House of 1000 Corpses was recently re-released in theaters for its 20th anniversary. This movie, made by the American singer Rob Zombie, is a cult classic, black comedy horror film made in 2000 but shelved for three years due to its mature content. Keeping in touch with the Halloween spirit, this is a perfect time to see it. 

With a classic slasher aesthetic, the movie switches camera staples and has many sequences edited to create a twisted funhouse feel and unique atmosphere. Conceived when Zombie was designing a haunted house attraction for Universal Studios, the picture company was going to be the original movie distributor but rejected the movie. It bounced around for several years before finding distribution in 2003 by Lionsgate. Rob Zombie recounted this himself in a special intro for the 20th anniversary. 

The movie follows four teenagers on a road trip to document roadside attractions. They are sent into a living hell after their search for Dr Satan ends in their doom at the hands of a rural family. Unlike usual horror movies, however, there is minimal substantial plot or profound revelations. The movie mostly consists of scenes likely added for the sole purpose of shock and gore. This works in the film’s favor, however. After all, it is a black comedy. It would defeat the point for the film to take itself too seriously.

Regarding characters, the four central victims are not that interesting, but their acting is spot on. One of the areas where the movie shines is in its representation of villains: the vulgar killer clown, Captain Spaulding and Baby, played by Sheri Moon Zombie — Rob Zombie’s wife! These actors give a terrifying but comedic performance, which complements the dark humor of the movie. 

One of the film’s best aspects is the set design. Captain Spaulding’s Museum of Monsters and Madmen perfectly captures that tourist trap roadside attraction. The home is rural and eccentric, with dolls nailed to the wall and an underground complex filled with skeletons and dank tunnels. Viewers can assume that the set designers had a good time creating the sets, and the ways they expressed their creativity were impressive.

I would give it 9 butcher knives out of 10. However, this cult classic is not for the fainthearted. If you are sensitive to disturbing content and flashing lights, skip this one. However, if gory violence and crude, black humor does not bother you, consider adding House of 1000 Corpses to your next spooky movie marathon.