The Wicker Man (1973)

'Burnt Offering'

'The Wicker Man' is widley considered a horror film must see, I've heard it's climax mentioned along with the likes of 'Halloween'. I'm hear to tell you it barley can stack up against the like of Freddie's newest forray in to the land of sequel tedium. As a thriller it fails to thrill, as a musical (yes there is much music) it is out there and unenjoyable and as a horror story it is unremarkable.

So many have said that this is a classic horror film, but I hated it. The only redeeming feature of this snoozer is the always reliable Christopher Lee. He provises the right amount of menace for his character, Lord Sumerisle.

The story could also be filed under mystery. It chronicles the journey of a religious and strong principled investigator Sgt. Howie. He has been brought to the sleepy island of Sumerisle to investigate the disapearance of a young girl whom the locals say never existed. He soon uncovers scandalous secrets of town rituals.

I know that this is a "cult film" but that is certainly one cult I'd stay away from.

Grade: C-