976-EVIL (In the 21st Century)

Much as I detest remakes, especially 80's remakes, I think this one could use an update. Mainly because the reason I love HORROR as well as FANTASY movies is because to me they're what movies should be all about, cool special FX and escapism from reality for at least 2hrs. anyway. (Which was why I was probably 1 out of the 10 people who could sit through all 6 of PETER JACKSON'S JRR TOLKIEN films, in the theatre). Which is something I personally think should be considered a major accomplishment in itself.

Anyway, back to the point of "this" story. As many movie goers, especially those who are fans of the HORROR genre know that remakes seem to be the mainstream of the entertainment industry, and have been for what seems the last decade.

To most fans, these remakes fail to surpass their predecessors. How ironic that Hollywood, the true land of make-believe has run out of ideas and most movies are reduced 2-3 soap opera dramas.

As a child of the 80's, I can honestly say it was a great decade for being a fan of Horror movies, the classic monsters of yester-century - DRACULA, FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUMMY and THE WEREWOLF were replaced by supernatural serial killers, who seemed virtually indestructable, so much that their popularity spawned dozens of sequels. Names such as FREDDY and JASON became synonymous with the Horror genre, dubbing the 80's "The Teen Slasher Craze".

One of the names that became infamous with Horror was ROBERT ENGLUND best known for his portrayal in the NIGHTMARE ON ELM ST. series as the movies primary antagonist, the infamous FREDDY KRUEGER. Robert Englund continued to embody the role in four sequels in the 80's.

However, just as the decade was just about to come to an end, Englund decided to try his "razor-blade gloved hand" working on the other side of the camera. He made his Directorial debut in March 24, 1989, not surprising, courtesy of a Horror film called 976-EVIL.

The movie centers around a teenager named Hoax Arthur Wilmoth (Stephen Geoffreys), a bullied, introverted teen who is not only a pariah at his High School, but to the constant berating of his religiously fanatical and often abusive mother Lucrecia/ Aunt "Lucy" Wilmoth (Sandy Dennis).

It seems Hoax's only friend is his rebellious cousin, Leonard 'Spike" Johnson. When Spike comes across a business card with a number for a shady Horoscope hotline, he decides to dial it out of curiousity, but doesn't end up taking it seriously.

While sneaking into his cousins apartment, Hoax comes across the card and decides to call the number. Unlike Spike, who is tough and popular and doesn't let anyone push him around, including Hoax's mother "Aunt" Lucy. Hoax becomes entranced and addicted to the 976-EVIL hotline.

As Hoax becomes more and more infatuated by the 976-EVIL number he begins to change, physically and mentally as it is revealed that the number is connected to a door to hell and those who continue to succumb to the 976-EVIL number, run the risk of losing their soul. Throughout the course of the movie, Hoax slowly begins to lose his humanity and takes on frighteningly demonic features, which he uses to exact revenge on those who tormented him. Including his own mother.

After the onslaught Spike tries to help save Hoax's soul, leading to a frightening confrontation. The final battle concludes at Hoax's house which has been decimated and turns into virtual portal to hell. In the end, Spike escapes from Hoax's wrath unable to help his cousin gain redemption Spike is forced to kill Hoax who meets with a fiery death, and forever left to eternal damnation.

Now for my review of the movie. Well, the reason I chose to write a review and a brief description of this movie, was because as much as I detest today's Horror movie remakes, sadly I must admit, this movie could use a remake. Even back in the 80's when HORROR Movies were at the height of popularity, looking back I feel this one fell under the radar. It was a strange blend of Horror and Comedy, but the Special FX were at least IMO the biggest disappointment. Its only redeeming quality? It did generate a sequel, 976-EVIL 2: THE ASTRAL FACTOR but as many of us know, not a lot of sequels tend to surpass their predecessors. It would be nice to see Hoax gain some demonic powers along with his horrifying transformation but I guess for budget purposes that wasn't in the grand scheme of things.

Of course, while with the advent of technology has evolved one would hope that if a remake is in the works Hollywood will up the ante? Also, the other question that remains is "Would this movie even be possible with the innovation of cell phones?"

Whether a remake or a sequel is possible, I still feel this movie is highly underrated and is literallly "screaming" for a makeover. For those of you who have seen it? I hope you will agree. For those of you haven't seen the original, but are a fan of 80's nostalgia, I highly recommend you check it out.