"A western-themed horror anthology starring James Earl Jones and Brad Dourif" is a smattering of words I never realized I needed to hear in my life, yet Wayne Coe apparently predicted that need 32 years ago. Honestly, the stories herein are perhaps not even necessary; if the picture were nothing but the wired dialogue between Jones and Dourif then it would have been enough to earn one's attention. To that point, it's worth noting that in a runtime of less than 90 minutes 'Grim prairie tales' isn't especially bothered about how it moves forward; it's safe to say there's an issue at times with pacing. I also observe that the line between the wraparound segment and the individual tales is arguably blurred more here than it has been in similar titles as the parlay between the two travelers remains fluid. For all that, I won't say that this is totally perfect, but it's an unexpected bit of fun even in concept, and the content to ensue is gratifyingly sharp, too.
The independent nature of the affair shines through in the very minimal production design, art direction, and cast - the title is no jest, for each element herein takes place almost entirely in wide open spaces that are dressed up only as necessary. Even at that the title ably fosters the western flavor through the setting, the costume design, and Steven Dancz's music, and despite such simplicity everything looks and sounds great. It's clear that Coe and his collaborators had few resources to work with in making this, yet they put what they had to the best of use in every regard. It would seem that the budget went mostly toward securing the recognizable names for the ensemble (I assume), and the sparing effects, but in my mind it was money well spent.
Despite Coe's inexperience as writer or director I think he demonstrates fine capability in both regards. Bare-bones though everything looks and feels, the tales are all actually quite enticing. I'm especially fond of Morrison's (Jones) second tale, which takes a turn I certainly didn't anticipate; Deeds' (Dourif) story is a sickening gut-punch of realist horror that hits extra hard. The fourth vignette broadly suffers from a lackadaisical gait much like first, yet there's a fierce intelligence to it that serves as stupendous counterbalance - primarily in Martin's nightmare, but also in the narrative overall, and unquestionably in the dialogue and scene writing that revisits antiquated notions many western flicks or period titles seem to overlook. At no point is there any especial atmosphere crafted, nor any real scares, but the plots are effectively communicated and deftly play with horror notions, even if the audience doesn't completely Feel It.
As delightful as 'Grim prairie tales' is in thought and in execution, I suppose it says something that it's taken me all this time to have ever heard of it in the first place. It's surprisingly well made, and definitely entertaining, but there's perhaps nothing about it that leaps out so much as to make it an essential classic, or wholly demand viewership. It may be most recommendable just on the basis of those involved - I won't deny that it was the pairing of Dourif and Jones that brought me here. Yet there are no especial weaknesses; on the contrary, this is quite strong in every way. When all is said and done I dare say this is far better and more worthwhile than I'd have ever anticipated sights unseen, and I firmly believe this deserves far more recognition than it's ever gotten heretofore. Even if you have to dig around a bit to find this, 'Grim prairie tales' is worth the exploration!
The independent nature of the affair shines through in the very minimal production design, art direction, and cast - the title is no jest, for each element herein takes place almost entirely in wide open spaces that are dressed up only as necessary. Even at that the title ably fosters the western flavor through the setting, the costume design, and Steven Dancz's music, and despite such simplicity everything looks and sounds great. It's clear that Coe and his collaborators had few resources to work with in making this, yet they put what they had to the best of use in every regard. It would seem that the budget went mostly toward securing the recognizable names for the ensemble (I assume), and the sparing effects, but in my mind it was money well spent.
Despite Coe's inexperience as writer or director I think he demonstrates fine capability in both regards. Bare-bones though everything looks and feels, the tales are all actually quite enticing. I'm especially fond of Morrison's (Jones) second tale, which takes a turn I certainly didn't anticipate; Deeds' (Dourif) story is a sickening gut-punch of realist horror that hits extra hard. The fourth vignette broadly suffers from a lackadaisical gait much like first, yet there's a fierce intelligence to it that serves as stupendous counterbalance - primarily in Martin's nightmare, but also in the narrative overall, and unquestionably in the dialogue and scene writing that revisits antiquated notions many western flicks or period titles seem to overlook. At no point is there any especial atmosphere crafted, nor any real scares, but the plots are effectively communicated and deftly play with horror notions, even if the audience doesn't completely Feel It.
As delightful as 'Grim prairie tales' is in thought and in execution, I suppose it says something that it's taken me all this time to have ever heard of it in the first place. It's surprisingly well made, and definitely entertaining, but there's perhaps nothing about it that leaps out so much as to make it an essential classic, or wholly demand viewership. It may be most recommendable just on the basis of those involved - I won't deny that it was the pairing of Dourif and Jones that brought me here. Yet there are no especial weaknesses; on the contrary, this is quite strong in every way. When all is said and done I dare say this is far better and more worthwhile than I'd have ever anticipated sights unseen, and I firmly believe this deserves far more recognition than it's ever gotten heretofore. Even if you have to dig around a bit to find this, 'Grim prairie tales' is worth the exploration!