The Toolbox Murders (1978)
The Toolbox Murders is a grimy, nasty piece of '70s exploitation horror that wastes little time showing just how dangerous a toolbox can become in the wrong hands. When a masked killer begins terrorizing the residents of an apartment building, ordinary tools become instruments of murder.
The film isn't exactly subtle, but that's part of its appeal. Director Dennis Donnelly delivers a raw, sleazy atmosphere, while the killer's mysterious identity and the increasingly brutal attacks keep things moving. The movie also has a surprisingly effective sense of claustrophobia, turning the apartment building into a creepy maze where danger could be lurking around any corner.
Verdict: Mean, violent, and unapologetically grimy, The Toolbox Murders is classic exploitation horror at its most lurid. It's definitely not for everyone, but slasher fans looking for something rough around the edges will find plenty to enjoy. ★★★☆☆
