976-EVIL

976-EVIL
976-EVIL
	Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Robert Englund
Written by	Rhet Topham; Brian Helgeland;
Produced by	Lisa M. Hansen; Paul Hertzberg;
Starring	Stephen Geoffreys; Jim Metzler; Maria Rubell; Patrick O'Bryan; Sandy Dennis;
Cinematography	Paul Elliott
Edited by	Stephen R. Myers
Music by	Thomas Chase; Steve Rucker;
Production; companies	CineTel Films; Horrorscope Productions;
Distributed by	New Line Cinema
Release dates	December 9, 1988(UK); March 24, 1989(US);
Running time	92 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Box office	$3 million (US)

976-EVILis a 1988 Americansupernatural horror filmdirected byRobert Englund,^[1]and co-written byBrian Helgeland.It starsStephen Geoffreys,Patrick O'Bryan,Jim Metzler,Maria Rubell, andSandy Dennis.

The film's title refers to the 976 telephone exchange, a now mostly defunctpremium-rate telephone numbersystem that was popular in the late 1980s, but has since been superseded byarea code 900.

Plot

Cousins Leonard "Spike" Johnson (Patrick O'Bryan) and Hoax Arthur Wilmoth (Stephen Geoffreys) are teenagers who live with Hoax's overtly religious and domineering mother Lucy Wilmoth (Sandy Dennis). While Spike is the neighborhood motorcycle bad boy, Hoax is an introverted nerd. Even though Spike genuinely cares for his cousin and protects him from bullies, Hoax is filled with resentment that he cannot stand up for himself or get the girl he wants (both of which Spike does effortlessly).

Both boys stumble upon 976-EVIL, which on the surface is just anoveltyphone line that gives creepy-themedfortunesfor a few dollars. However, the line is actually used bySatanto subtly corruptmortalsinto his bidding. Spike loses interest in the line quickly, but Hoax soon discovers the true nature of the line and uses it to get revenge on everyone who has wronged him.

Soon Hoax's spirit is almost entirely consumed by Satan, whopossessesHoax to cause death and destruction, culminating in an opening to Hell appearing before their house. Spike confronts Hoax, but is quickly overpowered. In a desperate last ploy, he calls earnestly to his cousin, reminding him of the plans they had to take a vacation that summer.

Hoax's fleeting soul resurfaces briefly, and realizes his horrible mistake and embraces Spike, begging for help. Spike, realizing Hoax is lost and cannot be separated from the demonic presence, betrays his cousin and throws him into the pit ofHell.

Cast

Stephen Geoffreysas Hoax Arthur Wilmoth
Patrick O'Bryanas Leonard "Spike" Johnson
Lezlie Deaneas Suzie
Jim Metzleras Marty Palmer
Maria Rubell as Angela Martinez
Sandy Dennisas Aunt Lucy Wilmoth
J.J. Cohenas Marcus
Darren E. Burrowsas Jeff
Gunther Jenson as "Airhead"
Jim Thiebaudas "Rags"
Wendy J. Cooke as Gang Girl
Robert Picardoas Mark Dark
J.J. Johnstonas Virgil
Paul Willsonas Mr. Michaels
Greg Collinsas Mr. Selby
Demetre Phillips as Sergeant Bell
Don Bajema as Deputy
Roxanne Rogers as Angel, The Waitress
Joanna Keyes as Suzie's Mother
Tom McFadden as Minister
Bert Hinchman as The Coroner
Cynthia Szigetias Female Operator
John Currie Slade as John Doe
Mindy Seeger as Female Victim
Quigley The Parrot as Aunt Lucy's Parrot

Release

The film was released theatrically in the United States byNew Line Cinemain March 1989. It grossed $2,955,917 at the box office.^[2]

The film was released on home video byRCA/Columbia Pictures Home Videothe same year.VHS,andLaserDiscversions of the film are uncut and contain footage previously unseen in its original theatrical release.

The film was released onDVDbySony Pictures Home Entertainmentin 2002. The DVD version as well as theCrackleversion are the theatrical cut. Both versions were released onBlu-rayon October 3, 2017. It was released on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment on October 19, 2020.^[3]

Critical reception

976-EVILreceived a negative critical reception and currently has an approval rating of 15% on review aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes,based on 13 reviews.^[4]The Washington Postwrote "From start to finish,976-EVILis a sorry, wrong number. "^[5]AllMoviehowever defended the film, calling it "underrated".^[6]John Fallon ofJoBlogave the film 6/10 stars and remarked that it "could've been great stuff", but "loses its touch in its second half, relying on unsatisfying murders and" ho-hum "effects to pad it up though."^[7]

Sequel

A direct-to-video sequel entitled976-EVIL II: The Astral Factorwas released in 1992, with Patrick O'Bryan reprising his role as Spike.

References

^Bernstein, Richard(25 March 1989)."Reviews/Film; Gruesome Toll for Teen-Age Phone Calls".The New York Times.Retrieved2020-04-02.
^"976-EVIL".Box Office Mojo.Retrieved2011-03-29.
^Fraser, Mark (5 November 2021)."Review:" 976-Evil "Makes A Miscall".Top 10 Films.Retrieved5 November2021.
^"976-Evil (1989)".Rotten Tomatoes.Retrieved30 March2021.
^Harrington, Richard (25 March 1989)."'976-EVIL' (R) ".The Washington Post.Retrieved2020-04-02.
^Firsching, Robert."976-Evil (1988)".AllMovie.Retrieved20 June2012.
^Fallon, John."976-EVIL(1988)".JoBlo.Retrieved2020-04-02.

External links

[1] Bernstein, Richard(25 March 1989)."Reviews/Film; Gruesome Toll for Teen-Age Phone Calls".The New York Times.Retrieved2020-04-02.

[2] "976-EVIL".Box Office Mojo.Retrieved2011-03-29.

[3] Fraser, Mark (5 November 2021)."Review:" 976-Evil "Makes A Miscall".Top 10 Films.Retrieved5 November2021.

[4] "976-Evil (1989)".Rotten Tomatoes.Retrieved30 March2021.

[5] Harrington, Richard (25 March 1989)."'976-EVIL' (R) ".The Washington Post.Retrieved2020-04-02.

[6] Firsching, Robert."976-Evil (1988)".AllMovie.Retrieved20 June2012.

[7] Fallon, John."976-EVIL(1988)".JoBlo.Retrieved2020-04-02.

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