Customer Reviews

Runestone [VHS]

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A giant stone covered with arcane markings is uncovered deep in an abandoned cavern, and a long-forgotten prophecy is revived. Soon a wolf-like monster is preying upon the city's unsuspecting people. Will a hero emerge to put an end to the murderous beast's rampage?

Despite a somewhat elevated reputation amongst b-movies, THE RUNESTONE is a poor movie on most levels. The plot is actually a very interesting idea, and I'd be curious to read the hard-to-find story by Mark E. Rogers and compare the film to the author's original vision, but in point of fact the film is doomed by a host of problems and bad decisions by the filmmakers. The script is muddled, and too many illogical things happen underscored by frequently embarrassing dialogue. The special effects are unconvincing, and the villainous wolf is less realistic than similar creatures from the 50s and 60s. Even the climax, which could have been a killer showdown between good and evil, is a major letdown devoid of action or drama. On the plus side, the cast is good (the lovely Joan Severance, plus Peter Riegert, Willaim Hickey, and Tim Ryan) and there is some effort to develop the characters as real people with real problems and personalities. Despite the pedestrian direction, there is a certain mysterious atmosphere behind it all and the music is of high quality. The Norse take on traditional werewolf lore is inherently interesting, though sadly it is poorly developed here.

THE RUNESTONE is a good idea that never comes to fruition. Perhaps a revised script and more confident direction could have turned this into a decent movie, but as it is there are just too many weaknesses to overcome.

great flick. i loved it. the special effects could have been a little better, but not for a 91 flick. i loved the story line and i am really into norse mythology

it is one of my favorite obscure movies. I even had the vhs converted into a dvd as well as have the soundtrack. Im also looking for the novel.

This is one of the most original werewolf movies ever made, and one of those rare Hollywood pieces that's actually intelligent. I hope to see it on DVD someday.

I watched this movie to see Anthony Cistaro (as the cop pointing out the large amount of blood on the stairs) in an earlier role than Kenneth Irons (from Witchblade). Still, mythology stories are never ALL bad.