Review of Evilspeak (1981) by Timothy S — 02 Jan 2012

"Evilspeak" is a goofy and gruesome male variation of "Carrie" that tires, and almost succeeds, to rose above its meager budget. I admired the fact that the film tries to tell a story, albeit a convoluted one that's been told before. It's not another dull slasher film that was all the rage at the time when this was made.

It takes itself seriously, a features a likable and empathetic lead performance by Clint Howard in his first starring role. The satanic angle is something we don't see a lot, and even though it's kind of watered-down, it's still pretty convincing. Ultimately, the film is too ordinary to be anything really special, but it tries something new. And for that alone, I am eternally grateful.

Besides, you have to give some props to any movie that features characters being killed by wild boars. The special effects are convincing, but there's so much story that they are pretty much confined to the final half hour. The direction by first-timer Eric Weston is sluggish, making for a slow first hour. There's almost too much plot, and as much as you feel for the Howard character, the revenge is strangely unsatisfying. His tormentors aren't really as despicable as Carrie White's were.

"Evilspeak" isn't an entirely successful movie, but it's a lot better than what you're expecting. It's a curious film that defied an era, but ultimately, it's just too dull. Howard is a likable guy, the gore is kind of cool but not much happens for a good portion of the film's running time. And in this case, that's kind of a shame.