SCREAM/SHOUT FACTORY PICK OF THE WEEK 5/1/2020

WITCHBOARD

Witchboard (released in 1987) is a trip. It really was the kind of Horror film that really was rather ignored. The 80’s was more about franchises and spectacles. But there were these hidden gems, that you were aware of, but never saw. Movies like 976-Evil, The Stuff, The Gate, Night of the Demons, Kindred, Mausoleum, Honeymoon, Hello Mary Lou etc. were

really hiding behind the Elm Street, Friday the 13^th, Halloween series. The way I found out about Witchboard was simple. I lived in the mom and pop video stores. Not the Blockbusters, or Hollywood Videos. But these rather independantly owned video stores, that really had no idea which movies were popular, and which weren’t.

Video companies would send these stores posters for they’re movies. These stores would wallpaper they’re walls with these posters, which were mostly unknown Horror films. Witchboard was one of those movies.

Directed by Kevin Tenney (Night of the Demons), and starring Tawny Kitain (right before her infamous appearance in the Whitesnake video), Todd Allen (Mask) and Stephen Geoffreys (some soap opera where he looks like Snake Plissken), this movie really understood that it was small and embraced it. I believe the idea was to show what The Exorcist didn’t. The transition from playing with the ouija board, to being possessed. I believe it’s called progressive entrapment.

Tawny Kitain becomes obsessed with communicating with a spirit named David through the ouija board. As the movie evolves, it turns out she’s talking to someone evil named Malfador. In addition, her boyfriend (played by Todd) is struggling with a strained relationship with his former best friend (played by Stephen), who just happens to be Tawney’s ex. Stephen’s character becomes more involved with Tawny’s obsession, because he’s responsible for introducing her to the ouija board in the first place. After a couple of mysterious deaths Todd and Stephen stop at nothing to uncover and stop this dark force thats punching his way into our world.

It’s a solid Horror film. Not a masterpiece. But just an overall good, small movie that’s meant to entertain not rock your world. It’s definitely dated and clearly shows that it’s an 80’s film. But I believe that’s part of it’s charm. Tawny is not the best actress on the planet, but she really delivers in this movie, and the camera truly loves her. Todd Allen is one of those actors that really should’ve took off (he will come up in REAL STARS…). Did really small parts. I remember him the most in MASK (no not the Jim Carey film). The Rocky Dennis film with Cher. He played one of the bikers, that kept fighting with the same guy. Real honest and natural performance, and in a sense challenges Tawny to deliver a believable relationship. Stephen Geoffreys is really the actor that carries the story. Does most of the explaining, and is the most proactive in saving the day. Then theres the short but memorable performance by Kathleen Wilhoite (Private School, Roadhouse, Angel Heart), as the medium who delivers a lot of “psychic humor.”

The only real criticisms I have for the film is that Malfador (the real villain) has a 5 second appearance. He really needed more screen time. The ending seemed rushed. The best example I can come up is Rocky IV. Starts off patient, but then feels rushed towards the end. I mean this is the point where Tawny is full blown possessed, and she just chases Todd around with an ax. Could have used a more firework finale.

As usual Scream Factory brings it. Awesome HD picture, and satisfying DTS sound. The extras have an awesome indepth retrospective documentary, some vintage footage, etc. As I said in The Blob review, the extras is the main attraction. The movie is the bonus.

Witchboard is a huge mark on my childhood memories. From having a dubbed copy in my collection, to having the poster (I got from the video store) in my room. That’s the real reason why I buy these movies, and why I will continue to. To bring me back to a time, when all I cared about was getting on my bike

and peddling my ass to the nearest video store. Shit…I guess that’s still my priority even at the age of 46. Have I learned nothing?

– G.R.E.E.N.B.A.N.K.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090327/

https://www.shoutfactory.com/product/witchboard?product_id=3115