After Midnight

Genre - Horror/Thriller/Anthology
Year Released - 1989
Running Time - 90 minutes
Directed by Jim & Ken Wheat
Written by Jim & Ken Wheat
Cast Includes: Ramy Zada, Jillian McWhirter, Marc McClure, Penelope Sudrow, and Marg Helgenberger

Rating: 5 Skulls

Tagline: "Welcome to Fear 101. There will be a test."

Plot Summary:
A horror anthology about a college professor teaching a course called "The Psychology of Fear".

Trailer:


Review:
First, I just have to thank, commenter, "Johnny C" for recommending this movie.
Secondly, I keep asking myself, how did I ever miss this movie?!?
Written & Directed by Jim & Ken Wheat (the brothers who brought us 'Ewoks: Battle for Endor" and who co-wrote 'A Nightmare on Elm Street 4', 'The Fly 2', 'Pitch Black', and 'The Chronicles of Riddick') all movies that I have seen - I have no idea how I missed this one.
Again, "Johnny C", thank you for bringing this film to my attention - I loved it!
In fact, I plan on adding this one to my library of films...

This movie immediately grabs your attention with a strong "wrap-around-story".
As stated in the plot summary, a college Psych professor begins teaching a course on fear, however due to his extreme methods, he is asked to stick to school curriculum. This brings about the professor inviting his students, to his home, where he is not under school authority, thus setting up the "anthology stories".
(I don't know what it was, but for some reason, in my head, I can envision horror author Ray Garton in the professor's role)

Aside from the excellent "wrap-around" story, we are also treated to three additional tales:

The first one is about a couple whose car breaks down, during a midnight excursion. Fortunately for them (or is it?) their car breaks down not too far from an old (presumably abandoned) house... (aside from the "wrap-around", this one is my favorite of the tales)

The second story tells the tale of 4 female friends, out looking for fun, who end up low on gas and getting lost in a warehouse district on the bad side of town...

The third story is about a night-shift answering service worker who is being harassed by a repeat/stalker caller...

Each of the stories are good, in their own right, and tie in nicely with the wrap-around.
The Wheat brothers did an outstanding job directing this film, providing terrific atmosphere!

I definitely recommend this one - my new favorite anthology film!
I can't wait to watch it again, on a dark, stormy night...

Jason