During the 1980â(TM)s there was a little thing that use to come on T.V. called Elviraâ(TM)s Movie Macabre. Basically, it would show terrible, low budget public domain B-Movies that would be hosted by a horror host. The horror host in question is the unexplainable Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. For about a decade, she
would be on late T.V. in her, well, lovely get up and rip on the cheesy factor of many films and, in the process, make them more bearable to watch. Well, across America people caught on to her and she decided to make a film about her character (Elviraâ(TM)s real name: Cassandra Peterson) and the end result is one the most hilarious films to come out of Hollywood at that time. As an overview, it has a funny as â~yellâ(TM) script and a great comedic performance from Peterson, but that is about it. My reaction while watching this cult classic was that I found myself laughing to no end at some of the outrageous jokes and puns that are around this film, plus some references to other low budget B-Films. Okay, letâ(TM)s get down to the details of this mother. For the directing, it is not that good. The director, James Signorelli, can not direct worth to save his life. He directs like he is following a guide for how to make a mediocre film. My advice for him would be to try something different other then traditional methods. He had a great chance to add something extra to this film, and he blew it. Due to that being the most negative, letâ(TM)s talk about score. Roughly the same as directing. There is nothing inspiring at all about it! I mean, yeah the entire performance at the end of the film was catchy as hell, but it just was not a good score. Now letâ(TM)s get to the fun parts. First the acting. Oh my God. For the most part, the acting was stale with typical performances. But then again, we are not watching this film for the supporting cast. We are wanting to see the Goth Queen with her large â~Dâ(TM)s. We are here to see Elvira. And we get her. Taking the character from a late night show and bringing her to the screen, Peterson just makes this raunchy character completely fun and enjoyable. It is hard not to love her when she is this woman who wears this Gothic make up, beyond reveling dress, and has the tendency to make everything into a sexual joke. She is obscene, crazy, but she gives one hell of a performance. Is it Oscar worthy? No. But is it worthy of sitting through an entire film with her? Oh yes. Lastly the script. While the script is filled with sex related jokes and toilet humor, what makes it different then other comedies that are like this is that this film is actually hilarious and does not try to strain a laugh. Is it corny? Yes. But that makes it all the more fun! Overall, this is a film to see if you are interested in Elvira, love 1980â(TM)s films, and want to just have a good film to watch with your friends or in a crowded theatre at night. Just, do not expect any groundbreaking performances or directing.
July 16, 2011
