It is a performances centric movie

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

the only question after the end of film is why Rod Steiger accept to work at this project. because it is not exactly a bad movie. only, maybe, boring. and this is the basic problem of it. to see an old film was a form to discover something original. or American Gothic is a ball of clichés. sure, the atmosphere, the secrets, the mystery, crimes and the revelation are interesting but especially for the fans of genre. and this is the cause for looking a decent answer to the presence of Rod Steiger. because he remains a shadow of Yvonne of Carlo. and this is all. so, difficult to do a honest verdict about the film. except, maybe - one from too many others.

"American Gothic" features a group of three couples who venture to an island in the Pacific Northwest after one of the women has tragically lost her infant in an accident. The getaway is supposed to be a time of healing, but becomes one of insanity when they are confronted by a backwoods elderly couple and their demented adult children.I've mentioned it in reviews of his other films, but I truly find John Hough to be a criminally underrated director, especially for his contributions to the horror genre. "The Legend of Hell House," "The Incubus," and "The Watcher in the Woods" are all extremely moody, atmospheric films that don't get nearly as much attention as they should. I had heard of this film before, but had no idea Hough was behind it—and honestly, I would have never guessed it had I not paid attention to the opening credits."American Gothic" is an all-out "backwoods crazies" horror movie that is heavy on the hysterics and light on just about everything else. The film boasts campy performances from veterans Yvonne De Carlo and Rod Steiger, both genre fixtures in their own rights, and lend the film some credibility, although they seem to be self-aware of what they're participating in. The script and pacing are amicable, but what I found the film to be truly lacking was a sense of atmosphere— something that Hough has, in my mind at least, been a master at achieving. In spite of the film's less-than-serious demeanor, opportunities to sap from the gloomy and remote setting are more or less left untapped; relatively flat cinematography leaves the film feeling even more muted.On a positive note, there really never is a dull moment to be had here, and that may be the film's most worthwhile element. It is admittedly fun—wacky, demented, and ultimately silly, but fun. The gory conclusion is also a bit of a surprise. All in all, I found the film amusing, but simultaneously lacking in atmosphere and tension, both of which I'd seen him achieve brilliantly in his previous films. On that level, I was disappointed, but for a late-eighties afterthought/retread on "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," this is fairly well done. 6/10.

it is not so bad and far to be credible. a common horror, old story about young people in strange/dangerous place, bizarre/unrealistic situations, madness and silly situations. and, more important, an inspired poster. short, one of films who becomes decent for the presence in cast of a good actor. in this case - the "victim" is Rod Steiger who must save the appearances. his performance is meritorious but enough. the cause - the movie represents a ball of noble possibilities who are not more than parts of a sketch, silly/ridiculous moments, the spirit of 1980's and basic solutions of genre. a sort of run without finish because the presence of Yvonne De Carlo, William Hootkins or Michael J. Pollard is only symbolic and the performance of Janet Wright is only who reminds the purpose to create fear .

A group of friends take a trip to the islands for some fun, but experience nothing but terror in 'American Gothic'. They take a plane out to get them to a vacation spot, but it breaks down and the group are forced to spend the night on a seemingly deserted island. They soon discover that a family lives alone there.. and it's not your average family. There is a Ma and Pa, and three of their children - who happen to be in their 40's but act as if they're seven years old! Pretty soon, members of the group of friends start getting picked off one by one by the "children", leading to a creepy ending.'American Gothic' is a genuinely frightening and offbeat kind of horror film. It's not a slasher flick, but has the feel of one. Like a backwoods kind of horror movie. The family is truly creepy and lives in seclusion, away from the modern world. Yvonne De Carlo and Rod Steiger were brilliant as "Ma" and "Pa". All of the acting was effective, but the one stand out for me was Janet Wright as "Fanny". Just so creepy throughout the entire thing as a 40 something year old woman looking and behaving like a young child. There is some gore in this as well, nothing too over the top, but well done nonetheless.There is an interesting backstory to our main character involving her being responsible for the accidental drowning of her baby. It ties into her mental state and interactions with the family very well. I recommend this!7/10