Cujo (1983)

Director: Lewis Teague

Starring: Dee Wallace, Daniel Hugh Kelly, Danny Pintauro

Cujo, a friendly St. Bernard, contracts rabies and conducts a reign of terror on a small American town.

‘Cujo’ is not only one of my favorite 80’s horror films, but also one of my favorite Stephen King films.

The film quickly sets up the back story and each character, so when they find themselves in peril, we’re familiar with them and therfore root for them. The events leading to the finale is justified and believable.

The film’s third act completely sucks you in and never gives you a moment to catch your breath. Clever photography significantly enhances the suspense. The incredibly realistic dog attack scenes are the best I’ve ever seen before and since ‘Cujo’. Young Danny Pintauro is excellent in a dramatic role.

‘Cujo’ was nominated for Best Film and Best Horror Film, and Danny Pintauro received the Best Young Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture award nomination. At the box office ‘Cujo’ earned $21 million on a $5 million budget.

Would I watch it again? Yes.