Evilspeak is a somewhat ludicrous cross between a demonic horror movie and trashy eighties teenager flick. This film is one of the more surprising entries on the Video Nasty list as, while somewhat gory, it's all so silly that I can't believe anyone could take it seriously. The film takes obvious influence from Stephen King's Carrie as it follows the idea of an outsider getting their own back on their enemies. The film features the lead character contacting the Devil for his source of revenge - and the way he does it is the weirdest thing about this film. Yes, he contacts the Lord of the Underworld via computer in what looks like an early version of the message board system. Being a film about computers that wasn't made in the last five years, Evilspeak looks ridiculously dated, but unlike other computer horror movies (e.g. Demon Seed), the effects here suit the jokey tone of the movie. As mentioned, the plot follows put-upon Coopersmith, a young lad at a military academy who finds himself the brunt of every joke going. However, his luck changes when he discovers an old basement with a computer in it...
The film is notable for the fact that it sees cult character actor Clint Howard in the lead role. It's obvious that he isn't used to taking the starring role, as his performance is rather messy and most of the time he leaves the audience rooting for his adversaries just because of the fact that he is so annoying. But even so, he adds to the cult value of the movie. The central location; that being the basement, really is a ridiculous place. Quite why a military academy would have a basement that looks like something out of a medieval castle is anyone's guess, and this is made all the more stupid by the inclusion of a computer down there. It has to be said that the film is rather slow, but it does feel like it's building up to something and actually, director Eric Weston does a good job of showing the audience the lead's situation. And the film does indeed build up to something; a great gory climax that sees a sword wielding Clint Howard and a bunch of pigs taking their revenge on the bad guys! The special effects are silly and dated, but not bad at all and it's easy to buy into the gore scenes. The music and atmosphere bode well, as it's demonic but never too serious and while this may be one of the weirdest inclusions on the Video Nasty list; it definitely is worth a watch.
The film is notable for the fact that it sees cult character actor Clint Howard in the lead role. It's obvious that he isn't used to taking the starring role, as his performance is rather messy and most of the time he leaves the audience rooting for his adversaries just because of the fact that he is so annoying. But even so, he adds to the cult value of the movie. The central location; that being the basement, really is a ridiculous place. Quite why a military academy would have a basement that looks like something out of a medieval castle is anyone's guess, and this is made all the more stupid by the inclusion of a computer down there. It has to be said that the film is rather slow, but it does feel like it's building up to something and actually, director Eric Weston does a good job of showing the audience the lead's situation. And the film does indeed build up to something; a great gory climax that sees a sword wielding Clint Howard and a bunch of pigs taking their revenge on the bad guys! The special effects are silly and dated, but not bad at all and it's easy to buy into the gore scenes. The music and atmosphere bode well, as it's demonic but never too serious and while this may be one of the weirdest inclusions on the Video Nasty list; it definitely is worth a watch.