Review of Dr. Giggles (1992) by David. B — 24 Mar 2008

Opening with a quote from Hippocrates and then delving straight into an impressive opening credit sequence I became overly surprised by what I had just picked up for $1 at a local video network store. It looked as good as anything that is made now. Unfortunately that overwhelming feeling didn't last long as it became clear that Dr Giggles was an overall mess of a film. Not a complete mess, but enough to have me questioning it. Director Manny Coto did a really good job at creating suspense, but when he did he always seemed to ruin it with pathetic dialogue or a lame joke. I have no worries about mixing comedy and horror, but if done loosely it automatically eliminates the tension they had just created thus ruining the entire atmosphere. During some scenes I actually thought I was watching shots from Halloween thanks to the way they were filmed, but the end payoff never reached the highs of the before mentioned film. I noticed a few continuity errors in this film too, which was not a major factor, but for somebody who never usually notices them they must have been obvious. Larry Drake as our slasher Dr Giggles did a superb job and suited the part immensely. His giggle is just perfect and makes me smile guiltily every-time I hear it. I don't think anyone could have pulled it off as Larry did. Future star of TV's 'Charmed' Holly Marie Combs was our scream queen. Although a bad choice only due to age it was interesting to see where she started as she showed a lot of promis. If only her appeal was large enough for the big screen. I actually believe that she somewhat inspired the casting choice for Rose McGowan's roll in scream, which only came out 4 years later. Holly can scream. I just wish she had a few more years in her. The entire cast is your typical high school slasher mob I guess. There is nothing wrong with that besides the fact that they can look a little too young and due to that, lack experience.

For what could have been a very dark and twisted slasher flick ended up falling very short due to the comedy aspect and loose directing approach. I know Dr Giggles was always meant to be a horror/comedy, but I wish I could have seen a version minus the comedy as the scenes without are absolutely brilliant and does what a slasher film is meant to do. NOT ONLY ENTERTAIN, BUT TO SCARE THE SHITS OUT OF YOU!!! Yes, Dr Giggles is a cult classic and yes it does deserves to be in every slasher fans dvd collection, but just don't go expecting too much.....