80s Horror Comedy Gives Paul Walker Early Role, Stream Now Without Netflix
Watching older horror films can be a lot like panning for gold. It can take time and patience to sift through the rocks and mud before you uncover a movie that has value. Though the 1986 entry Monster in the Closet might not be considered a precious metal by most, the horror-comedy film gives audiences some laughs, some jumps, and an early look at the late Paul Walker.
The Monster Lurks In Closets For Its Victims
To enjoy Monster in the Closet, an appreciation of tongue-in-cheek humor is a prerequisite. The film’s terrifying creature is one that preys on innocent homeowners, hiding in closets and lying in wait until the unsuspecting person opens the door and reaches inside to grab a coat or boots. It doesn’t seem to have a motive and moves from home to home to satisfy its bloodlust.
One Of Paul Walker’s Earliest Roles
Monster in the Closet centers around a local reporter (Donald Grant) who makes a living writing obituaries. Once he sees a pattern in murder victims being found inside the area’s closets, he conducts an investigation. He teams up with a science teacher (Denise DuBarry) and her son, a child prodigy played by a very young Paul Walker, to uncover the mysterious deaths.
The beast in Monster in the Closet turns out to be a whole lot more powerful than its pursuers could ever have imagined. When the police and the military are forced to become involved, it’s revealed that no bullet or laser is capable of stopping it from its murderous path of destruction. As the film progresses, you wonder if the protagonists will find a way or if those with closets will be doomed.
A Horror Legend
More seasoned horror fans will notice some icons from the industry among the cast, most notably the late John Carradine. Carradine’s career spanned six decades, seeing him play various roles that included scores of horror titles. House of Frankenstein, The Sentinel, Horror of the Blood Monsters, and Shock Waves are but a few of his contributions to the genre, with Monster in the Closet being one of his last before his death in 1988.
A Young Pop Star As Well
Monster in the Closet also co-stars Henry Gibson, who plays the moronic Dr. Pennyworth. Primarily a comedic actor, Gibson was the perfect choice for helping this film combine the elements of humor and horror and was a standout among the cast.
Audiences not only get to see Paul Walker in his first film role, but Monster in the Closet also features a young Fergie (The Black Eyed Peas), who was billed as Stacey Ferguson.
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REVIEW SCORE
Monster in the Closet isn’t a film to be taken at all seriously, and after seeing the hokey special effects and laughing at some of the corniest dialogue, you’ll likely find yourself okay with it. The film is good for a lot more laughs than scares but lacks anything much more than fairly easy jokes and low-brow humor. It’s a film absolutely worth seeing once, but not worthy of more than 1.5/5.0 stars.
Monster in the Closet isn’t available on Netflix, but it can be streamed for free with Freevee and Tubi, and rented via Amazon Prime Video.
