Armand Mastroianni("Blood Wedding","Distortions")directs this slightly gruesome horror film about young boy named Cameron who has telekinetic powers.When his father and a psychiatrist run experiments on him,they unknowingly release an Aztec demon from hell who makes his home in Cameron's bedroom closet.As the demon eliminates all the adults one by one,Cameron realizes that he alone possesses the ability to defeat him."Cameron's Closet" is a pretty mediocre and bland horror flick.Still there are at least four very violent and gory scenes,in which certain characters die for no real reason.The monster from Carlo Rambaldi,who helped build the monster for "Alien",is basically a head which isn't the least bit menacing.The acting is decent,but the storyline is completely predictable.Overall,If you are a rabid horror fan like I am give it a look.6 out of 10.
20 Reviews
Not bad for an 80's horror flick
Tikkin11 February 2007
As 80's horror flicks go Cameron's Closet is much better than most. The acting is decent, the effects are quite good and the death scenes are well shot. What more can you ask for? The monster is quite cheesy and you don't get to see much of him, but it somehow works. There's a few nice death scenes which are actually more gory than a lot of 80's horror flicks. I do think things started to slip a bit towards the end, and the ending itself wasn't too amazing.
Cameron's Closet is by no means an essential watch for horror fans, but if you come across a cheap copy you can't go wrong. It's decent entertainment for one night.
Cameron's Closet is by no means an essential watch for horror fans, but if you come across a cheap copy you can't go wrong. It's decent entertainment for one night.
rubber monster in the closet; good deaths, bad demon
FieCrier27 January 2005
A boy with telekinetic powers, and perhaps other psychic abilities as well as bowl-cut hair lives with his divorced father, a psychic researcher or something. The boy plays in his closet with a He-Man-like action figure, and a odd statuette he calls "Deceptor." His father hears a strange moan, makes an odd phone call to his research partner, and goes upstairs to the boy's room with a machete. He goes into the closet, vandalizes some things, and is in search of something. The machete moves by itself, and the father falls on it, decapitating himself.
The boy goes to live with his mother and her boyfriend. Meanwhile, a police detective who has sleeping problems has a reoccurring nightmare that is bothering him on the job, and is forced to see a shrink. More closet-related bizarre deaths occur. The detective befriends the boy, and the shrink helps him on the case.
The special effects are pretty uneven. The death scenes are fairly good. A pale grinning figure in the closet is pretty spooky. Dead people who reappear as zombies or as a demon appearing like them are pretty well done. The demon exerts its power by psychically dragging someone up a wall, and across a ceiling towards an out-of-control ceiling fan. The demon itself is pretty darn lame, however.
The boy goes to live with his mother and her boyfriend. Meanwhile, a police detective who has sleeping problems has a reoccurring nightmare that is bothering him on the job, and is forced to see a shrink. More closet-related bizarre deaths occur. The detective befriends the boy, and the shrink helps him on the case.
The special effects are pretty uneven. The death scenes are fairly good. A pale grinning figure in the closet is pretty spooky. Dead people who reappear as zombies or as a demon appearing like them are pretty well done. The demon exerts its power by psychically dragging someone up a wall, and across a ceiling towards an out-of-control ceiling fan. The demon itself is pretty darn lame, however.
"The nightmare begins when you open the door."
Backlash0075 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
~Spoiler~
Cameron's Closet is a fine slice of 80's horror. It stars Scott Curtis as a young boy with telekinetic powers who accidentally summons an ancient demon who dwells in his closet. The film (written by Gary Brandner of The Howling fame) has some truly inspired moments and even some decent scares. Many of the death scenes are quite memorable. The closet decapitation, Bob flying through the window, and the maniacal ceiling fan are my favorite bits. Carlo Rambaldi (E.T., Dune) is handling the effects and they are well done for the most part. The only area of the film that is lacking is the ending. It was very weak and the film suffers for it. The demon just doesn't do too much after he finally comes out of the closet (pun intended). Also, I felt the explanation as to how this kid conjured the demon was a little vague. Surely they could have elaborated a bit more. Cotter Smith is quite good here and so is the kid as far as child actors go.
Cameron's Closet is a fine slice of 80's horror. It stars Scott Curtis as a young boy with telekinetic powers who accidentally summons an ancient demon who dwells in his closet. The film (written by Gary Brandner of The Howling fame) has some truly inspired moments and even some decent scares. Many of the death scenes are quite memorable. The closet decapitation, Bob flying through the window, and the maniacal ceiling fan are my favorite bits. Carlo Rambaldi (E.T., Dune) is handling the effects and they are well done for the most part. The only area of the film that is lacking is the ending. It was very weak and the film suffers for it. The demon just doesn't do too much after he finally comes out of the closet (pun intended). Also, I felt the explanation as to how this kid conjured the demon was a little vague. Surely they could have elaborated a bit more. Cotter Smith is quite good here and so is the kid as far as child actors go.
Renting out closet space.
lost-in-limbo15 April 2007
Professor Owen Lansing is researching human psychic abilities hidden deep in the mind and he experiments on his young son Cameron. They're going quite well, until Cameron's unintentionally uses his powers to conjure up a demon. Lansing tries to put a end to the trouble, but his killed in a horrific 'accident'. So Cameron goes to live with his mother and her boyfriend, but the demon also follows and takes up residence in the boy's closest. Meanwhile, police detective Sam Talliaferro, who has been put onto the case after the unusual death of his mother's boyfriend. Is having bad dreams that seem to be linked somehow to Cameron. A psychiatrist Dr. Nora Haley is looking over Sam, but she also gets the case of Cameron. She discovers the boy's secret abilities. Nora and Sam go on to connect that everything is contributed to a demonic presence who has its eyes set on Cameron.
Oh, "Cameron's Closest" is quite an unremarkable low-budget horror film. Well, it's not completely worthless, even though it's nowhere near as flavoured and exciting like many of its counterparts within the same decade. This late 80s horror junk was mildly enjoyable in some silly patches and icky make-up effects, but ponderous pacing and muddled plotting makes for mostly a bland outing that keeps us in the dark to what's going on. There's potential in the interesting and novel premise of mixing the supernatural with science (which "The Howling" author Gary Barndner adapted his screenplay off his novel), but director Armand Mastroianni's unevenly fruitless and ham-fisted execution leaves a lot of its brimming concepts unfulfilled and sticks to the gimmicks. Lucky there are some nicely imaginative and downright bizarre deaths handed out by the evil dweller in the closet. The nasty make-up, especially from the zombies and death scenes are well conceived. Even some atmospheric visuals, in the shape of few brooding dream sequences promise something, to only bungle it with unintentional goofiness that destroys any unsettling mood that was there. Like that of special effects designer Carlo Rambaldi's (think of E.T.) plastically tacky monster creation. Sometimes the FX is questionably dire and overly sugar-coated, just stick around for the lacklustre climax between demon and child. It's pretty hasty when it wraps it up.
The material dreams a good concept, but its talky nature, convoluted angles (so many to choose) and senseless inconsistencies engulf the monotonously vague script, which could've done with occasional wit. The presentation is well-photographed and production values hold up, but the musical score was flat, lighting hazily dim and editing was terribly hack-eyed. The cast do a fine job, maybe better then the material actually deserved. Scott Curtis gives an appealing turn as Cameron. Cotter Smith is sturdily efficient as detective Sam Talliaferro and Mel Harris impress with a steadfast turn as Dr. Nora Haley. Tab Hunter plays the unfortunate father who cops it in the opening minutes. There's sound performances by the support cast Kim Lankford, Leigh McCloskey, Chuck McCann and Gary Hudson as the jerk boyfriend.
It's saved by over-the-top deaths, some laughably shoddy developments and capable performances. Just like Mastroianni's other genre efforts; "The Supernaturals" and "He Knows You're Alone", it's watchable.
Oh, "Cameron's Closest" is quite an unremarkable low-budget horror film. Well, it's not completely worthless, even though it's nowhere near as flavoured and exciting like many of its counterparts within the same decade. This late 80s horror junk was mildly enjoyable in some silly patches and icky make-up effects, but ponderous pacing and muddled plotting makes for mostly a bland outing that keeps us in the dark to what's going on. There's potential in the interesting and novel premise of mixing the supernatural with science (which "The Howling" author Gary Barndner adapted his screenplay off his novel), but director Armand Mastroianni's unevenly fruitless and ham-fisted execution leaves a lot of its brimming concepts unfulfilled and sticks to the gimmicks. Lucky there are some nicely imaginative and downright bizarre deaths handed out by the evil dweller in the closet. The nasty make-up, especially from the zombies and death scenes are well conceived. Even some atmospheric visuals, in the shape of few brooding dream sequences promise something, to only bungle it with unintentional goofiness that destroys any unsettling mood that was there. Like that of special effects designer Carlo Rambaldi's (think of E.T.) plastically tacky monster creation. Sometimes the FX is questionably dire and overly sugar-coated, just stick around for the lacklustre climax between demon and child. It's pretty hasty when it wraps it up.
The material dreams a good concept, but its talky nature, convoluted angles (so many to choose) and senseless inconsistencies engulf the monotonously vague script, which could've done with occasional wit. The presentation is well-photographed and production values hold up, but the musical score was flat, lighting hazily dim and editing was terribly hack-eyed. The cast do a fine job, maybe better then the material actually deserved. Scott Curtis gives an appealing turn as Cameron. Cotter Smith is sturdily efficient as detective Sam Talliaferro and Mel Harris impress with a steadfast turn as Dr. Nora Haley. Tab Hunter plays the unfortunate father who cops it in the opening minutes. There's sound performances by the support cast Kim Lankford, Leigh McCloskey, Chuck McCann and Gary Hudson as the jerk boyfriend.
It's saved by over-the-top deaths, some laughably shoddy developments and capable performances. Just like Mastroianni's other genre efforts; "The Supernaturals" and "He Knows You're Alone", it's watchable.
"Cameron's Closet"- A strange little relic from yester-year that never quite comes together despite a few chilling sequences.
TedStixonAKAMaximumMadness12 October 2016
"Cameron's Closet" is a bit of a relic and time capsule for a much simpler time in my eyes. It was a staple of many a late-night horror- movie marathon and subject of numerous Friday-night rentals at the local Video King when I was growing up in the early 90's. And of the handful of people who I know that have seen the film... that seems to be the common trend.
It's one of those late-80's horror features that frankly fell off the map when Video Stores fell out of vogue and streaming took over during the past ten years. Its entire life seemingly spent as one of those lost, faded video-cassettes that you only discover after an hour of picking through video-shelves at your rental store of choice.
So it was a bit of a surprise finding it uploaded online not too long ago. Excited to relive a childhood "classic" that I had "discovered" in the video-store and rented over and over again, I clicked the play button, sat back...
...and was pretty underwhelmed.
While it does indeed have a fair share of thrills and chills, director Armand Mastroianni and writer Gary Brandner (creator of the "Howling" franchise) are never able to build the film up beyond the level of mediocrity, rendering it a generally ineffective tale. And while it may be a fun treat to revisit for the sake of nostalgia for 80's and 90's kids who are now all grown up, it's definitely best to understand that this is most certainly a "nostalgia goggles" affair. There's nothing here that hasn't been done far better in other far better films before.
The film is based on 10-year-old Cameron Lansing (Scott Curtis), a boy with latent telekinetic and pyschic abilities. After his research scientist father is killed in a grisly "accident", he is sent to live with his mother and her boyfriend. However, a series of twisted and gruesome deaths begin to surround the child, and it quickly becomes apparent that demonic forces are at play, who wish to get their hands on the boy for their own devious purposes...
When it's at its best, the film does competently deliver some satisfyingly chilling thrills and jumps. One particular stand-out scene involving a ghostly re-animated man with an inhumanly large smile still sends shivers down my bones. And there is a lot of fun to be had with the good, old-fashioned 80's practical creature and gore effects on display. Especially as they came courtesy the same genius that also created the animatronics in films like Spielberg's "E.T." and the titular "Alien" in the Ridley Scott classic. But it's at the service of a relatively cliché and standard (even at times sub-standard) storyline with forgettable characters and ho-hum development.
Perhaps the harshest thing I could say is that outside of the title, I didn't remember much about the film from my childhood. And in trying to write this review not that long after having re-watched it... I'm straining to think of much to say in regards to it. Either good or bad. It's a wholly mediocre film that's just watchable enough to kill some time on a rainy afternoon, but you'll also forget it within a week.
And so, I'm giving it a slightly under-average 4 out of 10. Mainly for the few effective moments and some creative scenes that take advantage of the promising premise. This is one of the few horror films that I honestly wouldn't see being remade... It's got a good idea behind it. But the film as-is just isn't particularly special.
It's one of those late-80's horror features that frankly fell off the map when Video Stores fell out of vogue and streaming took over during the past ten years. Its entire life seemingly spent as one of those lost, faded video-cassettes that you only discover after an hour of picking through video-shelves at your rental store of choice.
So it was a bit of a surprise finding it uploaded online not too long ago. Excited to relive a childhood "classic" that I had "discovered" in the video-store and rented over and over again, I clicked the play button, sat back...
...and was pretty underwhelmed.
While it does indeed have a fair share of thrills and chills, director Armand Mastroianni and writer Gary Brandner (creator of the "Howling" franchise) are never able to build the film up beyond the level of mediocrity, rendering it a generally ineffective tale. And while it may be a fun treat to revisit for the sake of nostalgia for 80's and 90's kids who are now all grown up, it's definitely best to understand that this is most certainly a "nostalgia goggles" affair. There's nothing here that hasn't been done far better in other far better films before.
The film is based on 10-year-old Cameron Lansing (Scott Curtis), a boy with latent telekinetic and pyschic abilities. After his research scientist father is killed in a grisly "accident", he is sent to live with his mother and her boyfriend. However, a series of twisted and gruesome deaths begin to surround the child, and it quickly becomes apparent that demonic forces are at play, who wish to get their hands on the boy for their own devious purposes...
When it's at its best, the film does competently deliver some satisfyingly chilling thrills and jumps. One particular stand-out scene involving a ghostly re-animated man with an inhumanly large smile still sends shivers down my bones. And there is a lot of fun to be had with the good, old-fashioned 80's practical creature and gore effects on display. Especially as they came courtesy the same genius that also created the animatronics in films like Spielberg's "E.T." and the titular "Alien" in the Ridley Scott classic. But it's at the service of a relatively cliché and standard (even at times sub-standard) storyline with forgettable characters and ho-hum development.
Perhaps the harshest thing I could say is that outside of the title, I didn't remember much about the film from my childhood. And in trying to write this review not that long after having re-watched it... I'm straining to think of much to say in regards to it. Either good or bad. It's a wholly mediocre film that's just watchable enough to kill some time on a rainy afternoon, but you'll also forget it within a week.
And so, I'm giving it a slightly under-average 4 out of 10. Mainly for the few effective moments and some creative scenes that take advantage of the promising premise. This is one of the few horror films that I honestly wouldn't see being remade... It's got a good idea behind it. But the film as-is just isn't particularly special.
Cameron comes out of the closet!
zeppo-220 February 2005
No, it's not a gay coming of age film! Just a bog-standard horror B-movie that would have worked quite well as a 30 minute episode of a series like "Tales of the Darkside," or a similar type programme. But as a full length film, it soon outstays it's welcome.
The child actor is quite reasonable and not as 'cute' as they tend to be in these roles. It's the adults who are poor, their acting never rises above adequate. Not helped by the dialogue or the clichéd plot of 'the monster that lurks in the cupboard.'
All eminently predictable and forgettable, better to go watch numerous old episodes of 'Tales from the Crypt,' to get exactly the same plot done a bit better.
The child actor is quite reasonable and not as 'cute' as they tend to be in these roles. It's the adults who are poor, their acting never rises above adequate. Not helped by the dialogue or the clichéd plot of 'the monster that lurks in the cupboard.'
All eminently predictable and forgettable, better to go watch numerous old episodes of 'Tales from the Crypt,' to get exactly the same plot done a bit better.
Very Good B-Movie, imaginative
thewag77731 January 2005
I enjoyed the plot of this movie. Certainly, monster in the closet is not an original idea, but they put their own spin on it. Sometimes, old plots are the best plots. I don't want this to be a spoiler, so I won't reveal too much.
This movie is about a boy with telekinetic powers. From early in the movie, we know there is something evil in his closet. The plot builds up throughout the movie and comes together nice and tight at the end. This is not some movie with a bunch of weird supernatural stuff that have nothing to do with each other, like Friday 13th part 7. This one all comes together.
My favourite scene is the one with the ceiling fan. Very exciting, though I don't see how a mere ceiling fan is cause for that much alarm. Well, thats what I love about B-movies. Some people just don't get it. I gave this 7 out of 10. It is a good horror B-movie. Not a movie for harsh critics though. Its good fun, very imaginative, but some would think its pretty stupid. If you're one of those people who hate everything, don't watch this. If you like B-movies and have a good imagination, than this, like so many films I recommend, is for you.
This movie is about a boy with telekinetic powers. From early in the movie, we know there is something evil in his closet. The plot builds up throughout the movie and comes together nice and tight at the end. This is not some movie with a bunch of weird supernatural stuff that have nothing to do with each other, like Friday 13th part 7. This one all comes together.
My favourite scene is the one with the ceiling fan. Very exciting, though I don't see how a mere ceiling fan is cause for that much alarm. Well, thats what I love about B-movies. Some people just don't get it. I gave this 7 out of 10. It is a good horror B-movie. Not a movie for harsh critics though. Its good fun, very imaginative, but some would think its pretty stupid. If you're one of those people who hate everything, don't watch this. If you like B-movies and have a good imagination, than this, like so many films I recommend, is for you.
Armand Mastroianni's real masterpiece was Tom Hanks's debut, not this one
lee_eisenberg29 January 2009
If the name Armand Mastroianni rings a bell, it's because he directed "He Knows You're Alone", most famous as Tom Hanks's movie debut. This is the only other movie of his with which I'm familiar. If this is any indication, he went downhill after giving Hanks a start. A number of the horror flicks that I've seen on FearNet - even if they lack a masterful plot - have some great music ("Down", "Blood Diner" and "Waxwork" are the prime examples). "Cameron's Closet" doesn't even have that. It's another "Exorcist" rip-off. How ironic that the man who directs these sorts of movies gave a debut to a back-to-back Oscar-winning actor. Life really is a box of chocolates after all...but don't bite this one.
Real Scares and good ideas at work!
loomis78-815-98903423 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Cameron Lansing (Curtis) is a 10 year old boy with psychic abilities. His father Owen (Hunter) and a colleague (Chuck McCann) accidentally has Cameron bring to life an ancient demon from the depths of hell who lurks in the boys closet. The evil force causes Owen to fall off a ladder and be graphically decapitated in a great early scene. Cameron moves in with his mom (Kim Lankford) and her bully boyfriend (Gary Hudson) who is killed by the beast in the closet by having his eyes blown out and tossed out the boys window. Detective Sam Taliaferrro (Smith) and cop shrink DR. Nora Halley (Harris) get brought in to investigate. Cameron's uncle and Sam's partner are also killed by the demon and Sam and Cameron join forces to stop the evil. This movie is an above average supernatural chiller from screen Writer Gary Brandner (from his novel) and Director Armand Mastroianni, Mastroianni delivers several nice shocks along with a few good seat rocking jolts throughout the running time which keeps the audience off guard as to when the next one is coming. The interesting plot is handled well along with some inspired gore moments makes this a nice mix. The main demon was designed by Carlo Rambaldi and looks good when it is shown in quick flashes and surprise moments, but looks rather fake and unconvincing the more you see it. Scott Curtis in the lead role of Cameron turns in a very natural and believable performance which helps the overall film. On the down side; there are too many dream sequences (thank the late 1980's "A Nightmare on Elm Street" influence for this) and the ending is nothing special either. There are still plenty of real scares and good ideas at work here making this worth seeking out.
Even Monster in the Closet (1986) is better than this.
BA_Harrison10 April 2021
The '80s is quite possibly my favourite decade for horror, with iconic characters, practical effects, and a sense of fun. Of course, they're not all winners. Cameron's Closet is a messy supernatural horror that piles on the silly demonic mumbo jumbo with a disregard for narrative cohesion, as though director Armand Mastroianni expected viewers not to care about a decent story or logic, just so long as he delivered the occasional death scene and a scary monster. This approach might have worked better if the direction was more stylish or if the special effects were a whole lot better, but Mastroianni isn't Argento and FX guy Carlo Rambaldi's work on the film is particularly weak: he might have given us the Xenomorph in Alien and E. T. The extraterrestrial, but he was either having a serious 'off day' with Cameron's Closet, or he didn't have a decent enough budget to work with.
Cameron (Scott Curtis) is a kid with telekinetic powers. He's encouraged to use his ability by his father Owen (Tab Hunter), and scientist Ben Majors (Chuck McCann), but in doing so Cameron unleashes an ancient demon that sets up camp in the boy's closet. After his father is decapitated while poking around Cameron's room, the boy is sent to live with his mother Dory (Kim Lankford) and her boyfriend Bob (Gary Hudson), but the demon follows and kills off anyone who goes near the closet. Cop Sam Talliaferro (Cotter Smith) and psychologist Nora Haley (Mel Harris) investigate the case.
The film delivers dream sequences (so popular after A Nightmare On Elm Street), ridiculous special effects scenes (Cameron dragged up his bedroom wall towards a ceiling fan), and daft deaths (Bob has his eye's burnt out and is thrown out of a window) but it's so random and lifeless that it's hard to remain invested until the end, which sees Sam enter the closet to battle the demon, none of which makes any sense. The best moment comes when Sam's cop friend Pete (Leigh McCloskey) discovers the zombie-like Bob in the closet, the appearance of the grinning, eyeless corpse being an effective scare (although its presence amongst the clothes hangers is never explained).
3.5/10, rounded down to 3 for Rambaldi's dreadful monster.
Cameron (Scott Curtis) is a kid with telekinetic powers. He's encouraged to use his ability by his father Owen (Tab Hunter), and scientist Ben Majors (Chuck McCann), but in doing so Cameron unleashes an ancient demon that sets up camp in the boy's closet. After his father is decapitated while poking around Cameron's room, the boy is sent to live with his mother Dory (Kim Lankford) and her boyfriend Bob (Gary Hudson), but the demon follows and kills off anyone who goes near the closet. Cop Sam Talliaferro (Cotter Smith) and psychologist Nora Haley (Mel Harris) investigate the case.
The film delivers dream sequences (so popular after A Nightmare On Elm Street), ridiculous special effects scenes (Cameron dragged up his bedroom wall towards a ceiling fan), and daft deaths (Bob has his eye's burnt out and is thrown out of a window) but it's so random and lifeless that it's hard to remain invested until the end, which sees Sam enter the closet to battle the demon, none of which makes any sense. The best moment comes when Sam's cop friend Pete (Leigh McCloskey) discovers the zombie-like Bob in the closet, the appearance of the grinning, eyeless corpse being an effective scare (although its presence amongst the clothes hangers is never explained).
3.5/10, rounded down to 3 for Rambaldi's dreadful monster.
Mel Harris was also in the same year's "K-9", but this is the true dog
movieman_kev23 February 2007
No, it's not a shocking expose on the deviancy of the "Growing Pains" star, that might have been watchable. No this movie is just a sorry excuse for a 80's horror film. Camoron Lansing is a introverted little tyke who has telekinetic powers. People always seem to die around him. Can the dashing police detective save the day? Will Dr. Nora Haley (Mel Harris of "K-9" 'fame') admit his secret desires? and most importantly, with all the atrocious acting, crap special effects, and groan inducing plot, will anyone give a damn?? I'll give you a hint the answer to one of those questions is a resoundingly overwhelming NO. Directed by Armand Mastroianni, who after "The Supernaturals" and "He knows you're alone" obviously just doesn't know any better.
My Grade: D-
My Grade: D-
Accidentally summoning a demon...we've all been there!
Aaron137527 October 2021
I thought this movie was that one with the little boy who lost his father and featured a weird puppet, but that one was Making Contact I think. I am sure I saw this film back in the day, but other than Cameron asking if he could play with the doll and a few other scenes my mind was drawing a blank as I watched it recently. It was not too bad, the problem is that it has moments where it is genuinely creepy and totally a R rated horror; however, too many times it devolves into a rather tame film that spends an awful lot of time introducing new characters. Seriously, I was having a hard time keeping up at first!
The story, Cameron is a special boy whose father trained to use numerous psychic and telekinetic powers. Unfortunately, he trained his son too good and it costs the father his life. Cameron goes to leave with his mother and her boyfriend and then flashes to a cop who I thought was the boyfriend, but isn't, the cop is sent to a shrink who I thought was the mom which is how things get interconnected, but no, she is a different character, boyfriend killed and here comes a brother! Meanwhile, a demon begins to kill people and there are some really cool effects and it all boils down to an accidental demon summoning!
The cast is pretty good, though no one I recognize other than Tab Hunter as the father. Still, they seemed to know what they were doing, my guess I probably have seen them before in other horror films. They had that horror film vibe to them. The effects are good, but not all that many, too often the film is just the cop and kid bonding, which makes no sense seeing as how the two have no real connection before the death of the actor boyfriend.
It had its moments and was interesting to watch, I will say it is better than that Making Contact film. That one had the lamest endings ever featuring killer burgers and Vader. This one's climatic battle could have been a bit better too. The demon appears to be a hairless cat and since it scratches and knocks things over that is probably what it is.
The story, Cameron is a special boy whose father trained to use numerous psychic and telekinetic powers. Unfortunately, he trained his son too good and it costs the father his life. Cameron goes to leave with his mother and her boyfriend and then flashes to a cop who I thought was the boyfriend, but isn't, the cop is sent to a shrink who I thought was the mom which is how things get interconnected, but no, she is a different character, boyfriend killed and here comes a brother! Meanwhile, a demon begins to kill people and there are some really cool effects and it all boils down to an accidental demon summoning!
The cast is pretty good, though no one I recognize other than Tab Hunter as the father. Still, they seemed to know what they were doing, my guess I probably have seen them before in other horror films. They had that horror film vibe to them. The effects are good, but not all that many, too often the film is just the cop and kid bonding, which makes no sense seeing as how the two have no real connection before the death of the actor boyfriend.
It had its moments and was interesting to watch, I will say it is better than that Making Contact film. That one had the lamest endings ever featuring killer burgers and Vader. This one's climatic battle could have been a bit better too. The demon appears to be a hairless cat and since it scratches and knocks things over that is probably what it is.
Cameron! Stop It!
wandernn1-81-6832743 August 2022
Came up recommended to me by Amazon. Cheese effects 80's horrors movie which is typical for the time. STill better than excessive CGI for sure. -1 Star for being too short in length as well as plot.
It really is about a demon monster thing in the closet. Not one of the better 80's movies to be sure. Did love the poster of Eric Dickerson on the wall! Go Rams!
3/10.
It really is about a demon monster thing in the closet. Not one of the better 80's movies to be sure. Did love the poster of Eric Dickerson on the wall! Go Rams!
3/10.
Cameron's Closet
HorrorFan198429 August 2021
A young boy with telekinetic powers unleashes a force set on destroying anything in its path.
We meet Cameron, a child who has the ability to move things with his mind. He likes to play in his closet a lot of the time with his action figures. His father appears terrified of his powers and what something so simple as playing in his room can do thanks to his special abilities. Late one night, the man investigates the closet and is killed by a machete, it's made to look like an accident. The question to the audience is did Cameron control that killing or was it something more sinister?
After the traumatic event, Cameron moves to LA to live with his mother Dory and his rude stepfather Bob. We then meet Sgt. Sam Taliaferro who has been having a recurring daydream, with parts of it very similar to what Cameron has imagined. Meanwhile, Cameron starts hearing growling voices from his new closet which kill his stepfather late one night. With Sgt. Taliaferro on the case, and a psychiatrist who notices Cameron's abilities, can this evil lurking around Cameron be stopped?
There were a lot of mysteries to solve in this one. What was the connection between Taliaferro and Cameron, was Cameron's inner rage responsible for the murders, and who or what is the demonic presence lurking in the closet. The acting ws your average run of mill for a mid 80's horror film. I did think there was great chemistry between Talliaferro/Dr. Haley/Cameron throughout. Mel Harris was a standout.
Cameron's Closet definitely used ideas from other films, in particular Pulse (1988) and A Nightmare on Elm Street. There was a scene in this one very similar to Tina's death in NOES for example. Great special effects with all of the demon scenes, lots of well done gore as well.
Overall, Cameron's Closet is a very average horror film that uses elements from other films out at that time. It doesn't try to reinvent the wheel or create suspense with twists and turns. It follows along the same cookie cutter path it's on from the beginning of the movie. The ending and final showdown may have been the most disappointing part of the entire movie. It felt rushed and all too expected for a horror fan like myself.
5/10.
We meet Cameron, a child who has the ability to move things with his mind. He likes to play in his closet a lot of the time with his action figures. His father appears terrified of his powers and what something so simple as playing in his room can do thanks to his special abilities. Late one night, the man investigates the closet and is killed by a machete, it's made to look like an accident. The question to the audience is did Cameron control that killing or was it something more sinister?
After the traumatic event, Cameron moves to LA to live with his mother Dory and his rude stepfather Bob. We then meet Sgt. Sam Taliaferro who has been having a recurring daydream, with parts of it very similar to what Cameron has imagined. Meanwhile, Cameron starts hearing growling voices from his new closet which kill his stepfather late one night. With Sgt. Taliaferro on the case, and a psychiatrist who notices Cameron's abilities, can this evil lurking around Cameron be stopped?
There were a lot of mysteries to solve in this one. What was the connection between Taliaferro and Cameron, was Cameron's inner rage responsible for the murders, and who or what is the demonic presence lurking in the closet. The acting ws your average run of mill for a mid 80's horror film. I did think there was great chemistry between Talliaferro/Dr. Haley/Cameron throughout. Mel Harris was a standout.
Cameron's Closet definitely used ideas from other films, in particular Pulse (1988) and A Nightmare on Elm Street. There was a scene in this one very similar to Tina's death in NOES for example. Great special effects with all of the demon scenes, lots of well done gore as well.
Overall, Cameron's Closet is a very average horror film that uses elements from other films out at that time. It doesn't try to reinvent the wheel or create suspense with twists and turns. It follows along the same cookie cutter path it's on from the beginning of the movie. The ending and final showdown may have been the most disappointing part of the entire movie. It felt rushed and all too expected for a horror fan like myself.
5/10.
Is this a horror movie or an 80's music video?
liverboyjoe17926 February 2000
Hmm... so Cameron is a psychic kid who accidentally brings a ferocious demon up from hell into his closet... Sounds like it might have potential. It did, but did it utilize that potential? No. Though this movie is tad creepy, it had some real major lows to it. Examples: the stomach growling noises coming from the closet, the almost 80's music video special effects (no wonder the thing died at the end, I think I would too if someone shot bad special effects at me through their finger tips). So, you should only preview this movie to see if you really like it first, but I don't recommend buying right away, especially without a preview.
Cameron's Closet stands as an above-average entry in the horror genre, offering a worthwhile viewing experience
kevin_robbins29 March 2024
I recently viewed the UK film 🇬🇧 Cameron's Closet (1988) on Prime. The plot centers on a young man with telekinetic abilities who inadvertently unleashes a demon in his closet. The demon, intent on claiming the boy's soul, proves ruthless in its pursuit, stopping at nothing to eliminate anyone who stands in its way.
Directed by Armand Mastroianni (He Knows You're Alone), the cast includes Cotter Smith (Mindhunter), Scott Curtis (Santa Barbara), Melissa Harris (Thirtysomething), Kim Lankford (Malibu Beach), and Leigh McCloskey (Inferno).
Cameron's Closet boasts several redeeming elements that contribute to its overall appeal. The opening sequence, featuring a father armed with a machete in his son's room, sets a chilling tone reminiscent of classic "monster under the bed" tales mixed with slasher. The demon itself is well-designed and exudes a palpable intensity, with impressive makeup and prosthetics enhancing its menace. Notable scenes, such as the humorous "thrown out the window" moment, add an enjoyable touch to the film. The cast delivers authentic performances, and the storyline proves engaging, punctuated by a memorable shower scene. While the kills may not reach peak intensity, the film's conclusion is satisfying and merits attention.
In conclusion, Cameron's Closet stands as an above-average entry in the horror genre, offering a worthwhile viewing experience. I would rate it 6.5-7/10 and recommend watching it once.
Directed by Armand Mastroianni (He Knows You're Alone), the cast includes Cotter Smith (Mindhunter), Scott Curtis (Santa Barbara), Melissa Harris (Thirtysomething), Kim Lankford (Malibu Beach), and Leigh McCloskey (Inferno).
Cameron's Closet boasts several redeeming elements that contribute to its overall appeal. The opening sequence, featuring a father armed with a machete in his son's room, sets a chilling tone reminiscent of classic "monster under the bed" tales mixed with slasher. The demon itself is well-designed and exudes a palpable intensity, with impressive makeup and prosthetics enhancing its menace. Notable scenes, such as the humorous "thrown out the window" moment, add an enjoyable touch to the film. The cast delivers authentic performances, and the storyline proves engaging, punctuated by a memorable shower scene. While the kills may not reach peak intensity, the film's conclusion is satisfying and merits attention.
In conclusion, Cameron's Closet stands as an above-average entry in the horror genre, offering a worthwhile viewing experience. I would rate it 6.5-7/10 and recommend watching it once.
This kid would have had fun playing baseball
TonyB25941 September 2022
Cameron's Closet (1988) - Poor young Cameron Lansing (Scott Curtis).
This kid has a looneytoons scientist father, Owen (Tab Hunter), who messes with his brain in an attempt to unlock secrets of psychic ability and telekinesis.
He has a mom named Dory (Kim Lankford), who has no idea what her estranged husband is doing to their child, and probably drinks and smokes a little too much.
He also has to deal with Dory's actor/boyfriend Bob (Gary Hudson), who you absolutely can't stand every single second he's on the screen.
On top of all of that, thanks to dad's experiments gone awry, Cameron learned more than how to move things with his mind. He also has a demonic monster he brought to life in his closet. He calls it "Deceptor."
Cameron does have a couple of protectors, one of which is a police sergeant named Sam Talliaferro (Cotter Smith). He's a bizarro character as well, though. He has frequent nightmares about chasing a killer.
The other is a psychologist named Nora Haley (Mel Harris). She's definitely the sanest person in this movie, and isn't bad on the eyes, either.
The storyline by Gary Brandner, I thought, was quite reasonable and entertaining. Director Armand Mastroianni had already done some scary stuff with He Knows You're Alone and The Clairvoyant. Another good job here.
Cameron is a kid you can throw your support behind as he tries to keep the monster under control, while at the same time being terrified by it.
The "Deceptor" monster is pretty cool. It's also pretty violent. The death scenes in this movie are borderline grisly. Good job by the special effects department.
I liked the interaction between Sam and Nora. He sure doesn't like it when his boss makes him go to her as a patient to solve his nightmare problems, and he lets her know it. But when they start working together to save Cameron, they click on all cylinders.
I think it's a cut above the average sci-fi/horror movies of the 1980s.
This kid has a looneytoons scientist father, Owen (Tab Hunter), who messes with his brain in an attempt to unlock secrets of psychic ability and telekinesis.
He has a mom named Dory (Kim Lankford), who has no idea what her estranged husband is doing to their child, and probably drinks and smokes a little too much.
He also has to deal with Dory's actor/boyfriend Bob (Gary Hudson), who you absolutely can't stand every single second he's on the screen.
On top of all of that, thanks to dad's experiments gone awry, Cameron learned more than how to move things with his mind. He also has a demonic monster he brought to life in his closet. He calls it "Deceptor."
Cameron does have a couple of protectors, one of which is a police sergeant named Sam Talliaferro (Cotter Smith). He's a bizarro character as well, though. He has frequent nightmares about chasing a killer.
The other is a psychologist named Nora Haley (Mel Harris). She's definitely the sanest person in this movie, and isn't bad on the eyes, either.
The storyline by Gary Brandner, I thought, was quite reasonable and entertaining. Director Armand Mastroianni had already done some scary stuff with He Knows You're Alone and The Clairvoyant. Another good job here.
Cameron is a kid you can throw your support behind as he tries to keep the monster under control, while at the same time being terrified by it.
The "Deceptor" monster is pretty cool. It's also pretty violent. The death scenes in this movie are borderline grisly. Good job by the special effects department.
I liked the interaction between Sam and Nora. He sure doesn't like it when his boss makes him go to her as a patient to solve his nightmare problems, and he lets her know it. But when they start working together to save Cameron, they click on all cylinders.
I think it's a cut above the average sci-fi/horror movies of the 1980s.
Shoulda stayed in the closet
lor_1 April 2023
My review was written in April 1989 after a Midtown Manhattan screening.
"Cameron's Closet" is an ambitious but very disappointing horror film. Pic arrived tardily in Manhattan theaters months after its poster went up in subway displays, just in time for its appearance in video stores.
Attempt at a minor league "Exorcist" on a puny budget is a mistake. Levitation and other effects are merely okay and the pic lacks the scope of a horror epic. Gary ("The Howling") Brandner merely has fashioned a convoluted tale of a monster in the closet of little boy Cameron (Scott Curtis).
The kid has been experimented upon (a la Michael Powell's "Peeping Tom") by his dad Tab Hunter, combining psychokinesis with demonology to unleash a monster (a demon worshipped by the Mayans, no less).
Hunter exits early, killed by the demon, and mains tory psychically (and unconvincingly) links Cameon with the police detective (Cotter smith) assigned coincidentally o the serial murder caused by the hellish critter. Smith's real-life mate, Mel Harris of tv's "thirtysomething", is cast as a psychiatrist treating both Curtis and Smith (!), latter suffering from blackouts caused by the demon.
Not helped by flat lighting of interiors and dullish Armand Mastroianni direction, pic plods to several confrontations with the monster, poorly executed by Carlo Rambaldi to look like Batman wearing his cowl. An extraneous near-incest scene is pointlessly thrown in near the end like an audience wakeup call.
Harris adds plenty of class to the proceedings, while Smith is bland and little Curti merely competent. Chuck McCann scores in a non-comedic role as a boozing ex-scientist.
"Cameron's Closet" is an ambitious but very disappointing horror film. Pic arrived tardily in Manhattan theaters months after its poster went up in subway displays, just in time for its appearance in video stores.
Attempt at a minor league "Exorcist" on a puny budget is a mistake. Levitation and other effects are merely okay and the pic lacks the scope of a horror epic. Gary ("The Howling") Brandner merely has fashioned a convoluted tale of a monster in the closet of little boy Cameron (Scott Curtis).
The kid has been experimented upon (a la Michael Powell's "Peeping Tom") by his dad Tab Hunter, combining psychokinesis with demonology to unleash a monster (a demon worshipped by the Mayans, no less).
Hunter exits early, killed by the demon, and mains tory psychically (and unconvincingly) links Cameon with the police detective (Cotter smith) assigned coincidentally o the serial murder caused by the hellish critter. Smith's real-life mate, Mel Harris of tv's "thirtysomething", is cast as a psychiatrist treating both Curtis and Smith (!), latter suffering from blackouts caused by the demon.
Not helped by flat lighting of interiors and dullish Armand Mastroianni direction, pic plods to several confrontations with the monster, poorly executed by Carlo Rambaldi to look like Batman wearing his cowl. An extraneous near-incest scene is pointlessly thrown in near the end like an audience wakeup call.
Harris adds plenty of class to the proceedings, while Smith is bland and little Curti merely competent. Chuck McCann scores in a non-comedic role as a boozing ex-scientist.
Bad, really bad!
bucky-2710 February 1999
Cameron is a psychic boy. He somehow brings a demon to life by
using his powers on a statue. The demon then hides in the boy's closet. The demon is vanquished in a hail of bad FX. This movie deserves to be MST3K'd oh so very badly.
using his powers on a statue. The demon then hides in the boy's closet. The demon is vanquished in a hail of bad FX. This movie deserves to be MST3K'd oh so very badly.
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