Old Western Horror with Darth Vader and Chucky - Part of the Briterion Collection

 

    Greetings gore-monds of the grim and gruesome! Today, we are delving into the obscure and somewhat perplexing world of "Grim Prairie Tales," an obscure and rarely known 1990 film that mixes horror and westerns into an anthology buffet. The chuck wagon is open in our ride through the wild west, where Wade Coe, an unknown one-hit wonder, takes the reins as both the writer and director! So sit and take a healthy bite or two.

    Ah, Wade Coe—famous for, well, this one movie, of course! Yes, it was both the highlight and lowlight of his career. Some may call it a masterpiece, while others might simply say it's... unique. For me, it is rewatchable and dare I say…haunting. 

    "Cinematic genius" might be a tad too strong a phrase, but we'll give credit where it's due. Coe dared to venture into the dusty realm of the wild west, armed with a script that tried to weave together different stories in a twisted, yet strangely satisfying, manner. Or was it just a hodgepodge of narrative ideas thrown into a cowboy hat? In either case, it is a bizarre buffet worth binging upon.

    What do you get when you combine the baritone greatness of James Earl Jones with the wild-eyed insanity of Brad Dourif? A surprisingly entertaining and peculiar combination, that's what! They have great on-screen presence in a way that is both engaging and believable. Their wrap-around story more than overshadows the tales they tell.

    Jones, known for his iconic voice as Darth Vader and Mufasa, takes on the role of a weathered storyteller, captivating us with his deep timbre as he spins bizarre tales of the Old West. His narration is enough to make anything sound profound. And his character is just as engaging.

    Then comes Dourif, who never fails to leave an impression with his unorthodox performances like the human form of Chucky from Child's Play. As a uptight, paranoid cowboy, he's a perfect foil for Jones. He’s sketchy in all the right ways.

    As we traverse the wild prairies of "Grim Prairie Tales," we encounter a series of vignettes that range from eerie to downright surreal. The film finds its charm in the twisted tales it presents, involving everything from Native American legends to strange, stomach-churning encounters. And try to think about the morals of the story. They are definitely there, whether bashing your head in with a frying pan or subtlety catching your attention like sage on the wind. These are stories with social commentary, many of which are relevant today.

    It's not every day that you come across a Western anthology with such a unique blend of horror, dark humor, morality plays, and supernatural elements. But let's be honest; this genre mashup might not be everyone's cup of sarsaparilla. If it is yours, then saddle up to the bar and take a long sip then brush the foam of your dusty moustache with the back of your grizzled hand.

    "Grim Prairie Tales" has an offbeat charm that is undeniable. It is for that reason, and for Dourif and Jones remarkable portrayal of Farley and Morrison, that this film is part of the Briterion Collection. Enjoy it by campfire when the sun has set on the distant desert horizon, partner.