Best Not to Cover Up a Crime

Because much like in the case of Sorority Row (2009), it could end quite badly. My 2013 Review is more comprehensive. I think when I chose to watch that one--in the summer--back in 2013 felt just right. But I've been gearing towards some late 90s/early 2000s era of slasher/horror as my daughter's interest in horror is piquing. This 2009 slasher even had Carrie Fisher of all people packing a shotgun as a housemother. I'm trying to remember still if I went to see this in a theater. I want to say I did but that period of my life, with two small children, is a bit of a blur. Still, the film sort of escapes the Scream period of tamer slashers that shot the violence off screen and featured almost no nudity at all. "Sorority Row" has girls who not only die horribly (both liquor bottle and flare town the gullets) but some unexpected naked flesh (boobies in the showers). I can't say I'm exactly the biggest "House on Sorority Row" fan, but over the years it has sort of grew on me. I can return to it every few years without problem. Although I think the killer revealed--a rather random choice who seems like an odd decision by those writing the screenplay--is sort of out of left field, slashers aren't exactly reputable for their grand revelations. There is a rather "fiery" climax where Evigan decides to turn the tables on Morris, while he spills a ton of exposition like some Bond villain hilariously. The screenplay includes tons of "sisters are there for each other" that never fails to crack me up. Pipes walks away with the film as the narcissist looking after her own self interests, using the Theta Pi sorority dedication of fellow sisters to shield and cover up her participation in the death of media darling of the time, Patridge...she is so detestable at times and locks horns with any college rival that might challenge her position, including Patridge's sister, D'Amore. Rumer Willis, as the naive patsy that follows along with whatever Pipes wants, is allowed to retain much of her integrity because she's more or less a vulnerable and weak cuck. Evigan is a solid enough heroine, obviously still willing to cop to how Patridge died but also seemingly still beholden to her "sisters". If Morris wasn't such a non-factor for most of the film, revealing at the end that his actions were inspired by helping his girlfriend out of her bad situation (by killing everyone with a tricked-up tire iron), his presence might have been a bit more appreciated. I think this is fun enough. Do I think it stands out of a whole pack of slashers or even the horror of its time? Not particularly, but I was certainly appreciative of as much Jamie Chung as this film provided. Wasn't a big hit in its time but cable, satellite, and streaming sites might allow "Sorority Row" to gain a cult following. I sort of waffle between 2.5 and 3 out of 5. I enjoy it but I'll never claim this to be high art...it's sort of a middle tier modern slasher. There are far worse. Far worse. If anything, there is a member of the sisters named Chugs because of her affinity for downing booze.