Watch Evilspeak
- R
- 1982
- 1 hr 29 min
-
5.6 (4,822)
Evilspeak is a 1981 horror film directed by Eric Weston and starring Clint Howard, R.G. Armstrong, and Joe Cortese. The film follows socially awkward outcast Stanley Coopersmith (Howard), who is bullied by his fellow students at a military academy. However, Stanley finds an ancient book containing Satanist spells and uses his computer skills to summon demonic forces to exact his revenge on those who have wronged him.
The film is set at a military academy in California, where Stanley Coopersmith is a misfit student who is constantly tormented by his classmates. When Stanley discovers an ancient book in the catacombs beneath the academy, he becomes obsessed with the dark rituals and practices within its pages. He soon begins to use his computer skills to decipher the text and summon the forces of darkness to do his bidding.
As Stanley delves deeper into the book, he begins to experience strange and frightening visions, and his transformation into a vessel for the demonic powers becomes increasingly apparent. His body becomes marked with the Devil's brand, and he begins to exhibit superhuman abilities, such as mind control and telekinesis.
Meanwhile, Stanley's tormentors at the academy begin to suffer brutal and gruesome deaths, leading them to suspect that something sinister is at play. The school's headmaster, Father Esteban, and the local reverend, Spector, investigate the deaths, but are unable to identify the source of the evil.
As the demonic forces continue to grow in strength and Stanley's power becomes almost limitless, Father Esteban and Reverend Spector realize that they must stop him before he unleashes hell on earth. The film reaches a terrifying climax as Stanley summons an army of demonic creatures to do his bidding, leading to a final showdown between good and evil.
The film received mixed reviews upon its original release, with some critics praising its gore and special effects, while others criticized its script and pacing. However, in recent years, Evilspeak has gained a cult following, and is considered a classic of 80s horror cinema.
One of the strengths of the film is Howard's performance as Stanley, which is both sympathetic and chilling. His transformation from a victim of bullying to a supernatural force is believable and terrifying, and his manic energy and piercing stare add to the film's sense of dread.
Another standout element of the film is its use of practical effects, which create some of the most memorable and gruesome death scenes in horror history. From decapitations to impalements, the film does not shy away from showing the full extent of the carnage, and the result is a visceral and intense horror experience.
Overall, Evilspeak is a must-see for fans of 80s horror, and a standout example of how practical effects and a strong lead performance can elevate a B-movie to cult classic status. It is a film that deserves a place in any horror fan's collection, and a reminder of a time when horror filmmakers relied on creativity and ingenuity rather than CGI and jump scares.
Evilspeak is a 1982 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.