Evilspeak (1982)

Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

I couldn't really put aside my urge to review this film. For me it falls in the 'so bad it's good' category. I mean we have seen a lot of horror titles from the early 80s, but this one takes the cake for it's genuine but hyper imaginative plot. I don't know how Eric Weston and the writers conceived this idea, but overall 'Evilspeak' is a solid entertainer and worth the money spent. I was so moved by its plot that Evilspeak and its character stayed with me for a long-long time and I really don't want to forget them for they are wonderful in their own right.A nerdy but intelligent student in a military school Stanley Coopersmith (Clint Howard) is actually studying on a scholarship. Being an orphan, he has no background for tale telling. Since he is studying on scholarship, his classmates Bubba (Don Stark) and his gang of spoiled brats keep demeaning Stanley by addressing him with derogatory names. The management and the staff isn't on Stanley's side too as we see their coach (Claude Earl Jones) and Principal Colonel Kincaid (Charles Tyner) keep seeking opportunities to bereave Stanley from his general rights. Stanley often confides in Kowalski (Haywood Nelson), who somehow understands Stanley's miseries and unjust attitude of the others and school staff towards him. Once Stanley is punished for coming late into the class (a part of routine prank against him) and is asked to clean the cellar of the school. Once there, Stanley finds a 500 year old diary of Father Esteban (Richard Moll) written in old Latin. Stanley being a computer wizard translates the journal and to his amazement finds that the diary may contain solution to end his miseries in the most brutal way. As his research on the diary continues, Stanley becomes affirmed that he may have the key to unlock the doors of the netherworld to let the hungry evil spirits come to his assistance. When Stanley's research is over, he summons the evil spirit of Father Esteban to wreak havoc on those who wronged him.Evilspeak is a collector's gem for everyone who is impressed by the horror films of the early 80s. The signature background music is simple and one of its kind and also unforgettable. I really wish Eric Weston should have made a sequel to entertain horror lovers like me, but I think Evilspeak was lost somewhere in the multitude of horror films that were released in the early 80s. However, unlike regular slashers that are loved for death scenes and gore, Evilspeak should be loved for its eccentricity. Despite being a slow-paced violent bonanza, I give it a 10 for the solid entertainment if offers for 97 minutes.

What surprises me most about this title is that I haven't seen it up until recently, as it's right up my alley... dark, nasty, and messed up.This is the story of Stanley Coopersmith, a strange gawky kid who finds it hard to make friends and so ends up as a joke and punching bag for the other cadets at military school. However, while he's being punished by having to tidy up the chapel's basement he finds a secret room and a book of Satanic spells and worship. These were hidden away by a rogue priest Father Esteban, who had been banished to the Americas.Unable to read the scriptures in the book, Coopersmith uses the schools' computer to translate them. and when he finally carries out the Black Mass all hell breaks loose at the school and the chapel.One of the better aspects of this film is the cast as it stars Clint Howard as Coopersmith and it's really nice to see him in a lead role and not just playing a strange and creepy secondary role. Though he's young here, he does a good job.Then there's R J Armstrong who plays Sarge, the drunk janitor looking after the school and chapel, who hates kids and has it out for Coopersmith. Armstrong is great in this portrayal, he gives the air of a man you just wouldn't trust.Charles Tyner does a brilliant representation of a prig of a Colonel who finds it demeaning and below him to run the military school.Finally, Richard Moll is excellent in the role of the Evil Father Esteban. He adds the right amount of power, menace and violence to the character to make him believable as being the hand of Satan.For the time, the special effects would have been superb, especially the computer graphics (which today are cringeworthy and laughable) and most are still passable today. The climax of the film in the destruction of the God's house is very well done and created.All in all, this is a pretty decent horror movie with a lot of the right elements and well directed by Eric Weston. A definite watch for a horror nut and if you're not, it's still worth a look-see on a dark night...

Evilspeak (1981) * 1/2 (out of 4) The orphaned Stanley Coopersmith (Clint Howard) gets sent to a military academy where he's picked on by everyone from his classmates to his soccer coach to various teachers. One day while cleaning the basement he comes across a book, which belonged to a priest who sold his soul to the devil. Soon Coopersmith begins entering these devilish words into a computer and soon those who picked on him are murdered.EVILSPEAK apparently has a cult following among some horror fans but to me this was a pretty bad film from the word go. There are countless issues with this movie but for the most part it's just another weak attempt to copy CARRIE. That film was a true masterpiece for the genre but this film here is just a watered down version that has a few memorable moments but overall it's pretty bad.I think the biggest problem is the actual screenplay, which just never makes too much sense and at times it just seemed rushed. What really kills the movie is the fact that nothing really happens for the first two-thirds of the movie. We basically just see Coopersmith cleaning up various things and getting picked on. At nearly the hour mark we finally get our first kill, which is an impressive one and the remaining death scenes are quite memorable but none of them make up for the boring nature of the rest of the film.Howard gives a good performance in the lead and I'd argue that the supporting players are decent for the most part as well. As I said, some of the special effects are quite bloody and they're certainly the best thing about the film. EVILSPEAK was released during the Golden Era of the slasher so it's easy to see why it was overlooked. At the same time, it's pretty weak as far as CARRIE rip-offs go as well as anything dealing with the devil.

I'm sure the entertaining "Evilspeak" hit a nerve at the time as the world was being introduced to personal computers and technology they weren't accustomed to yet. The idea that a demonic spirit could be conjured through your PC can be a scary thought even today. As a matter of fact, the concept was so interesting that an episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" addressed the same issue over a decade later.Stanley Coopersmith (Clint Howard) is the runt who always gets picked on at his military school. That all changes one day when he is assigned to clean up the basement of the campus's chapel. As he moves around dusty boxes from one corner to the other, he discovers the hidden tomb of a 16th Century Satanist (Richard Moll). After finding the madman's book of incantations, he types them into his computer to be translated. Stanley soon realizes that he's performing a Black Mass which conjures the evil spirit of the Satanist and unleashes an ancient evil power. It's an evil power which could be used to exact revenge on the students and teachers who torture Stanley.Originally rated X by the MPAA, "Evilspeak" is presented here in an unrated version. It has everything you would expect from a 1980s fright flick. There's plenty of gore and violence as Coopersmith uses a sword to decapitate his victims. You can tell most of it is fake, but the shock value is still there. It also contains the usual foul language. A couple of nude scenes are found as well."Evilspeak" is definitely not for everyone. Religious folks will no doubt find all the Satanic chanting to be unnerving. I completely identify with how they feel. I believe in the power of words and do my best to steer clear of anything that sounds authentic. I think it says something when the leader (Anton LaVey) of the Satanic Church considers your movie to be "very Satanic." The only lessons you can take away from "Evilspeak" is you'll go insane and become a slave to the devil if you mess with unholy powers and conjure demons."Evilspeak" is one of the earliest movies to address the growing importance and place technology would take in our society. As strange as it sounds, it fits perfectly on the shelf next to "Wargames," "TRON," and the likes. Although I think the Satanic chanting could've been toned down, the story is one many an outcast can relate to. It's also timely with the recent release of the "Carrie" remake fresh on everyone's minds.