31 Days of Horror: Day 12 - Freaked
So, I have been sitting here in front of the computer for the past 20 or so minutes trying to come up with a way to describe the 1993 movie Freaked. Of all the movies I’m going to mention this one is probably the least horrific and it is also probably the dumbest but you know what it is also one of the funnest. I can not think of another movie with giant eyeballs that wield machine guns, Mr. T in drag as a transsexual, Bobcat Goldthwait as a man with only a puppet hand for a head, a giant half man half worm, a half man half cow, a man with a giant nose for a head, Randy Quaid as mad scientist who looks like the Colonel from KFC and finally a guy in a scuba suit. This list doesn’t even actually cover a few of the extra freaks in this bizarre midnight madness type movie that was originally supposed to be a vehicle for The Butthole Surfers but was picked up by 20th Century Fox. Unfortunately after initial testing the studio only gave it a real limited release and the real reason it is still available is due to the whole kitsch cult factor.
I was going to give a brief synopsis but you know what… screw it. This is one bizarre messed up movie that makes good use of practical effects to create some amazingly bizarre (in a humorous way) characters. It doesn’t rely on just sick humor but it also possesses some really well thought out gags. Don’t get me wrong it does have a lot of really sick shit in but it is all good in my book. While I can fully understand why a movie like Freaked would totally fail when it came to market testing I also think the studio missed their chance to create a true cult classic. Freaked is a perfect Midnight Madness movie where fans of genre cinema can get together and have one hell of a fun time.
Oh and if I haven’t sold you on this one without really telling you much about it I will also add that you need to see this for Ortiz, the Dog Boy. Once you watch this let me know how long it takes you to figure out the actor.
Be sure to check back tomorrow for Day 13 of the 31 Days of Horror.
For those who want to know what the movie is about.
Alex Winters plays this sleazy movie star that sells his soul to a chemical manufacturer for a shit load of cash. When he is sent to Mexico to promote the company’s new toxic sludge he and his group take a detour through an amusement part / freak show. There they are captured by Randy Quaid who transforms them in to new freaks using the same chemical that Winter is pimping. Hilarity ensues.
Look for the Anchor Bay SE they released a few years ago. A great disc.
Comment by swarez — October 13, 2008 @ 3:46 am
You forgot to mention the kid (Troll) who is a fan.
What a bizarre fun movie.
Comment by John Allison — October 13, 2008 @ 10:39 am
Comment by Serena Whitney — October 13, 2008 @ 12:13 pm
SPOILER
Sockhead’s death was always my favorite part.
Comment by Jonathan B. — October 13, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
Comment by kurt — October 13, 2008 @ 3:34 pm
Comment by swarez — October 13, 2008 @ 5:24 pm
Comment by John Allison — October 13, 2008 @ 8:19 pm