Main Cast: Stephen Geoffreys, Jim Metzler, Patrick O'Bryan, Maria Rubell, Sandy Dennis
Release Year: 1988
Country: US
Run Time: 92 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
This underrated teen-revenge horror film starring Stephen Geoffreys (Fright Night) was the directorial debut of Robert Englund, best known as Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street series. Geoffreys plays Hoax, a picked-on nerd who lives with his religious-nut mother Lucy (the marvelous Sandy Dennis). One day Hoax calls a 976-line for a "Horrorscope," and the demonic voice at the other end starts giving him wicked advice. Before long, he has killed his brother's girlfriend with tarantulas, slashed the face of a teen tough with his newly-sprouted talons, and gutted several of his tormentors. Only a well-meaning journalist and a sexy schoolmarm can stop the now-demonic Hoax before he sends the whole neighborhood straight to Hell. Granted, the screenplay is rather confused and slow-moving, but Geoffreys and Dennis are great, the effects work by Kevin Yagher is skillful, and this is one of the few teen-horror films with characters that are actually interesting. Look for Robert Picardo (The Howling) in a fun cameo as the diabolical Mark Darke. After a brief stint as a teen star, Geoffreys went on to appear in gay porn films as "Sam Ritter." ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide
Jim Thiebaud - Rags; Gunther Jensen - Airhead; Darren E. Burrows - Jeff; Robert Picardo - Mark Dark; Rene Assa; Don Bajema - Deputy; J.J. Cohen - Marcus; Greg Collins - Mr. Selby; Wendy J. Cooke - Gang Girl; Ed Corbett - Santa Claus; Lezlie Deane - Suzie; J.J. Johnston - Virgil; Tom McFadden - Minister; Roxanne Rogers - Waitress; Cynthia Szigeti - Female Operator; Bert Hinchman - Coroner; Joanna Keyes - Suzie's Mother; Christopher Metas - Cashier; Demetre Phillips - Sgt. Bell; Joe Slade - John Doe; Paul Willson - Mr. Michaels; Jim Landis - Paramedic #2
Credit
David Brian Miller - Art Director, Elizabeth Gower-Grudzinski - Costume Designer, Robert Englund - Director, Stephen Myers - Editor, Tom Chase - Composer (Music Score), Steve Rucker - Composer (Music Score), Susan Reiner - Makeup, Kevin Yagher - Makeup Special Effects, Paul Elliott - Cinematographer, Lisa Hansen - Producer, Paul Hertzberg - Producer, Nancy Booth - Set Designer, Sandy McCarthy - Special Effects, Kevin McCarthy - Special Effects, John Michael Stewart - Stunts, Brian Helgeland - Screenwriter, Rhet Topham - Screenwriter
The movie centers around cousins, Spike (Patrick O'Bryan) and Hoax (Stephen Geoffreys), both teenagers who live with Hoax's overtly religious mother Lucy (Sandy Dennis). While Spike is the neighborhood motorcycle bad boy, Hoax is an introverted nerd. Even though Spike genuinely cares for his cousin and protects him from bullies, Hoax is filled with resentment that he cannot stand up for himself or get the girl he wants (both of which Spike does effortlessly).
Both boys happen upon 976-EVIL, which on the surface is just a novelty phone line that gives creepy-themed fortunes for a few dollars. However, the line is actually used by Satan to subtly corrupt mortals into his bidding. Spike loses interest in the line quickly, but Hoax soon discovers the true nature of the line and uses it to get revenge on everyone who has wronged him.
Soon Hoax's spirit is almost entirely consumed by Satan, who possesses Hoax to cause death and destruction, culminating in an opening to Hell appearing before their house. Spike confronts Hoax, but is quickly overpowered. In a desperate last ploy, he calls earnestly to his cousin, reminding him of the plans they had to take a vacation that summer.
Hoax's fleeting soul resurfaces briefly, and realizes his horrible mistake and embraces Spike, begging for help. Spike, realizing Hoax is lost and cannot be separated from the demonic presence, betrays his cousin and throws him into the pit of Hell.
Release
VHS and laserdisc versions are uncut and contain footage previously unseen in its original theatrical release. The DVD released by Sony in 2002 is the cut theatrical version.
