on where you look). This is a treat for genre fans--sure, it isn't very original, but you're not likely to see many films more intense than this.
Rating:
Summary: See my Friend! Molly!
Review: One of the best horror films of the 1970's has finally been given a long overdue home video makeover. TOURIST TRAP is the most frightening movie ever made about mannequins, and a classic example that a low budget can be a horror film's greatest asset. In today's predictable, estrogen-driven MTV style of filmmaking wherein the writers believe that blood, gore, and throwaway lines are the ingredients necessary to make a horror film, TOURIST TRAP blows that notion out of the water. The film possesses an air of originality thanks to Nicholas Von Sternberg's beautiful visual style and superb editing by Ted Nicolaou. The story itself is similar to PSYCHO, but it's done with such pinache that one might not initially realize it. Brian DePalma's SISTERS (1973) is another great PSYCHO inspiration that you should check out if you already have not. I first saw this movie one Saturday afternoon on TV in the mid-80's and it left one hell of an impression on me. It begins with what is unquestionably one of the most bizarre and frightening openings ever done in a horror film. A group of friends are on vacation when one of their tires blows out. Woody, the driver, walks to a gas station to get some help, but he finds himself in a situation that would give just about anyone a heart attack. Enter Chuck Connors. He gives a wonderful and ultimately surprisingly sympathetic performance as Mr. Slausen, a congenial and charming gentleman who owns a now-defunct roadside souvenir shop/wax museum. When he meets up with Woody's friends who are concerned about Woody's whereabouts, Mr. Slausen comes to the rescue, but a series of horrendously bizarre events begin to transpire. As the story progresses, the natural inclination on the part of the viewer is to refute the plausibility of the bizarre set pieces that slowly mount. I find that if you watch it from the standpoint of falling asleep and having a nightmare about mannequins that come to life, this film is much more frightening and enjoyable. When I was seven, I used to play in my grandmother's basement that was populated by some truly horrific dolls. One of them had outstretched hands with no hair that walked when you wound it up, and let me tell you - they were frightening. This film has that kind of effect. This film inexplicably received a PG rating during its theatrical release which, the director states, killed it at the box office. I would have demanded an R rating if I were him! While the film contains no overt bloodshed, one of the murders is particularly gruesome and cruel (that's not counting the opening scene!) The DVD transfer of this film is a revelation. Colors that were originally muted on the old 16mm faded prints that made the rounds on late night cable are now rich and vibrant. Pino Donaggio's score, which is one of the best elements in the film, comes through in full force. As a bonus, director David Schmoeller gives a running commentary throughout the film, though I wish he divulged more information than he actually does. Although he mentions TOURIST TRAP's origins - a film school thesis project called THE SPIDER WILL KILL YOU - he fails to disclose the film's budget. Disappointingly, why wasn't this thesis film included on the DVD? Why does the DVD state that it contains 40 trailers to other horror films when I can only access seven? Despite my carpings, the DVD is well worth the asking price. The trailer for TOURIST TRAP is included. For those of you who love gaffes, check out the left side of the screen at the 72:52 point during Tanya Robert's death scene. A stage hand can be seen behind a pane of glass. Forget SCREAM and I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER. If you don't have a DVD player yet, this is one reason to purchase one. The film is currently out of print on VHS, but VHS stinks anyway! Thank you, David Schmoeller, for making one of the best horror films EVER. TOURIST TRAP is superb.
Rating:
Summary: The way horror SHOULD be!
Review: This is one of those low-budget 'B' rated movies from the late 70s. Sadly, it didn't make too well at the box office during its release and was long forgotten and neglected around this time. Now, the original cult classic makes its way to DVD, with even clearer sound and picture (Though the picture quality is not the best, it still fits the horrifying atmosphere quite well) and let's not forget the interviews and commentary. I was not too sure about getting this or not, knowing that the film has gotten some mixed reviews but I'm actually very glad I did! Once I saw the trailer, I decided to take a chance. I wasn't disappointed! Some reviews here are claiming that this is ripping off Tobe Hooper's "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre", but really I beg to differ. Yes, it may have been INSPIRED by such classics as Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" & TCM and it may BORROW a little here and there (barely much was borrowed at all really, except for the killer dressing up in women's clothing) but this is a whole new and original story, people! What I liked mostly about "Tourist Trap" was the scary, nightmarish look and feel of a REAL horror flick and wasn't anything stupid and pathetic like "The Ring". I mean, people got scared of that just because of a video that looked like it was made by a bunch of stoners and a little girl crawling out of a television set! Oh, GIVE ME A BREAK! That's NOT scary at all! You want real (I repeat REAL) horror that will send chills down your spine? This is the one to see! And now for a quick plot summary... The story concerns five youths who take a summer afternoon drive (yes, it SOUNDS TCM but it's NOT!) and end up having their car broken down. Coincidently, an eerie wax museum is nearby and after meeting the owner, Slausen (given an AMAZING performance by Chuck Conners) they decide to check it out, unaware of the horrors that await! Mannequins suddenly come to life and begin commiting acts of murder (laughing and screaming insanely) while Slausen's mysterious brother, who lives right next door to the museum in an old house, holds the teens captive and terrorizes them with unspeakable horrors! The truth about the grotesque mannequins and Slausen's brother later unfolds, but I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen it yet! Sure the acting drags at SOME points, but it's not always everything! This is more like something you'd see out of your nightmares. If you're not too sure, rent it first and give it a try. Otherwise, if you're hardcore with the horror genre like me, I say go for it! I also recommend Tobe Hooper's "The Funhouse" & Steven Spielberg's "Poltergeist"! All carry the same style to horror and haunt you to the bone!
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