A young couple is trapped in a remote town where a dangerous religious cult of children believe everyone over the age of 18 must be killed.
I’ve been really excited to be reviewing this franchise, so lets get on with it!
Ever since I was young Stephen King’s stories have fascinated me, this was one of my first ventures into the world of book to film (well short story). I remember being seriously freaked out by the kids in this feature, I was creeped out by ‘Isaac’ performed brilliantly by John Franklin, but I was even more terrified of ‘Malachai’ performed brutally by Courtney Gains.
For years this film haunted me and many other people I know, the mere mention of the films name and you can tell who has and hasn’t watched it as you will get an instant reaction from those who have, whether it’s of how much they loved it or how much it scared them or even both.
This was Fritz Kiersch first venture into the world of Directing and I personally think he did a fantastic job, he created some truly memorable scenes. Sure the film has some serious plot holes to it but that’s never gotten in the way of a good story, this is the world of film after all.
Watching the film today it admittedly hasn’t aged well at all and I doubt it’d win over any new Horror fans in this day and age but for those of us who saw it and loved it, it will always be a classic that we will watch it even if it’s just for nostalgia.
“Children Of The Corn” is great 80’s movie, but it has dated so if you’re viewing it for the first time then please keep your expectations low.
Miscellaneous facts about the film:
Though real corn was used for most of filming, polyurethane corn had to be used for the more difficult action sequences.
On the dashboard of Burt and Vicki’s car is a copy of Night Shift, the Stephen King short story collection in which Children of the Corn originally appeared.
In the original story, Isaac and Malachi’s real names were William Renfrew and Craig Boardman, respectively.
The tagline “And a child shall lead them” comes from Isaiah 11:6 in the Old Testament, which reads, “And the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.”
In the original theatrical trailer, Stephen King’s name is misspelled as “Steven”.
R.G. Armstrong filmed his scenes in one day.
The Song “Disciples of the Watch” by American Thrash Metal Band Testament was inspired by this film.
Michael and Corey Frizzell, the nephews of legendary country music stars Lefty Frizzell & David Frizzell and sons of Country Gospel great Allen Frizzell (once married to country star Shelly West), played extras at the age of 8 and 9. Michael was also Robby Kiger’s (Job) stunt double. Corey was also a stand in for Kiger.
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