Meridian (1990)

Meridian is an erotic horror film that used to be known under the name 'Phantoms' here in the UK. It was directed by Charles Band for his Full Moon production company who were known purveyors of B-movie schlock. This one seems to have a bit more of a budget about it, although it was still a straight-to-video effort. In fact, it could easily pass itself off as an Italian movie, seeing as it benefits from a very nice on-location Roman setting; while the soundtrack from the popular composer Pino Donaggio gives it a lush Euro atmosphere, in a late 80's kind of way. Its story focuses on a young American woman Catherine who inherits an Italian castle. One day, she and her friend encounter a group of travelling carnies whom they invite over for dinner, only for this to end in both girls being drugged and raped by their guests. Supernatural events follow…The film is sort of a sex and horror version of the 'Beauty and the Beast' story and keeping with its fairy-tale roots it remains a pretty restrained, albeit erotic in places. The reason it's sexy is also the prime reason to see it and that is undoubtedly on account of its two incredible leading ladies, Sherilyn Fenn and Charlie Spradling. They are certainly the best thing about this one and both feature prominently in a very sensual and well shot erotic sequence, which you will sure know when you see it. As astronomically beautiful as Ms Fenn is, I actually thought that Charlie was - incredibly - even more attractive. Needless to say, these girls are pure candy for the eyes. Unfortunately Charlie more or less vanishes for the second half of the movie and the plot then focuses on the ghostly goings on surrounding Sherilyn. Perhaps inevitably after such a strong start the film does fade somewhat as it goes on, yet it remains pretty stylish and entertaining for the most part. But see it for Charlie and Sherilyn would be my advice.

If there was one word to best describe this movie, it would be: Gorgeous. If a second word was required, it would be: Beautiful. Even though the movie takes place in present-day Italy, we are soon transported to an elegant, dreamy countryside populated by rolling hills and enchanted castles. At the start, an average-looking painting is donated to a church. But the priest wants the picture underneath to be restored. At the same time, the pretty art restorer named Gina is preparing to welcome back her best friend Catherine. It just so happens that Catherine has inherited a magnificent castle. Soon after Gina arrives, they spot a roving sideshow and decide to watch it. As day turns to night, they invite the freaks and magicians back for dinner. But all is not well as soon afterwards, the women are slipped a drug and then raped by magician Lawrence and his masked brother Oliver (get the reference?) You see, Oliver is really a beast and trapped in a never-ending spiral of striving for love and then Lawrence kills the women he loves. However with Catherine, he might finally be able to break free. Yes, it's essentially a modern and very adult-themed re-telling of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. But please gentle viewer, don't go thinking this is a Disney flick. Everything about this film is near pitch-perfect. The acting is excellent, as are the make-up and special effects. I must especially applaud the location scout. Whether it's a giant castle or a park filled with monolithic statues, every place fits the look and feel. So fall in love with the fantasy once more!

Two lovely American girls go to Italian castle to paint and restore pictures.During their visit they run into a traveling sideshow and invite all the members of said sideshow over to the castle for dinner.An orgy results with the girls being drugged and raped by two men.One of them is transforming into beast due to the curse.The romance between the beast and Sherilyn Fenn ensues...I wanted to see "Meridian" because of "Twin Peaks" starlet Sherilyn Fenn,one of the most beautiful actresses of 80's and early 90's.She and Charlie Spradling have some wonderfully sensual sex scenes in this mildly interesting and rather watered down Walerian Borowczyk's "The Beast" clone.Still "Meridian" is worth watching for stunningly ravishing Sherilyn Fenn.6 out of 10.

Well Full Moon aren't exactly known for their great horror classic - and with films like this in their resume, it's not hard to see why. Meridian is a silly mess of a film that is as ridiculous as it is boring. It would seem that Meridian is trying to go for a sort of Hammer Horror feel, but it misses the 'camp' mark and unfortunately ends up being purely tacky - which doesn't do the film much good at all. The plot sounds like it might be interesting, but you shouldn't be fooled! We focus on two American students that go off to Italy after art school. One goes to restore paintings, while the other one is there as she has inherited her father's castle. However, there's something odd going on in the castle as it's new owner begins seeing visions, and the circus folk that hang around seem a bit odd also. The plot is never particularly fascinating, and despite a few sex scenes (which really couldn't be much less erotic), there is very little worth remembering in this film. Given the right handling, it could have been an atmospheric and memorable fantasy fairytale - but as it happens, Meridian is just trash, and not the good kind!