976-EVIL
976-EVIL | |
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![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Robert Englund |
Written by |
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Produced by | |
Starring |
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Cinematography | Paul Elliott |
Edited by | Stephen R. Myers |
Music by |
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Production companies |
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Distributed by | New Line Cinema |
Release dates |
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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a now mostly defunctpremium-rate telephone numbersystem that was popular in the late 1980s, but has since been superseded byarea code 900.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
[edit]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
[edit]- 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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]A direct-to-video sequel entitled976-EVIL II: The Astral Factorwas released in 1992, with Patrick O'Bryan reprising his role as Spike.
References
[edit]- ^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
[edit]- 1988 films
- 1988 horror films
- 1980s supernatural horror films
- American films about revenge
- American supernatural horror films
- CineTel Films films
- 1980s English-language films
- Films about bullying
- Films directed by Robert Englund
- Films with screenplays by Brian Helgeland
- Prediction in popular culture
- Telephone numbers in the United States
- 1989 directorial debut films
- American exploitation films
- Demons in film
- Films about spirit possession
- 1980s American films