Watch Terror Firmer

Terror Firmer is a horror-comedy film directed by Lloyd Kaufman and released in 1999. The movie is a love letter to B-movies and genre flicks and riffs on everything from slasher films to romantic dramas. The film follows a low-budget-production company called Troma, as they attempt to make a movie amidst a series of absurd and horrific events.

The story centers around a young blind woman named Jennifer (Alyce LaTourelle), a screenwriter who is trying to make a movie. Jennifer meets the director of Troma, Larry Benjamin (Lloyd Kaufman), and they hit it off right away. Meanwhile, a mysterious killer is on the loose, and he's picking off cast and crew members one by one.

As the plot unfolds, viewers get to see a wild assortment of characters, including a sadistic security guard who enjoys torturing innocent bystanders, a sleazy actor who constantly hits on Jennifer, and a bunch of extras who are just looking for a free meal. The filmmaker's eccentricities are also on full display, with everything from fart jokes to musical numbers making an appearance in the film.

Although the plot revolves around a slasher film with a twist, Terror Firmer is really about the chaotic nature of filmmaking. The movie often breaks the fourth wall and pokes fun at the industry, with characters complaining about low pay, long hours, and terrible food, while Kaufman himself appears in the movie as a character who yells at his actors and bemoans the difficulties of trying to make a movie.

One of the standout aspects of Terror Firmer is its commitment to practical effects. The movie is chock-full of fake blood, prosthetic limbs, and latex masks. Some of these effects are intentionally cheesy, but others are downright impressive. It's clear that the filmmakers put a lot of time and effort into creating a movie that paid homage to the horror flicks of the 80s and early 90s.

While Terror Firmer is undeniably a B-movie, it's also a lot more than that. The film is genuinely funny at times, with clever jokes and witty dialogue. There are also moments of pathos, particularly when it comes to Jennifer's character. Her journey from a writer with a dream to a woman fighting for her life is compelling, and LaTourelle does an excellent job of conveying the character's vulnerability and strength.

In terms of performances, the movie is a mixed bag. Some of the actors are extremely talented, while others struggle to deliver their lines convincingly. However, this adds to the charm of Terror Firmer, as it gives the film a sense of rawness and authenticity.

Overall, Terror Firmer is a love letter to all things horror and B-movie. It's a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, but also manages to tell a compelling story. Fans of the genre will find a lot to love, while anyone who has ever worked in the film industry will appreciate the film's humor and honesty. Whether you're looking for a good scare or a good laugh, Terror Firmer has something to offer.

Terror Firmer is a 1999 horror movie. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 24.