Phantasm: Ravager

Phantasm: Ravager only works when it's a piece of straight-up fan service.

Retains all the offbeat humor and casual surrealism that has kept this franchise afloat for over three decades.

The main character, played by Bannister, is forever baffled as to what his actual reality is. His bafflement is shared by the viewer.

Phantasm: Ravager is heartfelt, but clumsily handled, and it's not going to bring in any new converts.

It's kinda-sorta like an Alain Resnais movie, only with zombie dwarfs. And four-barrel shotguns. And, of course, floating, blade-bedecked silver spheres.

Phantasm: Ravager is a triumphant conclusion to this franchise, and I had a great time seeing the entire original cast together onscreen one last time, as they all brought an infectious sense of enthusiasm to the table with their performances.

If Marcel Proust had written this movie, he'd call it In Search of Lost Time.

For all the OTT schlock spectacle and community-theater-quality performances, there's a tangible bond between the characters that gathers emotive momentum toward a surprisingly touching coda.

Phantasm: Ravager gets by on the power of nostalgia and franchise completion, but is a bit rough around the edges even when compared to other Phantasm films.

Phantasm: Ravager is not the place to start with the series (noobs beware), but it's a helluva way to end it.

I so wanted to say Phranchise Phred Approves Phantasm Phive, but I can't.

Phantasm: Ravager will disappoint the uninitiated, but those who are loyal will find enough to love.