Equinox (1967)

A mental patient recounts how he and his friends found themselves at the the foot of an inter dimensional portal and how they confront the horrors that it contained.

What do you get when a bunch of teens get together with $6,500 and help from author Fritz Lieber and Forrest Ackerman AKA The Ackermonster AKA Dr. Ackula? This movie. A budget monster movie that shows off the talents of Dennis Muren, who later would do the effects for movies such as Star Wars, Willow, Jurassic Park and other big budget, high effect movies. It was later picked up by a small production company and expanded into a feature film. This is a basic love letter to Harryhausen as well as other stop motion animators. Very Fun stuff. It is also rumored to inspire the Evil Dead movies, though I really doubt it.

The only downside to the movie is that it takes a while to get into second gear. Scriptwriting wasn't their strong side. Neither was pacing. It would start slow, get some pace, get slow again and then take off too fast into the tree. They would use a Theramin like it was going out of style and it would get annoying after a while.

With all it's flaws, this is one of my favorites out of my collection. It's one of those movies that...feels unique. Yes it seems amature but everyone was having fun at what they were doing. I highly recommend adding this to your collection. You won't regret it. something to watch with everyone I think.

3 stars.