By the Seventies, moviegoers had seen their share of monsters and even a few Norman Bates-type characters. But nothing could prepare them for Tobe Hooper's twisted foray into the heart of the Lone Star State. Here, what was perceived as the most stable of institutions, the American family, is the beast. With that, it's no coincidence that the scariest scene in the film takes place at a dinner table. Hooper's vision is horrid yet engrossing. His subtle touches (background radio bulletins repeating gory crimes throughout the state) and grotesque characterizations make rural Texas seem like a hellish place where only the strong survive. But the worst part about this vision is that despite its sensational aspects, it never seems too far from what could be the truth.

Amusing in some areas and disappointing in others, the sequel follows Texas Ranger Lefty Enright (Dennis Hopper) in his crusade to destroy the chainsaw family. Returning from the original cast is Jim Siedow, who's now a renowned chili chef (using human ingredients) and acts as the head of the family that now includes Chop-Top (with an exposed steel head plate), a dead Grandpa, and the clan's pride and joy, Leatherface (Bill Johnson). Make-up wizard Tom Savini (Dawn of the Dead, Creepshow) provides expert blood and guts, but as a whole, the plot drags and the suspense is minimal. The best thing is its unending silliness. Considering that the rest of the films are difficult to stomach more than once, this actually has several laughs with Hopper's overdramatics and his special chainsaw holster.

Leatherface encompasses much of the stark horror of the first Chainsaw, utilizing a scary environment (Texas backwoods), torture (person being nailed to a chair), and redneck cannibals (Mama eatin' eyeballs from a cereal bowl). It centers on two yuppies (Kate Hodge and William Butler) in a Mercedes Benz (an updated contrast to the original's "hippies in a van") who have a run-in with a loony, gun-toting gas station attendant. Fleeing, they enter the woods and encounter Leatherface (R.A. Mihailoff) and his family (including Viggo Mortensen as the seedy Tex). The odds are evened up when weekend survivalist Benny (Ken Foree) enters the picture, armed to the teeth with militia gear. The action is quick with a speed metal soundtrack underscoring chases and Foree's Rambo-like heroics. Also effective is the clichéd yet spooky swamp setting, which makes escape all the more difficult for the protagonists. Superior to both Part II and the subsequent Next Generation, the film's frenetic energy and haunting visuals convey the story with punch and style. Although it initially went unnoticed, it's one of the better Bs of the decade, offering an equal share of chills and thrills.