The Sentinel is a interesting film in that it seemed destined to be forgotten. In part because it was released in a decade where many classic religious horror films were coming out, but also because the film could not match up to those films in terms of quality. As a result it would seem that it would fall wayside like many other average horror films of that time. However that turned out to not be the case. Instead the film has become a cult classic in major part because of the notorious ending sequence but also because the overabundance of legendary acting talent. The Sentinel is an enjoyable horror film that has all the elements to be a great film but falls short.
The storyline of the film is almost fully realized in the tagline for the film on the poster art. There is a gate way to hell that has a sentinel to guard it. A new sentinel is needed and the main character is chosen. She moves into a new apartment as crazy things begin to happen to her. The film is rather uneven in terms of quality. The scenes that are great are really great but the are few and far between while the rest of the film is decent at best. The main problem that the film has is a severe lack of suspense. The scenes that are great often have some suspense but the other scenes seem to lack purpose. They move the story from one point to the next but in a more straightforward or mechanical sense.
While the story is not executed very well thanks to rather pedestrian direction, there are a couple legitimately great aspects of the film. First there are a few great scenes in the film, in particular the flash back scenes and the ending are done great. Pretty much once the film hits the halfway mark the film ramps up in goodness as most of the great scenes take place in the later half of the film. The second aspect that enhances this film is the amazing cast involved in the film. Every scene has a great actor putting on a good performance. Unfortunately the cast is not utilized as much as they should have. Those select scenes of greatness and a cast overflowing with great actors are what keeps this film from being overlooked.
Overall The Sentinel is not executed all that exceptionally except for a few amazing scenes that are completely unforgettable. As well the film is filled with an amazing cast that are unfortunately underutilized. The film is definitely worth checking out and it is a film that becomes more enjoyable view each viewing. In the end The Sentinel is a rather unique and enjoyable film that is defined by its few great memorable scenes.
This is another label defining release from Scream Factory. They have taken a minor cult classic and gave it more love than it probably deserves with a great presentation and special features.
Special Features:
-Interview with Assistant Director Ralph S. Singleton (24 mins): An informative interview that discusses his career as a whole and The Sentinel specifically in some instances. Like his thought on the director Michael Winner and the memorable ending of the film.
-Audio Commentary with Writer/Producer Jeffrey Konvitz: This commentary is hosted by Mondo Digital's Nathaniel Thompson and follows more of a Q&A style than the typical commentary style. Throughout his discussion Konvitz explains the history of the book, how it became a movie, and his career afterwards. He also discusses his relationship with the cast and crew including the director.
-Audio Commentary with Writer/Producer/Director Michael Winner: This is a very lively commentary discussing how he got involved with the film, the making of the film, and some on his career in general. The commentary gives greater understanding to why some people were put off by him. He is polite but rather sleazy and loses some of his artistic integrity when he explains that the reason he would have scenes with lots of women in them in an attempt to find suitors for "affairs" or one night stands.
-Audio Commentary with Actress Christina Raines: This commentary is hosted by the operator of the blog Hill Place. The commentary is overall a little disappointing, in part because of some poor leading questions by the moderator that resulted in short or yes/no answers. As well, not too much information about the film is given overall besides that she hated the director and loved the cast and crew. However, a lot of interesting information on her career as a whole can be found in the commentary. Overall a slightly disappointing but decent commentary.
-Theatrical Trailer
-TV Spots
-Movie Stills
-B&W Press Photos
-Lobby Cards & Posters
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