The Honeycut: ‘Scarecrows’ is the Pinnacle of 80s Schlock

Jump into the Cornfield

I’d never heard of 1988’s “Scarecrows” until my co-host, Kevin, chose to cover it on the “Midnight Terrors Podcast.” A heist gone wrong? Killer scarecrows? He didn’t need to say anything else. I was all in.

While there is a lot to like about “Scarecrows,” I still have some criticisms. What I love about this film is that it knows it’s an 80s B-horror movie and makes no apologies for it. 

The Story

A team of criminals pull off a heist at a military base, then hijack a plane to escape. The plan falls apart when one of the crooks betrays the others and makes off with the score. His teammates follow him to an abandoned farmhouse, where they are picked off, one by one, by killer scarecrows. Simple as that. 

Honey’s Cut

First of all, this movie has no right to be as good as it was. It was independently financed for roughly $500,000. The makeup and costumes for the scarecrows look so good, as do the visual effects. When people get dismembered, it looks awesome instead of corny. What is corny is the acting. But man, if that doesn’t add to the charm of this film. 

My problem with it is the pacing. For the first 30 minutes, it seems like we’re just watching people walking around a farm. I understand setting up tension and atmosphere, but let’s speed it up here. 

Once the blood starts flowing, the fun begins; and it doesn’t let up until the credits roll. While “Scarecrows” is only 80 minutes, I kept thinking how much better it would have been as a 45-minute “Tales from the Crypt” episode. 

My favorite thing though, is how they explain nothing of the scarecrows. They allude to them being three dead farmers. How did they become scarecrows? Doesn’t matter, they’re killer scarecrows. 

They can also psychologically trick the criminals and even bring people back as zombies. How are these beings able to use supernatural powers like these? Doesn’t matter, they’re killer scarecrows. 

It’s pure, unapologetic 80s schlock, and I’m here for it. Forget the explanations, here’s more gore!

Honey’s Final Thought

Charm is the best word for “Scarecrows.” It is by no means a masterpiece. I wouldn’t even say it’s a good movie. But that’s what makes it such a blast. If you made this movie with impeccable acting and the best CGI money can buy, it’d just feel dull or soulless. 

You can keep all that. I’ll take a crazy story with over-the-top acting and practical effects, over some critically acclaimed, cinematic marvel that puts me to sleep. 

It’s not always about being the best in every category in filmmaking. This was made by people who had never made a movie before. They put their money together and did what they set out to do. Then they had three years of major setbacks before it was finally released, but that’s a story for another time. What is important is that a movie has heart; and that will always show through.