Back in the dark ages of my childhood, 1976 to be exact, Carrie was released and scared the bell bottoms off quite a few people. The buzz was so intense that my nine year old self decided that it would be a smart idea to steer clear of it, even when it was shown on cable. In fact I remember sitting quietly and reading in another room then jumping out of my chair when I heard my parents scream in fright at the climax of the dream sequence.

Based on a Stephen King novel, the story revolves around a teenaged girl (Sissy Spacek) tormented by both her religious fanatic of a mother (Piper Laurie) and the students at her high school. The onset of menses provides a catalyst which unleashes her previously dormant telekinetic powers. When her gym teacher punishes the entire class for their cruelty towards Carrie, one (Amy Irving) genuinely repents and tries to make amends, while another (Nancy Allen) decides to take it a step further. Like many teenage flicks to follow (Pretty In Pink, She's All That), the movie's climax occurs at the prom.

Looking at Carrie now, from a 90's, post-Cronenberg perspective, it's hard to see what all the fuss was about. About the only thing that really freaked me was that statue of Saint Sebastian with the glow in the dark eyes. Lemme tell you something, having been raised Catholic I've seen some pretty weird icons in my time, but that puppy takes the cake.

That's not to say that the movie was totally without merit. Sissy Spacek and William Katt were convincing as uncertain teenagers and Piper Laurie was fabulous as a completely whacked out religious nut. Even some of the over the top religious and sexual imagery worked, like Laurie's death scene. And for some odd reason I found myself liking the songs in this movie but not the score which was particularly silly in points with bits reminiscent of Psycho thereby completely ruining any suspense they had managed to build.

Basically if you want to see a classic horror movie without looking for a real scare or much gore, Carrie will do.

DROOL FACTOR: William "The Greatest American Hero" Katt, baby! Despite his blonde-ness and Leif Garret curly hair, he's so damn sweet in this movie that you forgive him for basically cheating on his girlfriend (Amy Irving) at the prom.

GROSS-OUT FACTOR: Saint Sebastian. Pig's blood. John Travolta. Clothes circa 1976. The really cheesey 'score'.

STRONG CHICK FACTOR: Carrie bows and cows to her mother's religious fanaticism until she comes into her telekinetic powers and makes those who've so cruelly taunted her pay in a way that no one is likely to forget.

-- Linda M. Najera

Carrie is currently available on video.