976-EVIL

976-EVIL

1988

Director- Robert Englund

Cast- Stephen Geoffreys,  Patrick O’Bryan, Sandy Dennis, Robert Picardo, Lezlie Deane, Jim Metzler

           

     This film is a bit of a horror time capsule. Most people today use their phones for things besides calls, so cultural institutions like phone sex and psychic hotlines have been replaced by websites and apps. It also stars Stephen Geoffreys who will forever be known for his excellent performance in the 1985 vampire film Fright Night. Finally, horror fans will note that it was directed by Freddy Krueger himself, Robert Englund.

            The film centers around Stephen Geoffreys’ character, a nerdy teenager named Hoax, being raised by his oppressively religious mother (Sandy Dennis) and looking up to his cool older cousin, Spike ( Patrick O’Bryan).

            Hoax gets involved with a phone “horror scope” line that gives mysterious advice that encourages the listener to indulge in their desires whether they are greed, lust, or wrath (genre fans will recognize Robert Picardo as the owner of the Satanic phone service).  The listener is encouraged to progressively more deviant acts and if they decide to back out, death awaits them. Such retribution isn’t needed with Hoax, however, as he takes a shine to some demonic encouragement.

            After a prank goes too far, Hoax gives himself over to his dark side and begins a demonic transformation where his body begins to mirror his soul. The film’s reach finally exceeds its grasp in the finale with a giant Hell hole opening in Hoax’s back yard.

            The film doesn’t take itself too seriously but that isn’t too say it’s played for laughs. 976-EVIL is a  “B” movie but has pretty good production values, good performances and, except in a few places, moves along at a good pace. It’s not a particularly scary film, but makes for a fun diversion.