976-EVIL (1989)
- Cody Iden
- Oct 21, 2021
- 2 min read
Release Date - March 24, 1989
Synopsis:
A socially awkward teenager becomes possessed by evil after discovering a novelty horror-themed phone line.
Directed by - Robert Englund
Written by - Rhet Topham and Brian Helgeland
Produced by - Lisa M. Hansen and Paul Hertzberg
Cinematography - Paul Elliott
Music by - Thomas Chase and Steve Rucker
Distribution Company - New Line Cinema
Cast:
Stephen Geoffreys - Hoax
Jim Metzler - Marty
Maria Rubell - Angela
Lezlie Deane - Suzie
J.J. Cohen - Marcus
Introducing:
Pat O'Bryan - Spike
and Sandy Dennis - Aunt Lucy
Darren Burrows - Jeff
Gunther Jensen - Airhead
Jim Thiebaud - Rags
Mindy Seeger - Victim
Robert Picardo - Mark Dark
Run Time - 1 hr. 32 min. Rated - R
Budget - Unknown Gross - $2.9 million
Review:
976-EVIL marked the directorial debut of noted horror star Robert Englund, at the time very in demand and still starring in the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, with that being said I assume that many horror fans had high expectations for this film and apparently many of them were disappointed going by the contemporary reviews. Personally, I found the film to be an enjoyable horror romp with a unique premise and some fun performances by the leads, particularly Stephen Geoffreys as the main character, Hoax. Patrick O'Bryan was also very likable in his role as Spike, a bad boy character who is somewhat responsible and protective of others. Sandy Dennis as Hoax's religious mother is also very memorable in a fun, but very over the top performance. The make-up effects and the costumes are done very well, especially the possessed make-up applied to Stephen Geoffreys towards the end of the film. However, the special effects are often a little weak and unconvincing and the score wasn't very memorable. Not quite a forgotten gem, but definitely one for horror fans to check out.
My Score: 69
Plot - 7 Cinematography - 6
Attraction - 7 Editing & Special Effects - 6
Theme - 7 Sound & Music - 7
Acting - 7 Directing - 7
Dialogue - 7 Enjoyability – 8
Trivia:
This film marked the directorial debut of Robert Englund. Known primarily for his acting work, Englund later directed Killer Pad (2008), his only other effort as a director.
Robert Englund met his wife. set decorator Nancy Booth, while making this film. They have been married since 1988.
A poster for the film Fright Night (1985) can be seen in the projection room of the El Diablo theater several times. Stephen Geoffreys appeared in that film as a character named "Evil Ed."
Several references to the devil are made throughout the film: the El Diablo theater, Devil Twins snack cakes, the Devil's Tail herb used in the ritual and Spike ordering a Deviled Egg sandwich at the diner.
Availability:
Watched in October, 2021
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