Horror Classics: Christine (1983)

Part of my dedication to October and Halloween is to recommend film classics that are sure to get you fright fanatics in the spirit. It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you my first recommendation, a horror classic of all classics, John Carpenter's Christine.

Coming from the remarkable mind of horror genius Stephen King and the direction of John Carpenter, Christine brings the idea of " true love " to an entirely different meaning.

Arnie Cunningham (Keith Gordon) is a seventeen year-old geek who would like nothing more than to forget his existence. One day after a terrible beating at school, Arnie meets his fate and the answer to all of his prayers when he and his best friend, Dennis (John Stockwell) meet
" Christine ". From the beginning of their relationship, Arnie and Christine share a bond like no other. All Arnie ever wanted was to be accepted. Now he has love. Christine is not only devoted to him but makes his inner dreams come true. She changes everything for him and soon Arnie's walking on a cloud. Suddenly Arnie even catches the attention of a beautiful new student, Leigh (Alexandra Paul). It isn't until Arnie's getting everything he wants that Christine begins to show her true colors.

You see Christine is not a leggy, curvy blond, brunette or red head. She's not even human. She's a 1958 red Plymouth Fury obsessed with old 50's tunes and apparently her new owner, Arnie. Christine is not your average car. They say some women run over men when they get upset. Christine does that and even more. She'll do just about anything to make her master happy…even if that means murder.

This film is not so much frightening as it is mysterious. It's the idea behind Christine that makes the film so compelling. You probably won't jump out of your seat. You probably won't scream at the top of your lungs. But the amazing idea of a car with a mind and heart of its own is one of the scariest things ever put to film or in a book. Coming from the sadistic mind of Stephen King is a story like no other. King is the master and he's become the master because of his ability to take the most harmless of things, cars and even cuddly dogs (Cujo) to scare the hell out of us.

In the end Christine and Arnie's bond turns into a " take on the world " type attitude. As Christine slowly starts to possess his soul, Arnie's mind changes as well as his personality. Soon the real Arnie is just a memory and it's up to Leigh and Dennis to save their friend. But they have to stop Christina first. And this is one car that always gets her man.

Horror fans appreciate this film. I'm not a horror buff but I like Christine. It's very light weight if you like wall to wall violence. I don't even remember blood being in this movie. I'm sure almost everyone has seen it but it should still be at the top of your list. You can't throw a true Halloween film party without this tasty " vehicle " to get you in the mood.

Enjoy.