Phantom of the Paradise

Pros: A brilliant twist to an old concept - a rock opera of good versus evil.

Cons: Jessica Harper shines in this film but could stand a few dance lessons.

The Bottom Line: that Phantom of the Paradise is a film that has become a cult classic for very good reason. The film certainly ranks with greats like Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Review: This glam-rock musical parody set in the age of disco fab is not your average horror movie and might not be considered a horror movie at all by some but you certainly can’t argue that it is a cult classic. A 1974 Brian De Palma masterpiece, the Phantom...

Pros: Memorable musical sequences and performances highlight one-of-a-kind film.

Cons: Several dated elements may mar effectiveness for first-time viewers.

The Bottom Line: Dated, somewhat forgotten 1974 cult film is a unique blend of satire, musical fantasy, horror and romance. Influential De Palma film.

Review: "Born defeated

Died in Vain

Super destruction you were hooked on pain

An tho' your music lingers on

Well all of us are glad your gone."

(From the song: The Hell of It - music and lyrics by Paul...

Pros: Great music

Cons: Dumb plot

Review: It's easy to over-praise a movie like this one, which has some really outstanding elements but ultimately isn't equal to the sum of its parts. I like it a lot, but I'm a little embarrassed to admit it. There's great music, some dramatic violence, and a...

Pros: Great Music and Satire

Cons: Can't think of any.

Review: We all have our secret little films we can watch over and over again. Phantom is one of my favorites, a satirical rip on 70's music that, unfortunately, was obscured by the shadow of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

I originally saw Phantom...

Pros: Paul Williams as Swan, Gerrit Graham as Beef, and Williams' music

Cons: The chaotic final battle

Review: In 1974, movies got a bit strange. Rocky Horror Picture Show is the best known for taking a genre to the outer limits. In that same year, Brian De Palma took the Phantom of the Opera story and warped it into a pre-disco rock fest.
Paul Williams...

Pros: Talented actors, Great Music, Amusing feature

Cons: A bit predictable, confusing in places

Review: This spoof of the Phantom of the Opera is funny and original. Paul Williams outshines his current and past stereotypes and fulfills the role of Swan, a hip club owner, with a tendency for the wicked, with the upmost ease. Loosely based on Faust, which...