This variation on Poe's theme downplays the horror aspect - except for one key moment - instead opting for a more traditional psychological thriller. The main problem with it is that it's a TV movie - meaning that there's no violence to speak of. However, for a TV movie, it's pretty good, with nice production values and a good cast who really get their teeth into their roles. This was one of a slew of films which came out at the same time dealing with premature burial - check out the film which came out at the same time as this, with the same title, starring Robert Vaughn, plus Fred Olen Ray's HAUNTING FEAR.
While the plot is nothing new the execution is pretty good, with a fast pace and lots of interesting zooming camera shots. The strength of this film lies in the central performances of the three leads - all good. Tim Matheson gets to ham and chew the scenery with relish as he exacts his revenge while Jennifer Jason Leigh enjoys her role as an evil woman - and is surprisingly good as one, too. However, it's always the underrated William Atherton who excels as the guilt-free, stop-at-nothing manipulator who wants the rewards all for himself.
The film really picks up in the final half hour, as up until then not a lot really happens. The killing happens early on but from then on, Matheson is content to lurk around in the shadows for a while. One scene - of Matheson rising from his grave - is obviously inspired by countless zombie films, especially the hand rising from the earth framed in lightning. There's even some spooky music to go with it. When Leigh and Atherton find themselves trapped in a basement, the fun really begins as the atmosphere and tension begin to build up to breaking point - and thanks to the acting, the atmosphere does get thick. Matheson then goes on to devise a maze in his house which his enemies must face - a plot device seemingly lifted from the final segment of 1972's TALES FROM THE CRYPT, or possibly the original source comics. These final moments are very good and flawlessly done. It's just a shame that the rest of the film never breaks from its television movie origins.
While the plot is nothing new the execution is pretty good, with a fast pace and lots of interesting zooming camera shots. The strength of this film lies in the central performances of the three leads - all good. Tim Matheson gets to ham and chew the scenery with relish as he exacts his revenge while Jennifer Jason Leigh enjoys her role as an evil woman - and is surprisingly good as one, too. However, it's always the underrated William Atherton who excels as the guilt-free, stop-at-nothing manipulator who wants the rewards all for himself.
The film really picks up in the final half hour, as up until then not a lot really happens. The killing happens early on but from then on, Matheson is content to lurk around in the shadows for a while. One scene - of Matheson rising from his grave - is obviously inspired by countless zombie films, especially the hand rising from the earth framed in lightning. There's even some spooky music to go with it. When Leigh and Atherton find themselves trapped in a basement, the fun really begins as the atmosphere and tension begin to build up to breaking point - and thanks to the acting, the atmosphere does get thick. Matheson then goes on to devise a maze in his house which his enemies must face - a plot device seemingly lifted from the final segment of 1972's TALES FROM THE CRYPT, or possibly the original source comics. These final moments are very good and flawlessly done. It's just a shame that the rest of the film never breaks from its television movie origins.