merklekranz "The Carpenter" is not likely to win many fans from the guts and gore crowd. The carpentry tool killings are so over the top, that they are only going to hold interest for admirers of "black comedy". Throw in at least average acting, a story with some originality for a change, and of course a deranged Wings Hauser. Since my girlfriend didn't leave the room and kept watching, even after arms were being cut off with a circular saw, I can confirm a certain romantic angle that I didn't see coming. Without the presence of Wings, this is completely forgettable. Wings fans will not be disappointed. In good conscience I cannot recommend this as a date movie, but I do recommend "The Carpenter" as a good dark comedy. - MERK

The_Void The Carpenter would not appear to be a very well liked film, and it's really not difficult to see why. It seems that certain occupations lend themselves to horror; while dentistry, for example, has obvious horror themes that can spring from it, all carpentry has is the idea of someone murdering people with his tools, this idea has been used many times before and generally isn't all that interesting anyway. The fact that the plot here focuses on a dead carpenter who has come back for revenge doesn't really help since that idea is also massively overused. The plot is also rather boring in the way it plays out. However, I do have to say, in spite of all that I've already said, that The Carpenter isn't a film without any merits at all. Wings Hauser is good in the title role, and the scenes that see him taking some revenge on various people that he doesn't like are generally quite well done. The way he yacks on about 'the working man' etc can be a little dreary, but the delivery is good and Hauser makes for an effective villain. Overall, however, I have to say that The Carpenter is not a great film and there's not enough about it for me to recommend it.

clarkent188 I'm not rating this film so high because of it's great production values, it's haunting score, its vivid cinematography, it's stand-out performances by Wings Hauser or Lynne Adams. Because frankly, it has NONE of those things.What this film DOES have going for it is that it actually one of the highlights of American b grade horror productions that were filmed in Canada in the 80's. If you're a fan of the genre, the basic theme of the movie followed the 'title' with surprising finesse considering the budget they had to work with. Yes, "The Carpenter" did away with most of the cast using power tools, (Surprise!) some of which were disturbingly original. In a couple of cases even gruesome. My personal favorite was watching the character of Barns (played by Robert Austern) having part of his head and face sanded off.I doubt you'll ever find this in the DVD Horror section as it has never been transfered to that medium. But if you should happen across a copy in the old five dollar VHS bin at your local video store, it is indeed very entertaining.

Heather Whoever said this film was an "Excellent late 80's horror" must be out of their mind! This film is stupid, pointless and really old fashioned. Not to mention cheesy. It is nowhere near "intensely scary" or "sensitive". Just plain confusing. If this film is so good then why did it come from a bargain bin, and no I didn't buy it, my Dad did. Though the only thing I did like about it was that it was so stupid I had to laugh. Oh and one more thing, Wing Hauser is nowhere near talented. Actually, I could do a better job.1/10 - complete claptrap. *YaWn*Sorry if I caused any offence to anyone concerned. If I did, then shame on you!