Review of The Brainiac (1962) by Ed Fucking H — 27 Mar 2011

This film starts with a sorceror on trial at the hands of the Spanish Inquisition for Heresy and Necromancy amongst other charges that are never fully explained. The inquisition seems to be getting more and more pissed off throughout the proceedings but the accused doesn't seem to give a fuck. He just kind of sits their giggling to himself. They then decide that the only thing to do with this man is burn him at the stake. While on fire he says very calmly that he will return in 300 hundred years and take vengeance upon his accusors descendents. Pretty impressive feat as he is on fire at this time. This imperviousness to fire and the unbearable pain that it entails, commands undivided respect for this magical nutjob. 300 years go by and he does indeed return, and one by one kills off all of his accusors descendents. But not before turning himself into a devil man demonoid each and every time which looks boss.

This film was directed by Chano Urueta, the old guy from the Wild Bunch, by far my favourite western so I had to see this one as soon as possible. Not dissapointed at all. This film is immensely entertaining from start to finish. It has a good concept that is both cryptic and often times hilarious as well. This film isn't perfect but at only an hour and 15 minutes there really isn't any time to get bored. The performances are all over acted in true b-movie fashion, and the dub job is frankly awful, but that goes with the territory. Definently watch this if you like obscure b horror.