Nightmares started its life as segments filmed for the television anthology show "Darkroom" but found itself being thrown into theatrical release by Universal when they deemed the segments too intense for the small screen. The result of this is an R-rated (yet still tame), mediocre effort that feels like the Made-for-TV fare it was meant to be while delivering stories that never rise above cliché, cash in on the fads of the moment, and are generally unsatisfying. That's why it's surprising that all these years later the segment "The Bishop of Battle" has gathered a cult-like following - though it's probably the result of the early 80s computer generated effects and setting it in a local arcade.

"Terror in Topanga" starts things off here and begins decently as mere minutes after pulling a girl over for speeding a cop is knifed by a maniac hiding in the bushes. Looks like a murderer has escaped from the asylum but that's not about to stop housewife Lisa (Cristina Raines) from making a late night run to the store for some smokes. She soon falls victim to our psycho when stopping for gas but they've thrown in a mild twist that plays on the "escaped lunatic" urban legend. It's nothing much but is over quick and easy to digest. It's also worth noting that Lee Ving of the legendary punk band Fear appears as our killer.

Speaking of punk, cue the tunes on the soundtrack as we meet "The Bishop of Battle". J.J. (A young Emilio Estevez) and his pal Zock (Billy Jacoby, who's a personal favourite of mine thanks to Bloody Birthday and Just One of the Guys) are delinquent arcade rats. J.J. uses his gaming prowess to hustle some stereotypical Latino thugs but what he really wants to do is beat level thirteen in the "Bishop" game and prove he's the best in town. This leads to him sneaking in after hours determined to beat it only for the game to become a little too real. Seeing as I was an arcade freak in my youth, this story is probably more fun for me than those not into the joys of Ms. Pac-Man or Galaga but it does sport some pretty decent, if dated, effects. The arcade culture would get its best effort the following year with The Last Starfighter.

"The Benediction" benefits from the presence of fan favourite Lance Henriksen in the lead role as he plays a priest who is plagued by alcoholism, wavering faith, and lots of bad dreams. To clear his head he decides to go on a road trip and soon Duel-like moments begin to occur when he's chased down by an evil black pick-up truck. Whereas Duel was filled with suspense, this is just plain silly. The script tries it's best to toss in some vague symbolism but I was too busy laughing when the truck launches itself out from under the ground - I just can't make that shit up!

Our final tale, "Night of the Rat", also comes across more dopey than scary as Steven (Richard Masur) just isn't convinced his family has a rat problem despite all the noises his wife is hearing, things start being knocked over, and the pet cat goes missing. They soon find out that there's a giant rat living within the walls and it leads to a showdown with effects that wouldn't be out of place in a Bert I. Gordon (Empire of the Ants, Food of the Gods) flick. It all just amounts to another forgettable tale in a forgettable movie and definitely doesn't come close to reaching the heights of the "Peter Weller vs. Giant Rat" greatness that is Of Unknown Origin.

Directed by Joseph Sargent (The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, Jaws: The Revenge), Nightmares' four tales just aren't able to generate any excitement and, even though it's a pleasant enough 99 minutes, this never comes close to reaching the heights of fellow anthology flicks Tales from the Crypt or Creepshow instead being content to languish amongst the skippable ones like Tales That Witness Madness. See it if you're looking to get unintentional chuckles at the dated 80's vibe but don't bother otherwise. (Chris Hartley, 4/12/14)

Directed By: Joseph Sargent.
Written By: Christopher Crowe, Jeffrey Bloom.

Starring: Cristina Raines, Emilio Estevez, Lance Henriksen, Richard Masur.