Aquarius - Theater des Todes

A pretty slow film at first, it starts as a classic slasher and doesn’t get properly interesting until about the middle. The killer wears an original owl mask that is very memorable and had the potential to spawn a successful franchise and a popular killer. The deaths unfortunately are not brutal or unusual enough to be etched in your memory, but the abdomen drilling is not bad at all (the best scene is the arrangement of the victims). Thanks to the second half and its very good atmosphere, where you can clearly see Argento’s influence, Stage Fright is my favourite Soavi’s film. (25.06.2008)

Ein großartiger Slasher aus dem Theaterumfeld. In einer regnerischen Nacht entkommt ein mörderischer Wahnsinniger aus einer psychiatrischen Anstalt und verschanzht sich mit einer Gruppe von Schauspielern in einem Gebäude, um seine eigene blutige Vorstellung zu inszenieren... Soavis frühere Zusammenarbeit mit Argento ist wirklich nicht zu übersehen, denn sein Debüt ist ausgezeichnet gelungen. Er nutzt die Eigenschaften jedes guten Massakers (möglichst unterschiedliche Tötungsarten, ein fast unsterblicher Mörder, dessen Taten eine Frau überleben muss) und fügt einige Ideen und visuelle Tricks hinzu. Der Mörder trägt eine mit Federn verzierte Eulenmaske und richtet seine Opfer mit unvergleichlicher Gier und Anmut hin, vor allem seine Arbeit mit der Kettensäge, dem Spaten und dem Bohrer bereitet ihm eine große Freude. Ein großartiges Debüt von Soavi, das ist wahr. (03.03.2011)

Michele Soavi managed to shoot what was expected from the film. A good slasher. It doesn't try to be anything more, but simply focuses on gradual killing with hopes that someone will survive. It is a fairly crystalline representation of this specific horror genre, moreover, in this case with a cleverly utilized theater setting. I enjoyed the outcome and didn't feel like it was a waste of time. (04.04.2015)

I was honestly curious as to what an Italian-style slasher might look like. I was expecting torrents of blood, horrified expressions, and at least one charismatic victim, but most importantly – at least some fun. Unfortunately, I didn't get any of it and during the movie (this hasn't happened to me in a long time) I had the urge to leave, regardless of whether I left it running or not, I really didn't care... Unfortunately, I ended up watching about 70-75 minutes and that was really enough for me... I Know What You Did Last Summer is excellent compared to this boring piece of crap! And Scream might even be a work of art... 20% (13.03.2010)