Review of Shock Treatment (1981) by Mike K — 26 Dec 2009

This rather dire sequel to the far superior 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)' manages to fail entirely where the aforementioned succeeded. Brad and Janet return, but no longer are they played by Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon.

Instead, Cliff De Young takes on the role of Brad - and is thankfully sidelined for the majority of the movie as he is pretty awful as this character. De Young is allowed to shine, however, by also playing Brad's twin, which he seems far more suited to.

Jessica Harper (better known for her incredible performance in Argento's 'Suspiria (1977)') takes on the role of Janet and brings an adorable quality to the role and quite easily steals the film.

Some support cast from Rocky Horror return, including Richard O'Brien, Nell Campbell, Patricia Quinn and Charles Gray, but seeing as the majority of these play different characters, it really is a mystery why this was created as a sequel at all.

A young Ruby Wax and Rik Mayall make for interesting additions to the cast. This film is very different to Rocky Horror in style and tone, and also rather disappointing. That said, the story is an interesting satire on the media, particularly television, and seems quite ahead of its time.

But unfortunately the songs are forgettable, the majority of the cast are disappointing, and the whole affair is, ultimately, quite a confusing mess. Comparisons can be made to the far superior 'Phantom of the Paradise (1974)' (also starring Harper) which is a fairer comparison than to Rocky Horror.

The style of the film is more in touch with that of Paradise, it's just a shame that Sharman seems to lack the needed certainty to direct this film with composure and clarity. Quite shocking it was deemed a good idea to bill this as a sequel - would have probably fared slightly better without recycling the Brad and Janet characters.