A different sort of slasher film, this one. It concerns three young couples who head for an island vacation in the Pacific Northwest. Plane troubles force them to land on a different island. Unfortunately, this one is dominated by stereotypical backwoods redneck type senior citizens, Pa and Ma (Rod Steiger and Yvonne De Carlo). They live with three middle aged children, Fanny (Janet Wright, 'Corner Gas'), Woody (Michael J. Pollard, "Bonnie and Clyde"), and Teddy (William Hootkins, "Hardware"), who all have the mindsets of children. They're also murderous, laying waste to most of the interlopers in various ways.Although there's some excellent atmosphere (this was filmed on Bowen Island, the same Canadian locale utilized by "The Food of the Gods"), and some decent enough gore, "American Gothic" gets most of its strength through characterization. You sure don't care about most of the victims. In fact, you're happy to see them die. The screenplay is by Burt Wetanson and Michael Vines, and not only does it make these people insufferably obnoxious, it's patently absurd. Who in their right mind gets on a swing that's perched right at the edge of a cliff? The most sympathetic victim is Cynthia (Sarah Torgov ("Meatballs"), in what appears to be her last acting credit). Cynthia just got out of a mental institution because she wasn't able to deal with the tragic death of her baby.Steiger and De Carlo have a field day as the rigid, religious, backwards yokels, and Steiger has a priceless, memorable monologue right at the end. Wright is rather endearing, Pollard is his usual self, and Hootkins is solid as the twisted Teddy. Familiar faces among the victims also include Stephen Shellen ("The Stepfather" '87) and Mark Lindsay Chapman ("Titanic" '97).The outcome involving Cynthia is somewhat intriguing, offering up at least two possible reasons for her actions. And this brief but generally amusing little movie does teach us one lesson: if you're stuck on an island, with little to no chance of getting off, it might be wise to respect the ways of your hosts, however antiquated they may be.Seven out of 10.

Backwoods horror with a twist, well "American Gothic" won't win any awards for originality but there's no knocking back that it's truly demented, often ludicrous and eventually goes down a path (in regards to the heroine's character development) that simply fits right at home with this darkly nightmarish comic shocker. At times some instances or choice actions were grating and I was getting a little annoyed by the performances, but you could say this was meant to be. It's well-acted with Rod Steiger and Yvonne De Carlo playing Pa (a god fearing man) and Ma with stinging commitment and also showing up is character actor Michael J Pollard as one of their children.Some young adults find themselves stranded on an island when their plane comes on. On the secluded island they begin looking for help and the come across a very old-fashion house where they would meet Pa and Ma. They invite them to stay, until help arrives. However this is one strange family, who stick to their old conservative family values, the kids are a lot older than one would think and they seem to have horrifying plans for their guests.Director John Hough ("The Legend of Hell House" and "Twins of Evil") does a commendable job pacing it, drumming up suspense and capturing some lasting atmospheric visuals. There's something unsettling beneath it, but it's broken up by its operatic ham. Janet Wright's performance is a nice fit to that. Disappointedly some of the deaths happen off screen, but there are one or two ghastly inclusions. What it does set-up is routine, but where it really does come into its own is within the last half-hour, as things might not play out as you might think. Sarah Torgov's performance is the standout in the young adults, as she portrays someone with a little more depth which is important to the story's progression. Also gotta love the trademark image for the poster artwork.Typical, but decently macabre. Would make for a good companion piece with "Girly" (1971).

***possible spoiler****The movie is about a group of friends who are going on a trip when their plane breaks down so they are forced to land in the middle of nowhere........ Soon to find a house where they are greeted by an older couple who let the group of friends stay in their home....... very creepy,twisted things start to happen! The plot line may seem cheesy but this movie is far from it...must watch!!!!!! This movie is definitely one of the best horror films I've ever watched. I'm not sure where you can find this movie I recently tried renting it from Hollywood Video and Blockbuster but neither of them carried it....maybe Netflix?

In a way it is sad to see a talent like Rod Steiger relegated to playing these psycho-eccentrics, as he does here and also in the absolutely amazing "Guilty as Charged". "American Gothic" lacks the fully developed script of "Guilty as Charged", although it is not your standard slasher in the woods. Other films have been "borrowed" from, but somehow there is enough originality to maintain interest. The character development is scatter shot, and the acting ranges from embarrassing (pick any of the stranded friends), to stereotyped (Steiger and Michael J. Pollard). Nevertheless, "American Gothic" rises above mediocrity, because of the presence of Steiger and Pollard, some intriguing, though underdeveloped ideas, and a smattering of dark comedy. - MERK